Position: Research Associate - Data Collection
Deadline to Apply: May
15th 2015
Start Date: June,
2015
Location: Western
Kenya
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.