Research Fellow job at Ace Policy Research Institute

Background

Ace Policy Research Institute (APRI), in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) under the Education Policy Lab (EPL), is implementing the Strengthening Systems for Foundational Learning Project. The project aims to enhance access to early and foundational learning, improve sector-wide policy coordination, and strengthen evidence-informed decision-making.

The Research Fellow will play a key role in generating high-quality evidence, supporting policy reviews, and informing policy and program decisions across the foundational learning ecosystem.

Purpose of the Position

The Research Fellow will lead and support research, data analysis, and evidence synthesis to inform education sector reforms. The role requires a strong background in education research, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Evidence Generation

• Lead the design and implementation of research studies, evaluations, and analytical assignments related to foundational learning.
• Develop research protocols, tools, and analytical frameworks aligned with project objectives.
• Conduct advanced quantitative and qualitative data analysis and synthesize findings for policy use.
• Produce high-quality reports, policy briefs, technical papers, and knowledge products.

Policy Analysis & Technical Support

• Support evidence-based policy reviews, development, and implementation through timely analysis.
• Participate in EPL working groups to provide technical insights and peer review of emerging policy evidence.
• Contribute to the development of actionable policy recommendations targeting early and foundational learning.

Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination

• Work closely with MoES departments, Agencies, Local Governments, and partners to support collaborative research activities.
• Facilitate capacity-building sessions and technical meetings to strengthen research uptake and learning.
• Represent APRI and the EPL at relevant workshops, technical meetings, and field missions.

Project Management

• Contribute to the development of workplans, research timelines, and deliverables.
• Ensure compliance with ethical and quality assurance standards for all research activities.
• Support monitoring, reporting, and documentation of project progress

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Education:

• Master’s degree in Education, Economics, Public Policy, Public Administration, or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in education research, program evaluation, policy analysis, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience working within Uganda’s education sector (MoES, NGOs, research institutions, or development partners).
• Strong experience in quantitative and qualitative data analysis.

Skills & Competencies:

• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to translate research into actionable policy insights.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multi-sectoral teams.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail.

• Lead the design and implementation of research studies, evaluations, and analytical assignments related to foundational learning.
• Develop research protocols, tools, and analytical frameworks aligned with project objectives.
• Conduct advanced quantitative and qualitative data analysis and synthesize findings for policy use.
• Produce high-quality reports, policy briefs, technical papers, and knowledge products.
• Support evidence-based policy reviews, development, and implementation through timely analysis.
• Participate in EPL working groups to provide technical insights and peer review of emerging policy evidence.
• Contribute to the development of actionable policy recommendations targeting early and foundational learning.
• Work closely with MoES departments, Agencies, Local Governments, and partners to support collaborative research activities.
• Facilitate capacity-building sessions and technical meetings to strengthen research uptake and learning.
• Represent APRI and the EPL at relevant workshops, technical meetings, and field missions.
• Contribute to the development of workplans, research timelines, and deliverables.
• Ensure compliance with ethical and quality assurance standards for all research activities.
• Support monitoring, reporting, and documentation of project progress

• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to translate research into actionable policy insights.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multi-sectoral teams.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail.

• Master’s degree in Education, Economics, Public Policy, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in education research, program evaluation, policy analysis, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience working within Uganda’s education sector (MoES, NGOs, research institutions, or development partners).
• Strong experience in quantitative and qualitative data analysis.