We believe every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential — and that strong foundations in literacy and numeracy are where this begins.
EIDU partners with governments to strengthen public education systems at scale. Our technology-enabled platform integrates proven educational interventions and supports learners, teachers, education officers, and ministry staff within national systems.
Today, we work with 41 governments and will reach 1,000,000 active students across Kenya and Nigeria in 2026. We have doubled our learner numbers each year over the last five years and aim to reach tens of millions more. A randomized controlled trial found a 0.53 standard deviation improvement in learning outcomes — placing EIDU among the top 10% of education interventions in low- and middle-income countries.
We combine analytical rigor, entrepreneurial drive, and disciplined execution. As we scale, we are building an organization capable of turning strategy into measurable impact at national scale.
Head of Research (m/f/d)
EIDU e.V.
Full-time
Permanent employee
About Us
About the role
We are looking for a Head of Research to form an integral part of the Impact team. You will be responsible for building EIDU's capacity to conduct and deliver rigorous and responsive education research — designing and leading studies, translating findings into programme decisions, and representing that evidence externally to donors, governments, and the wider sector. You will work closely with the Head of Measurement & Evaluation, who leads the systems and processes that generate the data your research draws on.
What you will do:
Research Design and Implementation
Lead the design and implementation of high-quality research studies — including impact evaluations — that inform the development, refinement, and scale-up of EIDU's education programmes.
Develop research protocols and methodologies appropriate for diverse cultural and regional contexts.
Ensure research activities are delivered to high methodological, ethical, and quality standards.
Lead impact evaluations to explore the effects of EIDU's interventions on literacy, numeracy, and transition outcomes for children in our programmes.
Collaborate with external researchers and research collaborators on EIDU’s impact evidence generation.
Translating Research into Programme Decisions
Analyse quantitative and qualitative data to generate actionable insights that improve programme effectiveness and implementation.
Translate research findings into practical recommendations that support programme improvement and organisational learning.
Produce high-quality research reports, technical briefs, and evidence summaries for internal and external audiences.
Develop and maintain systems for documenting, synthesising, and sharing evidence and lessons learned across programmes and countries.
Support the Chief Impact Officer with research, analyses, and evidence that inform organisational impact priorities and decision-making.
Team Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration
Lead, mentor, and develop the research team, promoting technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Partner with programme, product, government, communications, and fundraising teams to ensure research is integrated into programme implementation and organisational priorities.
Build and manage relationships with research institutions, evaluation partners, and technical experts to strengthen EIDU's research capacity.
Work closely with the Head of Measurement & Evaluation to ensure research questions are matched by the data and measurement infrastructure needed to answer them.
Research Communication and External Engagement
Lead the preparation of research publications, policy briefs, and technical presentations that communicate evidence to policymakers, donors, practitioners, and academic audiences.
Represent EIDU in research collaborations, technical working groups, conferences, and other knowledge-sharing forums.
Provide fundraising and communications teams with robust evidence, analyses, and research outputs that strengthen donor reporting, external communications, and organisational thought leadership.
What you should bring:
The desire to use your skills to bring about positive social change.
Ph.D. or advanced degree in the social sciences / data science / education, or 8 years of equivalent professional experience.
Successful track record of developing a portfolio of applied research projects; experience securing funding opportunities is desirable.
High level of experience and knowledge of statistical skills, and ability to accurately interpret research findings from studies and raw data using appropriate quantitative methods.
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively in a multi-cultural environment and to translate technical information for non-technical audiences.
Great interpersonal skills to collaborate with people at all levels of the organisation and from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Interested in contributing to others' success.
Ability to work in a start-up environment navigating complex and fast-changing circumstances.
Highly organised person with strong attention to detail and process management skills.
Ability to work reliably and have end-to-end project ownership.
What we offer:
- Work on one of the biggest problems in the world: ensuring every child gets the education they deserve.
- Being a part of an international and passionate team located in Kenya, Germany and Nigeria.
- An open environment where feedback is welcomed, promoting mutual growth.
- High degree of flexibility with regard to working hours and vacations.