Job Position for Lead Researcher
Lead Researcher – Urban Development and Innovation
Position: Lead Researcher – Urban Development and Innovation
Organization: Results for Development (R4D)
Program Track: Urban Futures track of the International Development Innovation Alliance (IDIA)
Location: Remote (No travel required)
Assignment Duration: 6 months (Maximum expected commitment of 40 working days)
Application Deadline: October 27, 2026
About the Role
Results for Development (R4D) invites experienced researchers and practitioners to apply for a Lead Researcher position. This six-month pilot research study examines 15 to 20 grassroots social innovations in African cities, exploring how community-led initiatives and locally developed solutions drive inclusive and sustainable urban futures.
The project is hosted by R4D with funding from IDIA and the Judith Neilson Foundation (JNF), aiming to inform funders, grassroots innovators, city governments, and researchers about ground-up approaches to urban development.
Key Responsibilities
Research Design: Establish research methodologies, interview guides, case-study templates, safeguarding frameworks, and consent materials in collaboration with IDIA, JNF, and advisory teams.
Case Study Curation: Identify and select 15 to 20 grassroots urban innovation case studies ensuring a balanced geographic and model representation.
Participatory Research: Co-produce case studies directly with grassroots innovators through interviews, written contributions, and community-produced photography/film.
Analysis & Synthesis: Examine origins, ownership, financing, sustainability, gender dynamics, power structures, and scalability to develop an overarching typology of grassroots urban innovations.
Reporting & Dissemination: Prepare the final research report, policy and funder briefings, and participate in a planned Skoll World Forum side event.
Ethics & Safeguarding: Ensure informed consent, contributor recognition, fair attribution, and ethical use of media and quotations.
Eligibility Requirements
At least 5 years of experience in urban development and innovation, with a strong focus on African contexts.
Demonstrated background in qualitative, participatory, or co-produced research.
Direct experience working alongside grassroots organizations or informal communities.
Proven ability to design research frameworks, case-study templates, and analytical typologies.
Exceptional research, analytical, writing, and synthesis capabilities.
Experience managing small teams, coordinating partners, and delivering within strict timelines and budgets.
Contributions to urban futures thinking or the post-2030 development agenda via publications, policy work, or convenings.
Additional Advantages:
Established relationships with networks such as Slum/Shack Dwellers International, WIEGO, IIED, IDIA, or JNF portfolio partners.
Experience supporting community-produced media (photography/film).
Familiarity with utilizing AI tools under agreed research protocols.
Lived experience of the urban settings studied and knowledge of relevant local languages.
Contract Details & Compensation
Duration: ~6 months (final dissemination may extend into Month 7).
Time Commitment: Maximum of 40 working days.
Remuneration: Professional daily fee based on experience. Applicants are required to propose their daily fee rate.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their application via the official Results for Development Business Opportunities page.
Required Application Documents:
Curriculum Vitae (Maximum 2 pages).
Cover Note (Maximum 2 pages highlighting relevant experience against essential criteria and previous work examples).
Earliest Available Start Date.
Proposed Daily Fee Rate.
Download the terms of reference
Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Ensure you review the official Terms of Reference (TOR) before submitting your application.
