Head of Research

**About Us**:
We believe that all children should be given the chance to reach their full potential. However, more than 600 million children in the world do not achieve foundational skills like literacy and basic numeracy - despite the majority of them going to school.

At EIDU, we are creating the next-generation EdTech platform for children who lack access to high quality education that all children deserve. We currently serve nearly 400,000 students in Kenya, and are aiming to serve tens of millions within the next few years. External researchers conducted a year-long randomised control trial, midline results indicate that having EIDU in schools adds the equivalent of at least 0.8 years of learning development. We also have fascinating projects with leading technology companies to further enhance learning outcomes through AI.

EIDU is funded by well-known development agencies, foundations, and impact investors and we are about to scale our programs rapidly through partnerships with governments.

With a mission like EIDU’s, diversity of thought and background within our team is crucial. We value those who can bring a diverse perspective to our platform and help us provide high-quality education to as many children as we can across the globe.

**About the role**:
We are looking for a Head of Research to form an integral part of the Research, Learning and AI team. You will be responsible for building EIDU’s capacity to conduct and deliver rigorous and responsive education research that stands to serve learners, schools, donors, and governments in our mission of providing high quality education.

**What you will do**:

- Provide technical leadership across a range of education-focused projects through the development and implementation of approaches and the dissemination of reports and findings.
- Execute and expand EIDU’s vision, toolkit, and capacity to pursue, conduct, and disseminate insightful data-informed research.
- Lead Impact evaluations to explore the effects of education interventions on the literacy and numeracy skills, transition outcomes of children in EIDU programs.
- Identify and pursue business opportunities to strategically expand the work and influence of the department through partnership development and response to RFPs.
- Lead cross-functional collaboration to address challenges and opportunities, ensuring cohesive integration of research initiatives with organisational strategies.
- Serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to the Director of Research and Learning, supporting decision-making and priority-setting across the department.
- Oversee the coordination of the Director's initiatives, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and timely execution of key projects.
- Represent the Director in meetings or communications as needed, ensuring continuity of leadership and decision-making.

**What you should bring**:

- The desire to use your skills to bring about positive social change.
- Ph.D. or advanced degree in the social sciences/ Data Science / Education or 5 years of equivalent professional experience
- Successful track record of developing a portfolio of applied research projects, experience securing funding opportunities would be desirable.
- High level of experience and knowledge of statistical skills, and ability to accurately interpret research findings from studies and raw data using appropriate quantitative methods.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively in a multi-cultural environment and communicating technical information with non-technical audiences.
- Great interpersonal skills to collaborate with people at all levels of the organisation and from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Interested in contributing to others' success.
- Ability to work in a start-up environment navigating complex and fast-changing circumstances.
- Highly organised person with strong attention to detail and process management skills.
- Ability to work reliably and have end-to-end project ownership.

**What we offer**:

- A chance to directly contribute to solving a pressing global problem.
- Being a part of an international and passionate team located in Kenya and Germany.
- An open environment where feedback is welcomed promoting mutual growth.
- Rapid personal development & opportunity to take on responsibility and have impact.
- Exciting field visits to our partner schools to see your impact firsthand.
- Competitive salary and high degree of flexibility with regard to working hours and vacations, and the option to work from home 2-3 days per week.