Vacancies at Cenfri

The role would be to support research teams where needed, including, desktop-based research; data analysis; copy-editing, structuring of information and data into a clear and usable format; contributing to project outcomes and findings through critical analysis; and report writing. If you are currently completing an Honours or Master’s degree in Economics or related fields (finance, development, statistics, politics, data science and law) and are interested in obtaining work experience while studying, you are strongly encouraged to apply.

Requirements

Cenfri is looking for curious individuals with a passion for real world development to join the team as interns. Interested candidates are invited to apply for the following positions. We are looking for candidates with the following attributes:

• 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;
• Demonstrated interest in the field of development economics and financial sector development;
• Good quantitative and analytical skills;
• A strong interest in research-related activities;
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Have a stable internet connection and able to work remotely.

This is a 3-4 month opportunity with the possibility of further engagement.

Some flexibility in terms of start and end dates exist.

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Cenfri is looking for an Engagement Manager who can lead research across many different types of projects. Our engagement managers are curious about the world and can work in a variety of thematic areas, bringing their own technical experience to a particular area. You will take ownership of client engagement and project design and will inspire and manage teams across a variety of theme areas. Cenfri’s engagement managers travel domestically and globally to explore the challenges we address for our partners. They actively shape and oversee research to generate deep insights to unlock development outcomes. As senior team members, engagement managers also actively contribute to and shape Cenfri’s independent research objectives, operations and strategy – in pursuit of impact.

Requirements
Who you are

• You are a curious and creative thinker, interested in achieving impact beyond yourself, and you have a sustained interest in solving real world problems.
• You have the patience to pursue impact over time by generating, sharing and applying insights.
• You aspire to be wise rather than clever, and you enjoy an adventurous and entrepreneurial environment where you can balance work and life.
• You bring inspiration and inspired points of view from diverse sources to help your teams and clients imagine new opportunities.
• Having a curious mind, you naturally make connections between diverse fields and industries.
• As a strategic thinker, you can synthesise specific insights and stories into impactful, well-articulated outputs.
• You enjoy managing complex projects that deliver on objectives.
• Being highly collaborative, you appreciate and learn from the perspectives of those who have different backgrounds and skills.
• You are excited by the opportunity to develop the skills of junior team members and to build a strong organisation that can deliver on its vision.

Qualifications

You have:

• A minimum of five to eight years’ experience working in financial services, financial inclusion, digital transformation or a related field (preference will be given to those with breadth of research management skill and/or technical competencies in inclusive integrity or AML/CFT skills, behavioural science, data strategies for development, digital transformation, digital identity, financial sector innovation and green finance)
• Excellent strategic thinking and superlative verbal and written communication skills, along with fluency and confidence in inspiring teammates and clients
• Experience in research and project design to solve problems while developing and empowering junior team members, including proposal development, budgeting, resource management and talent management
• Demonstrated ability to work flexibly and efficiently, exercising a balance between research rigor and nimble project management
• An ability to meet the demands of multiple clients simultaneously, balancing efficiency with quality and accuracy
• A high comfort level in working within a self-directed culture and navigating ambiguity
• A proven appetite for experimentation (while you have facility in a range of research methods, you are inventive and you value great inspiration over dogmatic adherence to process)
• A Master’s degree or similar qualification in economics, law, policy, development or related areas
• Fluency in French will be an advantage, but not a requirement

Location

Cenfri is based in Cape Town, South Africa. Given the extent of teamwork it is ideal to be based locally although virtual and flexible work is increasingly feasible. For this role, we are open to discussing remote working or flexible hours and will be happy to speak to you about this.

Application instructions

If you identify with our values, are excited about impactful research and would like to contribute to our mission and vision, we would love to hear from you.