Research Associate (Data Collection) Job in Western Kenya

Position: Research Associate - Data Collection
 
Deadline to Apply: May 15th 2015
 
Start Date: June, 2015
 
Location: Western Kenya
 
Eligibility: This position is open to all applicants

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) seeks a qualified applicant for the position of Research Associate - Data Collection for the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Benefits Project. 


Currently in the midst of a five-year study, WASH Benefits is collecting rigorous evidence on the health impacts of improved water, sanitation and hygiene practices, alongside improved nutrition in rural Kenya. 

Low-cost technologies and behavior change communications strategies are being implemented to promote drinking water treatment, good sanitation practices, hand washing with soap and improved nutrition. 


The position offers an opportunity to help design and manage several facets of data collection in an organization undertaking cutting-edge public health and development research. 

This position is located in Western Kenya, and the principal investigators (PI) are Clair Null and Michael Kremer.

Responsibilities:
 
The Research Associate- Data Collection will work under direct supervision of the Research Coordinator - Data Collection to perform a variety of tasks including, but not limited to:
  • Facilitate data collection of the highest quality, including; testing new surveys on electronic devices, piloting of data collection instruments, regular field supervision, organizing back checks, conducting debriefs, ensuring adherence to standard operating procedures (SOP), process documentation, tracking systems, and monitoring of staff performance
  • Directly supervise a Field Manager and Associate Field Manager who are leading the teams of enumerators, and provide mentorship to all staff involved in data collection activities
  • Coordinate and oversee logistical planning for data collection by developing field schedules, ensure vehicles are arranged and materials are ready, especially electronic devices. Work together with lab personnel to ensure sample related materials can be picked up by field staff every morning and dropped off again in the afternoon.
  • Responsible for ensuring adherence to SOPs and IRB protocols by managers and field staff, especially related to adverse events and consents.
  • Keep Research Coordinator informed of all key developments related to data collection activities and support the Research Coordinator in coordinating and providing trainings
  • Work closely with data entry clerks to ensure tracking documents are completed and liaise with data management team for conducting discrepancy checks.
  • Provide regular feedback to field staff regarding their performance, based on productivity reports and supervision results. Determine with Research Coordinator when corrective action is needed in order to ensure that data collection is consistent with approved SOPs and project objectives.
  • Participate in HR oversight process for managers and field staff by organizing and conducting performance appraisals and by supporting recruitment of new staff.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
  • Bachelor's or Master’s Degree in a relevant field such as Public Health, Nutrition, Economics, or other Social Sciences
  • Minimum of two years of experience in quantitative/qualitative research methods and data collection
  • Excellent management, organizational, critical thinking and interpersonal skills
  • Flexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and team player
  • Demonstrated experience with quantitative and qualitative research methods
  • Experience with computer assisted interviewing, preferably with programming proficiency in ODK / SurveyCTO
  • Knowledge of STATA or other data analysis software such as SPSS, EpiInfo, SAS, etc
  • Strong written and oral communication skills and complete fluency in English is required. Kiswahili proficiency is preferred.
  • Experience working on WASH and/or nutrition issues in developing countries (particularly sub-Saharan Africa)
  • Familiarity with randomized controlled trials
If you are interested in applying, please follow the instructions below:
 
To Apply: Please send a cover letter and detailed CV including daytime phone number, email address, and 3 professional references. 

Your CV should include your scores or grades and other measures of academic achievement, and details about any relevant work experience.

Applications must be submitted by email to jobs-kenya@poverty-action.org, please ensure that the subject line reads: “RESEARCH ASSOCIATE-DATA COLLECTION REF NO: WASH B-2015-04-02. 

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by email for an interview. 

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Disclaimer:
 The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the Research Associate _ Data Collection. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. Please note that IPA will never request any form of payment from an applicant. Applicants are encouraged to confirm the information listed above with IPA prior to releasing any extensive personal information to the organization. Please direct questions to jobs-kenya@poverty-action.org.