Research Associate Job in Kenya

International Potato Center
The International Potato Center (CIP) seeks a highly talented Research Associate: Social and Behavior Change to be based in our field office in Kisumu, Kenya.
 
Ref.: 2015/006/NRS/SSA

The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweetpotato, and Andean roots and tubers. Its vision is of roots and tubers improving the lives of the poor.


CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved well-being, and gender equity for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world. 

CIP works with partners to contribute high quality science, technology, and capacity strengthening for sustainable science-based solutions. CIP is headquartered in Lima, Peru, with staff and activities in over 30 locations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. 

CIP is a member of the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research, a network of 15 research centers mostly located in the developing world and supported by more than 50 donor members.

The Position: The successful candidate will join an enthusiastic team working to accelerate development of the value chain for biofortified orange fleshed sweetpotato through an Agriculture-Nutrition –Market approach.

Key Responsibilities:
 
Design and implement Social and Behavior Change strategy
  • Provide overall technical leadership and expertise to develop and implement Social and Behavioral Change strategies aimed at increasing production, consumption and marketing of nutritious food with a focus on biofortified Orange Fleshed Sweetpotato (OFSP).
  • Develop and implement a Social and Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) strategy in support of these developmental goals.
  • Develop training materials and implement capacity building program for partners and stakeholders to assure implementation of SBCC strategy.
  • Mentor implementing partners to effectively implement the strategy.
  • Work closely with other components of the Feed the Future project to support synergies and learning across different crop value chains.
  • Develop and implement high impact campaigns, including advocacy and media with cross-discipline teams (e.g. policy makers, county governments, consumers, traders, farmers) to maximize behavior change.
Research on Social and Behavioral Change and dissemination of research results
  • Conduct studies to assess social and behavioral factors that influence production, consumption and marketing of OFSP and other nutritious food, paying special attention to gender differences.
  • Together with M&E research team, develop and implement M&E systems and processes to monitor the quality and effectiveness of SBCC including documentation of lessons learned, trends, and cross-cutting policy and implementation issues that affect behavior change.
  • Contribute to research articles and scientific reports jointly with CIP staff and project research partners.
  • Carry out data analysis and report writing in English
  • Participate in dissemination of results of behavior change research
Coordination and collaboration with implementing partners
  • Coordinate with implementing partners to document and report on social and behavior change along the sweetpotato value chain (production, consumption and marketing)
  • Collaborate with partners to develop appropriate behavior change messages and campaigns
  • Facilitate collaboration between partners and assist in developing advocacy messages and campaigns to support project activities
  • Develop strong partnerships with community groups, leaders and civil society to promote behavior change messages.
Selection criteria:
  • Postgraduate degree in sociology/anthropology, psychology, public health, community nutrition or related behavior change discipline with strong qualitative research skills
  • Demonstrated understanding of behavior change strategies towards improved nutrition, improved eating habits or adoption of agricultural technologies in rural areas
  • Solid understanding and appreciation of USAID project processes, procedures, rules and regulations is an added advantage
  • Demonstrated experience working with multidisciplinary partners
  • Minimum of three years working in a related position in an international research or development organization
  • Very strong English oral and written communications skills required.
  • Willingness to spend considerable time working in field setting in rural areas
Conditions: This position is local thus limited to Kenyan nationals and permanent residents. 

The employment contract is subject to funding and will be for a two-year term with the possibility of renewal. 

CIP prides itself on its collegial and supportive working environment, which allows space for personal and professional growth. 

The successful candidate will receive a compensation package comparable with similar organizations and in line with the candidate’s qualification and experience.

Applications: Applicants should apply online through our CIP’s Job Opportunities website (http://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/ ), including a letter of motivation, a full C.V with the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable of the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience. 

Screening of applications will begin on October 12, 2015 and will continue until the post is filled. 

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org.


CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply.