At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful research and design evaluation frameworks to drive community change.
- Company: Join Afrikindness, a passionate organisation dedicated to social impact.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, enhance your skills, and contribute to meaningful community work.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid role with opportunities for professional growth and networking.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by turning data into powerful stories that drive change.
- Qualifications: Senior research experience and a passion for community empowerment required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
Lead Afrikindness's research and impact strategy as Volunteer Head of Research.
Design evaluation frameworks, measure outcomes, and turn data into compelling evidence.
Perfect for research professionals who want to strengthen community-driven work with robust evidence and learning.
What difference will you make?
Funders, partners, and beneficiaries increasingly demand evidence of impact.
Your research leadership will help Afrikindness prove what works, learn what doesn't, secure funding, and continuously improve.
You'll turn stories into data, data into insight, and insight into greater impact for the families we serve.
What are we looking for?
Essential
- Senior experience in research, evaluation, monitoring & evaluation (M&E), or impact measurement
- Strong understanding of research methodologies (quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods)
- Experience designing and delivering evaluations or impact studies
- Data analysis skills and the ability to translate findings into actionable recommendations
- Knowledge of participatory and community-based research approaches
- Commitment to ethical research practice and safeguarding
- Excellent written communication and ability to produce clear, compelling reports
- Passion for social impact and community empowerment
Desirable
- Charity or nonprofit sector research experience
- Academic research background (MSc, Ph D in social sciences, public health, or related field)
- Experience with data visualisation tools (Tableau, Power BI, etc.)
- Knowledge of the theory of change, logic models, and programme evaluation frameworks
- Grant application or funding proposal experience
- Understanding of equalities, diversity, and intersectionality in research
- Hybrid
What will you be doing?
- Research Strategy & Leadership
- Develop and lead Afrikindness's research and impact measurement strategy
- Design monitoring, evaluation, and learning frameworks for programmes
- Advise leadership and trustees on research priorities, methodologies, and ethical practice
- Build a culture of evidence-based practice and continuous learning
- Impact Measurement & Evaluation
- Design and implement outcome and impact measurement systems
- Develop data collection tools (surveys, interviews, focus groups, case studies)
- Analyse quantitative and qualitative data to assess programme effectiveness
- Produce evaluation reports, impact summaries, and learning briefs for funders, partners, and stakeholders
- Data & Insight
- Oversee data collection, management, and quality assurance processes
- Use data visualisation and storytelling to communicate findings clearly
- Identify trends, gaps, and opportunities from programme data
- Support grant applications with evidence, statistics, and research summaries
- Community-Centred Research
- Champion participatory, co-produced, and community-led research approaches
- Ensure research practices are ethical, inclusive, and culturally sensitive
- Engage beneficiaries in designing, delivering, and interpreting research
- Amplify lived experience and community voice in evidence and advocacy
- Knowledge Sharing & Learning
- Disseminate research findings internally and externally (reports, blogs, presentations)
- Support teams to learn from data and adapt programmes accordingly
- Identify best practices, innovation, and learning across the organisation
- Contribute to sector knowledge through partnerships, publications, or networks
- Ethical & Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure research practices meet ethical standards and GDPR requirements
- Design safeguarding-informed research with vulnerable participants
- Manage data securely and responsibly
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Research & Impact Strategy - Volunteer in Leeds employer: Afrikindness
Afrikindness is an exceptional employer for those passionate about social impact and community empowerment. As the Volunteer Head of Research & Impact Strategy, you will have the opportunity to lead innovative research initiatives that directly influence the lives of families in need, all while working in a supportive hybrid environment that values ethical practices and continuous learning. Join us to turn data into meaningful insights and make a tangible difference in the communities we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Research & Impact Strategy - Volunteer in Leeds
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Research & Impact Strategy - Volunteer in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Afrikindness, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Afrikindness.
How to prepare for a job interview at Afrikindness
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Afrikindness and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
