Job
description
About
Laterite
Laterite is a data,
research and technical advisory firm that helps clients understand and analyze
complex developme
nt challenges. Laterite uses the most rigorous data collection
and analytic techniques to advise organizations and governments that work to
achieve social and economic change. Laterite provides three types of services to
its clients: i) comprehensive data collection and data processing solutions to
clients; ii) the design, roll-out and analysis of large socio- economic
research projects using the latest available methods and technology; and iii)
strategic and technical advice to public and private sector clients on the
design of policies and projects aimed at solving complex development problems.
Laterite was established in Kigali in late 2010, with the objective of bringing
world-class research services to African markets with a high growth potential
but little advisory infrastructure.
You can find out
more about Laterite on our website at: www.laterite-africa.com
Working with
Laterite
Working at Laterite
will provide you with the opportunity to develop outstanding analytical,
research and advisory skills, whilst gaining first-hand experience working on
priority development challenges and opportunities. Laterite offers:
– The opportunity to
work with a highly skilled and diverse team of very friendly people
– A youthful and
dynamic environment, that constantly focuses on learning and innovation
– A company
dedicated to ensuring growth and personal development for all its staff
– A chance to make a
difference on relevant policy and development issues
Who we are
Laterite is led by a
team of young entrepreneurial professionals who see the opportunity to
transform the way research is done. The research team has degrees from some of
the world’s top universities, including Harvard University, Columbia
University, University of California – Berkeley, London School of Economics,
Johns Hopkins University (SAIS) and Science Po with vast experience working in
development research in several countries. Our entire data collection team is
recruited and trained from the best local universities in the countries we
operate. Laterite is proud to be a culturally diverse organization with
permanent staff from Rwanda, Canada, France, Greece, Kenya, and Uganda.
Position
description
This Project Manager
position is based in Kigali, Rwanda. Project Managers are responsible for
co-managing Laterite’s Rwandan operations; including managing projects, the
office, and engaging in business development for the company.
Project Managers are
responsible for the quality and timely delivery of research projects from
beginning to end. This involves:
– Leading research
teams, from both an operational and technical perspective;
– Managing
communication with clients; and
– Ensuring that all
work achieves the highest possible standards of technical rigor by overseeing
and contributing to each step of the research process (be it designing
proposals, designing research instruments or sampling strategies, monitoring
data collection processes, analyzing quantitative and qualitative data,
supervising enumerators and research analysts, drafting and quality checking
final documents, writing reports and presenting findings and recommendations to
clients, etc).
Project Managers
also help oversee all operations and staff development at the country office.
Laterite puts a lot of emphasis on the professional development of its staff,
by ensuring staff are exposed to tasks that help them pursue their personal
development goals and by providing training and coaching. Laterite is in a
constant process of expansion, but currently has 12 permanent staff, including
research analysts, operational managers on the data team and an accountant.
Laterite also regularly works with a team of about 100 enumerators. Other
responsibilities include being in charge of administrative issues such as
managing cash flows, accounting, running office operations or representing
Laterite at external events.
Finally, Project
Managers contribute to innovation and growth at the company. In terms of
business development, the Project Manager’s responsibilities include: (i)
pursuing new business opportunities and drafting proposals; (ii) finding
systematic solutions to problems that arise, by constantly improving our
internal systems and processes; (iii) overseeing and managing the recruitment
of new personnel; (iv) maintaining the company website and presence on social
media.; and actively contributing to ensuring Lab activities progress.
Project Managers are
fully involved with staff management, project selection, communication with
clients, corporate strategy and structuring the research agenda of the Laterite
Lab. Working as a Project Manager for Laterite will position you well for
competitive PhDs, joining development organizations or other consulting firms,
and for becoming a country manager or partner at Laterite. At Laterite we value
the career progression of our staff. Joining as a Project Manager directly puts
you on the partner-track.
Profile
Ideal candidates are
passionate about international development and are willing to commit to live in
Kigali, Rwanda, for at least two years. They have a master degree related to
economics, international development, business, public policy or statistics and
at least 4 years of relevant professional experience. They are willing to
develop their professional skills and lead the growth of an organization
dedicated to social and economic development. They have outstanding technical
or and/or managerial skills, are proficient communicators in English, have
excellent interpersonal skills, are self-motivating, team players and are able
to effectively solve problems and adapt to changing situations.
Key
Responsibilities
– Take a leadership
role in building and managing the firm
– Lead research
projects and provide input into key steps such as research design, data analysis
and report writing
– Supervise and
mentor all research staff
– Provide guidance
to team members at all stages of the project; maintain responsibility for
project budgets and
timelines
– Support and
develop Laterite Lab initiatives
– Manage relationships
with clients and other stakeholders, often serving as the first point of
contact for content
questions and logistics
– Develop and
maintain the current project pipeline in Rwanda by pro-actively seeking new
business engagements
– Manage all
accounting, budgeting, and HR planning for the Rwanda country office
– Develop a strong
understanding of the local Rwandan context in terms of politics, economics and
new business
development
Qualifications
1. Experience
working on development projects, impact evaluations or strategy consulting
projects
2. At least 4 years
of experience in international development, public policy economic and social
research, or
development/strategy
consulting
3. Master’s degree
in economics, business, public policy, international development or related
field
4. Strong oral and
written communication skills in English
5. Strongly
Preferred: outstanding quantitative skills with a strong knowledge of
econometrics, sampling techniques
and program evaluation
6. Fluent in English
(French, Kinyarwanda or Swahili is a plus)
7. Experience
managing teams, office, or large projects; experience managing clients in both
public and private
sectors strongly preferred
8. Experience living
and working in different cultures; time spent in sub-Sahara Africa or other
developing countries
strongly preferred
9. Must thrive in
small organization setting, and be able to adapt to dynamic growth and change
Compensation
Competitive with
similar roles in other social enterprises and research firms. Benefits include
two round-trip flights back home per year, generous leave, international health
insurance, medical evacuation and individual/team bonuses.
How
to apply
Please submit a CV,
cover letter and a short writing sample to jobs@laterite-africa.com. The
subject line should read: “Laterite Application > Project
Manager”. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis so we encourage you
to apply ASAP.
