Social Investing Research And Insights Lead

Firstrand Corporate Centre; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services provider in South Africa is seeking a Social Investing Research and Insights Lead. The role involves shaping strategy and optimising programme design by integrating research and insights across three foundations. Ideal candidates will have over 8 years of experience and a relevant degree. Join a dynamic environment that encourages innovation and evidence-based decision-making.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in social investing or related field.
• Ability to translate qualitative and quantitative data into actionable insights.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of a research and insights framework.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and alignment across teams.
• Conduct primary and secondary research on social impact trends.
• Use insights to influence strategic priorities and investment decisions.

Skills

Research Methodologies

Data Analysis & Interpretation

Strategic Thinking & Vision

Analytical Acumen

Stakeholder Management

Communication & Storytelling

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Science / Development Studies / Economics

Job description

Social Investing Research and Insights Lead Join to apply for the Social Investing Research and Insights Lead role at FirstRand Corporate Centre.

Overview

To support the strategic direction of the organisation's social investing efforts by leading the integration of research and insights across the three foundations.

Operating across three foundations, responsible for gathering, synthesising, and translating insights from the ideation and investing, enablement, and execution teams.

To shape strategy, optimise programme design, and enhance impact delivery.

The role serves as a strategic enabler, ensuring that decisions are evidence-based and aligned with the organisation's social investment objectives and broader purpose.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of a research and insights framework that supports the social investing strategy.
• Translate qualitative and quantitative data into actionable insights to inform strategic direction across the three foundations.
• Partner with the Ideation & Investing, Enablement, and Execution teams to gather relevant data, feedback, and learnings.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and alignment across teams to ensure cohesive strategy development and execution.
• Conduct primary and secondary research on social impact trends, community needs, and investment effectiveness.
• Analyse programme performance, stakeholder feedback, and market data to identify opportunities and risks.
• Use insights to influence and refine strategic priorities, programme design, and investment decisions.
• Develop dashboards, reports, and presentations that communicate insights clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
• Engage with internal leadership, external partners, and community stakeholders to validate insights and co-create solutions.
• Represent the organisation in relevant forums, sharing research findings and thought leadership.
• Collaborate with Monitoring & Evaluation specialists to ensure robust impact measurement and learning mechanisms are in place.
• Support the development of KPIs and metrics that align with strategic goals and social impact objectives.

Qualifications

• Minimum: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (Social Science / Development Studies / Economics / Related Field).
• 8+ years of experience.
• Research Methodologies, Data Analysis & Interpretation, Personal Attributes, Strategic Thinking & Vision, Analytical Acumen, Data Literacy, Stakeholder Management, Insight Driven Decision Making, Communication & Storytelling.
• Opportunities to innovate and create efficiencies.
• You will have access to challenging work in a complex and exciting environment.

Job Details

Take note that applications will not be accepted on or after the closing date; kindly submit applications ahead of the closing date indicated below.

Closing date

Closing date: 27 / 10 / 25

All appointments will be made in line with FirstRand Group's Employment Equity plan.