Terms of Reference (Data Analyst)
AfriLabs Background
AfriLabs is a network organization supporting over 500 technology and innovation hubs across 53 African countries. We support the growth of technology hubs and their community to raise high potential entrepreneurs that will stimulate economic growth and social development in Africa. We do this by providing capacity building resources, financing, mentoring and networking opportunities to our network members.
World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) Background
WISE is a dynamic platform that promotes innovation in education through a diverse portfolio of initiatives in policy engagement, research, leadership, and practitioner programs. The WISE community is made up of a network of education stakeholders – from students to decision-makers – from about 200 countries who share ideas and collaborate to seek creative solutions to solve challenges facing education.
Education Collaborative (EC) Background
The Education Collaborative spearheads a collective engagement model that promises to transform higher education outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa. This initiative uses a network approach to build trust and foster collective commitments among higher education leaders and stakeholders to generate sustainable results within the systems they govern and influence. Central to this pioneering movement is a membership model that promotes open engagement, sharing, and community accountability among participating institutions.
About the AI Integration in African Universities and AI-Powered Solutions by African EdTech Startups Study
The objectives of this study align with WISE’s mission to promote educational innovation globally, with a specific focus on the Global South. The collaborative efforts between AfriLabs and the Education Collaborative (EC) will ensure that the study delivers actionable insights and practical recommendations including:
Create a detailed map of AI-driven EdTech startups across Africa, identifying the key players in the field and understanding their focus areas in higher education.
Evaluate the scalability and impact of these AI-powered solutions on higher education, identifying the startups with the highest potential for broad adoption and transformative impact.
Propose models for collaboration between African universities and EdTech startups, offering pathways for institutions to adopt and integrate AI solutions in a sustainable and impactful manner.
Identify both the challenges and opportunities for scaling AI-powered solutions in African higher education, offering recommendations for overcoming barriers such as infrastructure gaps, funding shortages, and policy constraints.
Role Overview
We are seeking a Data Analyst who will play a crucial role in the Pan-African mapping exercise for the AI Integration in African Universities and AI-Powered Solutions by African EdTech Startups Study, responsible for analyzing large datasets to provide insights into the African startup ecosystem. The analyst will work closely with the Research Lead and other project team members to collect, process, analyze and visualize data related to stakeholders, market trends, and ecosystem dynamics. The insights generated will inform strategic decisions and guide the future direction of the study.
Scope of work
Data Collection: Assist in the development and implementation of data collection methodologies, including surveys, interviews, and data scraping, to gather relevant information from various sources across the African continent.
Data Processing: Clean, validate, and organize large datasets to ensure accuracy and reliability in the analysis process.
Data Analysis: Utilize statistical and analytical tools to analyze complex datasets, identifying trends, patterns, and insights related to the African startup ecosystem.
Visualization: Create clear and compelling data visualizations, dashboards, and reports that effectively communicate findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Reporting: Support the preparation of comprehensive reports and presentations that summarize key insights and recommendations for the project team and stakeholders.
Collaboration: Work closely with the Research Lead and other project team members to align data analysis efforts with overall project goals.
Continuous Improvement: Stay up to date with the latest data analysis techniques and tools, continuously improving the quality and efficiency of data-related processes.
Qualifications and Experience
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Economics, Computer Science, or a related field. A Master’s degree is an advantage.
Experience:
2-4 years of experience in data analysis, preferably within the context of economic development, innovation ecosystems, or startup environments.
Proficiency in data analysis tools and software such as Python, R, SQL, Excel, and data visualization platforms like Tableau or Power BI.
Skills:
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and provide actionable insights.
Experience with data cleaning, validation, and preparation processes.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present data findings clearly.
Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
Desirable:
Experience working on projects related to the African startup ecosystem or economic development initiatives.
Familiarity with data sources relevant to innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa
Start Date: Immediately
Location: Remote
Remuneration: TBD
Program Duration: From April to November 2025
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit their detailed CV, cover letter, and a sample of previous research
work to procurement@afrilabs.comm by 18th April 2025. Please note that Interviews will be
conducted on a rolling basis, so we encourage early applications. The position will remain open until it is filled.
Also interested candidate should download and fill the vendor information form