Research Data Analyst Opportunity at FSD Kenya

Job Overview

Location: Nairobi, Nairobi
Application Deadline: 14 December 2023 at 5:00 pm (EAT)

Our esteemed client, FSD Kenya, is currently seeking a talented Research Data Analyst to join their dynamic team. If you are passionate about leveraging data for inclusive financial markets and have a track record in quantitative analysis, we encourage you to apply.

About FSD Kenya

FSD Kenya, a key player in fostering inclusive financial markets, has been making significant strides since its establishment in 2005. Committed to harnessing market power for societal improvement, FSD’s strategy for the next five years aligns with the development of a financial system geared towards a green and inclusive digital economy. Partnerships with diverse stakeholders, both public and private, underscore FSD’s operational approach.

Role Overview

As a Research Data Analyst, you will play a pivotal role in FSD’s pursuit of a financial system that delivers value for a green and inclusive digital economy. Your responsibilities will include:

1. Demand-side and Supply-side Data Analysis

• Analyzing granular demand-side (especially FinAccess) and supply-side data for FSD teams and partners.
• Delivering analysis in various formats, including tables, charts, and data visualizations.
• Collaborating closely with the Results function to meet specific requests and areas of interest.

2. Data Quality and Standardization

• Collaborating on initiatives to improve the quality, standardization, and usability of FinAccess and related datasets.
• Working with external researchers to enhance data quality and usability.

3. Data Communication and Accessibility

• Contributing to the communication and accessibility of data through avenues such as the FSD website and events.
• Ensuring analytical outputs reach a wide audience, balancing data privacy and confidentiality.

4. Partnership Management

• Collaborating internally within FSD teams and fostering partnerships with entities such as CBK, KNBS, CRBs, KBA, SASRA, and AMFI.

Qualifications

Mandatory Requirements

• A relevant qualification in social science (minimum bachelor’s degree, masters preferred).
• Excellent data analysis skills, including proficiency in statistical packages such as SPSS, STATA, or R.
• Ability to interrogate and triangulate different data types – demand-side, supply-side, and real economy data.
• Strong communication skills to present data effectively to general and specialist audiences.
• Ability to work independently and deliver against deadlines.

Assessment Criteria

• Relevant experience and qualifications: 50%
• Track record in producing results in defined areas of expertise: 25%
• Value for money: 25%

Timetable

An initial 6-month probationary period is envisaged, subject to satisfactory performance. Appointment is expected for a period of 3 years.

Outcomes and Deliverables

The key outcome is the delivery of high-quality analysis of demand-side, supply-side, and real economy data. Specific deliverables include:

• Data analytics in line with the agreed scope.
• Documentation of complex analysis for future use.
• Communication outputs in user-friendly formats, including PowerPoint presentations and data visualizations.

10 Expert Tips To Be A Successful Applicant

1. Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Provide examples of how you’ve used statistical packages to derive meaningful insights.
2. Highlight Data Communication: Emphasize instances where you’ve effectively communicated data to diverse audiences.
3. Demonstrate Independence: Share experiences where you successfully worked independently and met tight deadlines.
4. Detail Your Collaboration Skills: Illustrate instances of successful collaboration within teams and partnerships.
5. Emphasize Data Quality: Discuss your commitment to meticulous attention to detail, data quality, and standards.
6. Illustrate Experience with Financial Inclusion Data: If applicable, detail your experience with financial inclusion data such as FinAccess.
7. Showcase Advanced Analytical Skills: If experienced, highlight expertise in advanced econometric and statistical skills.
8. Illustrate Programming Skills: If proficient, mention expertise in tools like Python for working with larger datasets.
9. Highlight Communication Skills: Emphasize your ability to translate complex data into compelling and easy-to-understand formats.
10. Express Enthusiasm: Convey your enthusiasm for contributing to a green and inclusive digital economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is FSD Kenya’s role in financial inclusion?

FSD Kenya plays a major role in supporting the production and use of data for evidence-based decision-making in financial markets.

2. How long is the initial probationary period?

The initial probationary period is six months, with an expected appointment for a subsequent three years.

3. Can I work remotely?

Yes, FSD Kenya supports remote working, with guidelines outlined in its policies and procedures.

4. What statistical packages are preferred for this role?

Proficiency in statistical packages such as SPSS, STATA, or R is preferred.

5. How does FSD Kenya contribute to the FinAccess surveys?

FSD Kenya has been instrumental in establishing the FinAccess surveys, supporting their improvement in quality and standardization over time.

6. How important is communication in this role?

Strong communication skills are crucial, as the role involves presenting data to both general and specialist audiences.

7. Is familiarity with household survey datasets required?

Familiarity with household survey datasets, especially FinAccess, is beneficial for this role.

8. What are the core strategic drivers for FSD Kenya?

The core strategic drivers include digital, women, MSEs, and green, contributing to inclusive and sustainable financial systems.

9. Can you provide an example of a successful partnership FSD Kenya has fostered?

FSD Kenya collaborates with entities such as CBK, KNBS, CRBs, KBA, SASRA, and AMFI to achieve its objectives.

10. How does FSD Kenya contribute to cross-programme learning?

The Research function, including the data analyst role, supports cross-programme learning by mining data to monitor FSD’s programme-level results.

Apply Now!

If you are excited about leveraging data for positive impact and contributing to FSD Kenya’s mission, apply by the deadline. We look forward to welcoming a dynamic Research Data Analyst to our team.

Apply Now

Expert Tips To Be A Successful Applicant

1. Showcase Your Analytical Skills

Illustrate your proficiency in statistical packages by describing a project where you used data analysis to derive meaningful insights. For example, if you’ve worked on a household survey, detail the methods and tools you employed to analyze the data effectively.

2. Highlight Data Communication

Share an experience where you successfully communicated complex data to a diverse audience. This could include creating compelling visualizations, presenting findings at conferences, or producing reports that were accessible to both experts and non-experts.

3. Demonstrate Independence

Provide examples of projects where you worked independently and delivered high-quality results against tight deadlines. Highlight how your initiative and decisiveness contributed to the success of these projects.

4. Detail Your Collaboration Skills

Illustrate instances where you collaborated with internal teams or external partners to achieve common goals. Describe the dynamics of the collaboration, emphasizing your ability to initiate and maintain positive relationships.

5. Emphasize Data Quality

Discuss your commitment to meticulous attention to detail, data quality, and adherence to data standards. Share experiences where your focus on data quality contributed to the reliability and accuracy of the analysis.

6. Illustrate Experience with Financial Inclusion Data

If you have experience with financial inclusion data, such as FinAccess, provide specific examples. Detail how your analytical skills were applied to extract valuable insights from this type of data.

7. Showcase Advanced Analytical Skills

Highlight any experience you have with advanced econometric and statistical skills. This could include projects where you employed sophisticated analytical techniques to uncover nuanced patterns or trends.

8. Illustrate Programming Skills

If you’re proficient in programming tools like Python, showcase examples of how you used these skills to work with larger datasets. Discuss how programming enhanced your efficiency in data analysis.

9. Highlight Communication Skills

Emphasize your ability to translate complex data into compelling and easy-to-understand formats. Discuss specific strategies you use to ensure your data communication resonates with both technical and non-technical audiences.

10. Express Enthusiasm

Convey your enthusiasm for contributing to a green and inclusive digital economy through data analysis. Share why this role aligns with your career aspirations and how you see yourself making a meaningful impact at FSD Kenya.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is FSD Kenya’s role in financial inclusion?

FSD Kenya plays a major role in supporting the production and use of data for evidence-based decision-making in financial markets.

2. How long is the initial probationary period?

The initial probationary period is six months, with an expected appointment for a subsequent three years.

3. Can I work remotely?

Yes, FSD Kenya supports remote working, with guidelines outlined in its policies and procedures.

4. What statistical packages are preferred for this role?

Proficiency in statistical packages such as SPSS, STATA, or R is preferred.

5. How does FSD Kenya contribute to the FinAccess surveys?

FSD Kenya has been instrumental in establishing the FinAccess surveys, supporting their improvement in quality and standardization over time.

6. How important is communication in this role?

Strong communication skills are crucial, as the role involves presenting data to both general and specialist audiences.

7. Is familiarity with household survey datasets required?

Familiarity with household survey datasets, especially FinAccess, is beneficial for this role.

8. What are the core strategic drivers for FSD Kenya?

The core strategic drivers include digital, women, MSEs, and green, contributing to inclusive and sustainable financial systems.

9. Can you provide an example of a successful partnership FSD Kenya has fostered?

FSD Kenya collaborates with entities such as CBK, KNBS, CRBs, KBA, SASRA, and AMFI to achieve its objectives.

10. How does FSD Kenya contribute to cross-programme learning?

The Research function, including the data analyst role, supports cross-programme learning by mining data to monitor FSD’s programme-level results.

Apply Now!

If you are excited about leveraging data for positive impact and contributing to FSD Kenya’s mission, apply by the deadline. We look forward to welcoming a dynamic Research Data Analyst to our team.

Apply Now

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Cover Letter Sample

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, Country]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Today’s Date]

[FSD Kenya Hiring Manager’s Name]
[FSD Kenya]
[Nairobi, Nairobi]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Research Data Analyst position at FSD Kenya, as advertised. With a [Your Degree] in [Your Field] and [X years] of experience in quantitative analysis, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills

During my tenure at [Previous Company], I successfully led a project where I applied advanced statistical methods to analyze [specific type of data]. This project resulted in [mention outcomes], demonstrating my proficiency in deriving meaningful insights through data analysis.

Highlight Data Communication

In my previous role, I played a key role in communicating complex data findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. I produced visually compelling presentations and reports, ensuring that the insights were accessible and impactful.

Demonstrate Independence

I thrive in independent work environments and have a proven track record of delivering high-quality results against tight deadlines. My self-starting approach and decisiveness have consistently contributed to successful project outcomes.

Detail Your Collaboration Skills

Collaboration is a cornerstone of my work ethic. At [Previous Company], I collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals. My ability to initiate and maintain positive relationships has been instrumental in fostering successful partnerships.

Emphasize Data Quality

My commitment to meticulous attention to detail and data quality is evident in my work. I adhere strictly to data standards, ensuring the reliability and accuracy of the analyses I conduct.

Illustrate Experience with Financial Inclusion Data

I have experience working with financial inclusion data, particularly [mention specific datasets]. My analytical skills were applied to extract valuable insights, contributing to [mention outcomes].

Showcase Advanced Analytical Skills

Proficient in statistical packages like SPSS and R, I am also skilled in advanced econometric and statistical techniques. This expertise allows me to uncover nuanced patterns and trends in data.

Illustrate Programming Skills

My proficiency in Python has enhanced my efficiency in working with large datasets. I have successfully utilized programming tools to streamline data analysis processes.

Highlight Communication Skills

My ability to translate complex data into compelling and easy-to-understand formats has been consistently praised. I understand the importance of effective communication in conveying data insights.

Express Enthusiasm

I am enthusiastic about contributing to a green and inclusive digital economy through data analysis. The Research Data Analyst role at FSD Kenya perfectly aligns with my career aspirations, and I am eager to make a meaningful impact.

Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to FSD Kenya’s mission and would welcome the chance to further discuss how my skills align with your needs.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]