At M-KOPA, we are on a mission to unlock the potential of underserved communities through digital and financial inclusion. With a robust presence across multiple African markets and a commitment to bridging the gender gap, we are proud to have served over five million customers and disbursed more than $1.5 billion in credit to those traditionally excluded from financial systems.
We believe that when women thrive, entire communities thrive. That’s why we’ve placed gender inclusion at the heart of our strategy, with 40% of our customers and 45% of our sales agents being women. By incorporating gender-sensitive insights into our operations, we aim to build inclusive products, services, and sales channels that reflect the lived realities of women.
As part of our growing Impact team, we’re currently seeking a dedicated, skilled, and mission-driven professional for the following key position:
Position: Senior Qualitative Researcher (Gender Inclusion)
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Department: Impact Team – Gender Inclusion
Posted On: June 5, 2025
We are looking for a passionate and experienced Senior Qualitative Researcher (Gender Inclusion) to take the lead in our gender-sensitive research efforts. In this role, you will be instrumental in generating deep insights into the experiences of our female customers and sales agents. Your research will directly shape how we design products, craft messaging, and build strategies to better serve women and create a more inclusive future.
Role Overview
As the Senior Qualitative Researcher (Gender Inclusion), you will be responsible for conducting end-to-end qualitative research with a focus on women’s experiences. This includes:
- Designing and leading gender-sensitive user research initiatives.
- Developing research questions and hypotheses that matter to M-KOPA’s mission.
- Choosing the most appropriate methods for fieldwork, including interviews, observations, and focus groups.
- Conducting field interviews with empathy and professionalism, especially with women customers and agents.
- Analyzing data to generate actionable insights and ensure they are embedded into product development and strategic planning.
- Creating research frameworks that shape the organization’s approach to gender equity and digital inclusion.
- Organizing workshops, storytelling sessions, and presentations to influence key stakeholders in product, marketing, and operations teams.
- Testing hypotheses through field pilots and contributing to case studies for internal and external publication.
- Acting as a thought leader within the organization on gender inclusion and human-centered design.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Research Projects: Plan and execute qualitative research from start to finish, including designing instruments, fieldwork, synthesis, and presentation.
- Embed Gender Lens: Ensure that all findings and insights are analyzed through a gender-sensitive framework to foster inclusivity in M-KOPA’s operations.
- Collaborate Across Teams: Work closely with product managers, marketers, sales leads, and other researchers to ensure your work influences real-world decisions.
- Develop Research Tools: Build and refine M-KOPA’s gender research tools and frameworks to ensure ongoing relevance and usability.
- Storytelling & Reporting: Translate research insights into compelling stories, reports, and visual presentations that resonate with a diverse audience.
- Pilot Innovations: Collaborate with field and operations teams to test new concepts and learn from quick iterative cycles.
- Thought Leadership: Contribute to internal knowledge and external publications on gender-inclusive innovation.
Experience and Expertise Required
We are looking for someone who is driven by purpose, skilled in qualitative research, and has a deep commitment to gender inclusion. The ideal candidate will bring:
- A minimum of 6 years of hands-on experience in qualitative user research and design thinking, ideally in entrepreneurial or fast-paced environments.
- Fluency in both English and Swahili, enabling strong communication and contextual understanding of our markets.
- Proven ability to create safe, open environments for users—particularly women—to share their lived experiences.
- A deep understanding of gender equity, digital inclusion, and customer-centric design.
- Experience conducting research in a private sector or commercial setting, with a sharp eye for insights that have business value.
- Strong communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas into simple, actionable strategies.
- A bachelor’s or master’s degree from a recognized university.
- A proactive, self-motivated work ethic with a track record of owning projects and delivering results without constant supervision.
- Comfort working in agile, high-growth environments with flexibility and resilience.
- Familiarity with fintech or digital financial services for low-income or underserved populations.
- (Bonus) Experience working with gender equality by design or specifically developing products and services for women.
What You Can Expect from M-KOPA
At M-KOPA, we value our people and the unique journeys they bring. As part of our team, you’ll benefit from:
- A collaborative and inclusive work environment that prioritizes well-being and flexibility.
- Opportunities for professional growth through development programs, coaching, and on-the-job learning.
- Being part of a company recognized by the Financial Times as one of Africa’s fastest-growing companies (2022–2025) and TIME100’s Most Influential Companies (2023 & 2024).
- A purpose-driven mission that blends impact with innovation.
Important Notice on Ethical Hiring
M-KOPA is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to assembling a diverse team and encourage women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities to apply.
We strongly uphold ethical hiring standards and do not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. This includes no recruitment fees, interview fees, or processing fees. All offers and communications are made transparently, with no monetary requirements.
Furthermore, we adhere strictly to labor laws and do not engage in or condone forced or child labor. All employment relationships are voluntary, and we ensure our employees are of legal working age.
How to Apply
We invite passionate and qualified candidates to apply for this position.
