Job Advert: Research Specialist

The Research Specialist will assist CAHF in pursuing its mission for making housing finance markets work throughout Africa, supporting the growth and development of CAHF’s knowledge platform – our central offering to Africa’s housing finance sector. In this, he or she will need to keep abreast of all of the activity within CAHF, and to develop mechanisms to improve the research programme and disseminate its outputs effectively and strategically. While reporting and providing support to the Executive Director, the Research Specialist will also support the research needs of other staff members, providing the link between CAHF’s different areas of work. Over time, it is possible that the Research Specialist may grow to become the Manager of the Research and Knowledge Management Division.

At minimum, candidates should have an honours degree in a related field (economics, finance, housing, planning, development studies), and some experience in working in a research environment. An interest in housing finance and Africa’s development challenges is important. Ability and willingness to work in a small team is critical – this job will require flexibility, creativity and a proactive approach to the task. Critically, candidates should have excellent analytical and writing skills. They must also be able to conduct basic research, create a database of research knowledge and have strong administrative coordination, planning and monitoring competencies. Ability to work with data is desirable. We are looking for someone who will champion the research focus of CAHF and build our capacity further to address the research and information needs in Africa’s housing finance sector. Their key responsibilities will be monitoring developments in the sector, drafting terms of reference, drafting and publishing newsletters, website management, supporting CAHF staff and associates in research efforts, and providing overall research support to the CAHF programme of work.

For more information, please download the detailed job description and an overview of CAHF’s Programme of Work from our website. 

Candidates are invited to submit a detailed CV, with three references, a South African work permit (if necessary), and a cover letter outlining relevant experience and expectations for this work, to Kecia Rust (kecia@housingfinanceafrica.org), by email, by Friday, 20 February 2015. Short listed candidates will be asked to write a one page blog on a topic to be announced.  Work to start ASAP.