Lead Researcher - Governance, Civic Participation, Public Accountability & Social Cohesion

About the Organization

This position is for SOPHOS AFRICA's (SA) People in Action (PiA) Signature Programme, funded by Christian Aid.

Job Summary

The Lead Researcher oversees research projects from conception to completion. This role involves designing research methodologies, analyzing data, and presenting findings. The Lead Researcher is responsible to the SAE (Sophos Africa – Ethiopia) Programme Officer for Research and Capacity Development and works closely with the SAE Research Advisory Committee, partner organizations and the SAE Office. The Lead Researcher ensures successful project completion.

• Duty Location: Addis Ababa with frequent travels to project areas (South Ethiopia and Central Ethiopia Regional States)
• Employment Type: Contract
• Duration: Six months

Key Responsibilities

• Understand research proposals and methodologies.
• Produce a detailed work plan from the beginning to the end.
• Conduct a comprehensive literature review to gather background information relevant to the research project.
• Design the research methodology and establish protocols, including data collection techniques, tools and timelines.
• Coordinate with the SA Management, SAE Programme Officer for Research and Capacity Development, the Research Advisory Committee, and Christian Aid to align research goals.
• Analyse and interpret data using statistical software and advanced techniques (facilitate, coordinate and undertake these aspects of the research, which are: coding, analysis, interpretation, secondary literature review and write up collected data).
• Obtain necessary local ethical clearances and institutional review board (IRB) approvals prior to field implementation.
• Present research findings through reports and presentations.
• Train, supervise and manage Assistant Researcher and Data Collectors.
• Draft and update field manuals, data collection protocols, and training guides to ensure consistency across large data collection teams.
• Organize and manage initial workshops and meetings related to the research project.
• Generate progress reports to update the SAE office, Advisory Committee, and partners.
• Ensure appropriate procedures and ethical protocols are followed during the research.
• Maintain and update research materials on the website.
• Attend research related meetings with advisory team.
• Coordinate the publication of research findings and policy briefs.
• Monitor research expenditures against the approved project budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and alignment with donor guidelines and collaborating with the finance department to track expenditures, manage procurement, and ensure financial compliance.
• Identify potential operational, political, or safety risks during fieldwork and establish contingency plans for field teams.
• Ensure compliance with ethical research standards.
• Undertake any other related activities as required by the SAE office.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Master's degree in Social Science, Governance, Political Science, Public Administration, Development Studies or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of research experience with a proven track record in leading projects in conducting social research, baseline evaluations, or impact assessments, specifically within the fields of governance, civil society, accountability, or social cohesion.
• Publications in the fields of governance, civil society, accountability, and social cohesion or other related.
• Languages: Proficiency in English and Amharic; knowledge of additional languages is a plus.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., SPSS, Kobo Collect) and data visualization tools.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
• Advanced proficiency in data analysis techniques and software.
• Ability to conduct extensive literature reviews to support research objectives.
• Advanced Excel skills for data representation.
• Strong interpersonal skills for collaboration and communication with teams and external partners.
• Decision-making skills.
• Communication.
• Attention to detail.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Development Studies.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified applicants shall submit their non-returnable CV; copy of their credentials for educational qualification, professional work experience, skills training; along with motivation/cover letter to: sophosafrica21@gmail.com with the subject line "application for LEAD RESEARCHER".

Applicants can submit their application in person to SOPHOS AFRICA Ethiopia Office at the Ethiopian Bible Society building, 2nd floor, located in the Bole area, 300 meters from Millennium Hall, below Ambassador Hotel.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

For any additional information, please contact us at 0902-45-00-45.

Application Deadline: October 8th / 2026, 5:00 PM