Research Associate - National Service Personnel

Ghana
Internship
EduFinance - Operations
Entry Level

POSITION SUMMARY

The Research Associate will play a critical role in supporting Opportunity International's Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) team, including updating the organization's flagship publication, “The State of the Affordable Non-State School Sector Report.” This position involves conducting research, gathering and verifying data from a range of sources, and providing broader research and data analysis support to the MERL team. This is primarily a data-focused role requiring advanced Excel skills and strong attention to detail.
 

RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Support the MERL team in updating the organization's flagship report, including researching and identifying updated statistics from sources such as the World Bank, UNESCO, and other relevant databases.
  • Maintain and update large, complex datasets, ensuring data is accurate, consistent, and well organized.
  • Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve data issues and inconsistencies.
  • Provide general research assistance and data analysis support to the MERL team as needed.
  • Gather, organize, and verify data from a variety of sources to support ongoing research and reporting needs.
  • Support the team in ensuring data quality and integrity across projects.
  • Collaborate with the MERL Lead and other team members to identify data gaps and recommend solutions.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY     

  • None

 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Acquired or pursuing a bachelor's degree in Economics, Statistics, Data Science, or related field.
  • Proven experience in a data analysis or research-related role; experience as a data analyst is a plus.
  • Advanced Excel skills required (candidates will be asked to complete an Excel skills assessment).
  • Experience working with large and complex datasets.
  • Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong organizational and self-management skills.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with a culturally diverse team.
  • Ability to work well independently, while having a strong orientation toward contributing to shared objectives and outcomes as part of a team.
  • Flexibility with frequent changes in plans and priorities as needs and opportunities arise.

 

Select one of the below options related to mission alignment.

  • Deep abiding passion for the mission of Opportunity International and its commitment to economic, spiritual, and social transformation.
  • An understanding of and a commitment to advancing the mission and values of Opportunity International.
  • Passionate about Opportunity’s mission. Able to promote and communicate the organization’s goals and objectives to external and internal stakeholders.


LANGUAGE SKILLS

  • Written and verbal fluency in English, additional 1 or 2 local languages required. Must be able to attend & fully participate in meetings conducted in English.

 

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

  • None



ABOUT OPPORTUNITY INTERNATIONAL
Opportunity International is a global non-profit that has been empowering people to work their way out of poverty since 1971. Opportunity provides 18.7 million people with innovative financial resources, training, and support to grow their small businesses and send their children to school. In 2023, Opportunity International and its partners served 20 million clients, helped fund 7,000 schools that reached 1.9 million children, and they released more than $1.85 billion in capital across 31 countries. We respond to Jesus Christ's call to love and serve people living in poverty. We seek to emulate the Good Samaritan, whose compassion crossed ethnic groups and religions. We serve all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. Discover more at opportunity.org or join the conversation on Facebook, LinkedIn, and  Instagram.

CHILD PROTECTION COMMITMENT
Opportunity believes that all children have a right to protection from any form of abuse regardless of gender, culture, ethnicity, age, religion, sexual orientation, or ability. Opportunity operates in line with international best practices for child protection and recognizes its responsibility to ensure that all employees. This policy applies to anyone acting on behalf of Opportunity or is involved in its programs in any capacity. All employees are subject to background checks, which include criminal checks and sex offender list checks, as allowed by local law.

 

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