Job Description

Research Associate (Fixed-Term / Part-Time)
Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (IEPA), UNESCO Category II Centre

About IEPA

The Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (IEPA), a UNESCO Category II Centre based at the University of Cape Coast, is a leading institution dedicated to advancing educational policy, planning, leadership, and research across Africa and beyond. IEPA collaborates with governments, development partners, higher education institutions, and international organizations to generate evidence that informs educational policy and practice.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Research Associate to support high-quality research initiatives, contribute to grant-funded projects, and strengthen the Institute’s research output.

Position Summary

The Research Associate will provide advanced research and project support across multiple education research initiatives. The successful candidate will contribute to study design, oversee data collection and analysis, support grant and publication development, ensure research ethics compliance, and assist with project administration. The role also includes mentoring student researchers and working closely with faculty and project partners to deliver high-quality research outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Advanced Research Support

• Lead comprehensive literature reviews to inform research design and evidence synthesis.
• Contribute to the development of conceptual and theoretical frameworks for new research studies.
• Support the design and implementation of high-quality education research projects.

Data Management and Analysis

• Oversee data collection activities and ensure adherence to established research protocols.
• Conduct and coordinate rigorous qualitative and/or quantitative data analysis.
• Maintain the integrity, quality, confidentiality, and security of research data throughout the project lifecycle.

Grant Development and Research Publications

• Prepare technical documents and supporting materials for submissions to international funding agencies and foundations.
• Contribute to the preparation of research manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals.
• Assist in drafting policy briefs, technical reports, and other knowledge dissemination materials.

Research Ethics and Compliance

• Prepare and manage applications for Human Subjects Committee or Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval.
• Ensure all research activities comply with institutional, national, and international ethical standards and research governance requirements.

Project Administration

• Monitor project budgets and assist with financial tracking.
• Maintain and update project information on institutional websites and digital platforms.
• Coordinate project documentation, schedules, and high-level correspondence with stakeholders and partners.

Mentorship and Collaboration

• Supervise undergraduate research interns and provide day-to-day research guidance.
• Facilitate effective communication between the research team, faculty leads, and external collaborators.
• Support a collaborative and inclusive research environment.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential Requirements

• A Research Master’s degree or Doctorate in Education or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience supporting or leading academic or policy-oriented research projects.
• Strong knowledge of qualitative and/or quantitative research methodologies.
• Experience conducting literature reviews, data analysis, and academic writing.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
• High standards of professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail.

Application Requirements

Applicants should submit the following:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• A cover letter highlighting relevant qualifications and specific research projects previously undertaken.
• One writing sample, such as:
  • a published journal article;
  • a chapter from an MPhil thesis;
  • ora technical or policy report.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit the following to:

iepa@ucc.edu.gh with “ Research Associate” as the subject.