Researcher / Research Analyst

Vacancy: Researcher / Research Analyst

Cenfri (The Centre for Financial Regulation & Inclusion) is a development research and consulting firm based in Cape Town. Our mission is to support financial inclusion and financial sector development through facilitating better regulation and market provision of financial services. We do this by conducting research, providing advice and developing capacity building programmes for regulators, market players and other parties operating in the low-income market. We currently conduct our work in Africa, Latin America and Asia. For more information visit our website: www.cenfri.org.

We are looking for recently qualified, curious and energetic candidates to join our company as research analysts. You will have the opportunity to contribute to research in the areas of microinsurance, health financing, retail payments systems, money transfers and other related topics.

Key results areas for this position include:

• Desktop-based research. 
• Data analysis. 
• Information gathering, from local and international sources, through meetings and interviews (in-person or telephonic). 
• Structuring of information and data into a clear and usable format. 
• Contributing to project outcomes and findings through critical analysis. 
• Report writing. 

This position requires a person with the following Qualifications and Attributes:

• Masters-level qualification in economics or a related field. Exposure to the field of economics, specifically, development economics, is necessary. 
• Good quantitative and analytical skills. 
• Advanced English language skills (verbal and written) with additional languages such as Spanish, French and/or Portuguese an advantage. 
• Good writing and presentation skills. 
• Proficiency in MS office applications. 
• Knowledge of Stata and the analysis of household survey data would be advantageous. 
• Demonstrated interest in the field of development economics. 
• A strong interest in research-related activities. 
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
• Willingness to travel within South Africa and abroad. 

Remuneration and submission of application

Please send the two items listed following to analyst@cenfri.org. Closing date for applications: Wednesday 13 November 2013. Salary package is dependent on qualifications and experience (candidates can enquire the range from tessa@cenfri.org).

1. A CV with Cover/Motivation Letter; and 
2. A writing sample of at least 4-5 pages. This should be your own individual work, not something produced in a team setting. The writing sample may be an extract from a larger document you produced.