Research jobs in South Africa

Contract: Full-time, 2 years with option of permanent extension

Remuneration: Competitive, based on experience and competence

Location: Flexible; Johannesburg or Cape Town preferred

Reports to: Partner, Innovation & Solutions

Africa Practice is a mission-led strategic consulting firm advising investors and development partners across the continent. Our mission is to shape a prosperous Africa that inspires the world. For over 20 years, we have been partnering with global investors, policy‑makers, development partners and other changemakers to drive transformation on the continent.

Our insights and advocacy solutions are rooted in detailed systems and stakeholder understanding. We identify, generate, and analyse human‑centred systems data to design impactful advocacy interventions. We deliver our world‑class insights and advocacy solutions through our local presence, which transcends the African continent.

We operate as one company, with a diverse team working on a hybrid basis in Abuja, Cape Town, Dakar, Dar es Salaam, Gaborone, Johannesburg, Lagos, Nairobi, and London. We are risk analysts, development economists, advocates, storytellers, data scientists, policy experts, systems thinkers and creative minds. Over 80% of our staff are African and over 50% are women. We have been a signatory to the UN Global Compact since 2021 and achieved B‑Corp status in 2024.

This role is designed for a research expert who is passionate about cracking complex socio‑economic riddles in the African context.

We are looking for someone who excels in designing and executing creative and rigorous research methodologies, blending both quantitative and qualitative approaches. You will be our internal expert on building primary data collection strategies (including innovative digital and social media‑based surveys), combining a variety of data and insights repositories, and synthesising diverse inputs into powerful, evidence‑based narratives.

You’ll be comfortable handling quantitative data and supporting basic economic models, and your success will depend on your curiosity, your strategic thinking, and your ability to connect rigorous research to our wider mission of building a prosperous Africa. This is not a purely technical role; it is a strategic one. We need a self‑starter who can develop solutions, manage complex deliverables, and is deeply motivated to make a positive impact.

In large part, this role will support our growth team, which invests in “breakthrough projects” – big bets on issues that we consider critical to unlock Africa’s prosperity. This ranges from understanding intra‑African migration flows to quantifying the impact of media bias on investment flows. In addition, you will support client projects that require rigorous mixed‑method research, specifically our public policy team that advises clients on how to strategically engage with policymakers, often requiring us to assess the socio‑economic impact of policy, corporate interventions, or specific projects.

• Lead the design and execution of creative and rigorous mixed‑methods (quantitative and qualitative) research methodologies for client projects and internal insights.
• Act as our internal expert on complex, mixed‑method research and quantitative data analysis for high‑stakes research.
• Develop and implement innovative primary data collection strategies, including digital and social media‑based surveys.
• Synthesise and structure complex information and data from various sources into clear, powerful, and evidence‑based narratives and reports.
• Manage and handle quantitative data, including supporting the development of basic economic and impact models.
• Manage complex project deliverables related to research and impact assessment from inception to completion.
• Collaborate closely with team members to understand their data and evidence needs and translate them into research requirements.
• Champion a culture of rigorous, evidence‑based inquiry that aligns with our mission.

• An individual with a deep and demonstrable alignment with our vision of an influential and prosperous Africa, driven to make a positive social impact.
• A strategic and creative thinker, intellectually curious and passionate about answering complex socio‑economic questions in the African context.
• Proven experience (5+ years) in a consulting, research, or in‑house role focused on designing and executing complex research projects.
• A strong academic background; a master’s degree in a relevant analytical discipline (e.g., development economics, political science, social studies, or related) is a pre‑requisite for this role and a PhD is a significant advantage.
• Demonstrable expertise in designing and managing mixed‑methods research (both quantitative and qualitative).
• Proven experience in data‑led investigations, including identifying and sourcing diverse datasets in a data‑scarce environment, including identifying proxy data sets or using primary data for reference in creative yet robust ways.
• Practical experience in developing innovative primary data collection strategies, preferably including digital or social media‑based approaches.
• Strong quantitative analysis skills, including proficiency with Excel and familiarity with basic economic modelling concepts.
• Excellent synthesis skills; able to manage and structure inputs from various sources and weave them into a clear, compelling narrative.
• A self‑starter with strong project management skills, able to manage complex deliverables from design to execution.
• Excellent communication and writing skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Highly desirable: A good understanding of the public policy, regulatory, and political economy landscape in Africa.
• Highly desirable: Experience with social listening tools.

We offer the successful candidate an opportunity to develop a rewarding career within a dynamic pan‑African consultancy advising a prestigious portfolio of clients. This position offers:

• Competitive remuneration
• Immediate opportunities for growth
• Collaboration with a diverse and experienced team of colleagues

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are much less likely to apply for a position unless they meet every single qualification. So this notwithstanding, if you are excited about this role, we would love to hear from you. At Africa Practice, we are dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse and authentic workplace. You might just be the new team member we are looking for – for this or other roles.

Do you want to contribute to an influential and prosperous Africa, inspiring the world? We’re looking for Africa’s changemakers – smart people with strong analytical, advocacy, digital and problem‑solving skills who can reconcile diverse perspectives to deliver sustainable change.

Please send in your application by clicking on the “apply” button.

Please include a cover letter explaining why you think you are suited to this position, specifically addressing your passion for our mission and your experience in creative, data‑led research. Please also indicate your availability. Your documents must be entitled with “your name Consultant, Impact Evidence & Insights”.

The vacancy is immediately open for suitable applications and will be closed as soon as a suitable candidate is identified. Early applications are advised.