Vacancy: Research
Associate - Data Management, WASH Benefits Project
Deadline to Apply: 8th January 2016
Deadline to Apply: 8th January 2016
Start
Date: 15th January 2016
Location: Kakamega,
Kenya
Eligibility: This
position is open to all applicants
In
close partnership with decision makers - the policymakers, practitioners, investors,
and donors working with the poor around the world - we design and evaluate
potential solutions to poverty problems using randomized evaluations, the most
rigorous evaluation method available.
We
also mobilize and support these decision makers to use these solutions to build
better programs and policies at scale.
The
Data Management Research Associate under the general supervision of Data
Management Research Coordinator and within the limits of Innovations for
Poverty Action-Kenya policies and procedures, coordinates the facilitation of
Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) Benefits activities and functions within
IPAK.
Below
is a list of some of the general duties and responsibilities of the Data
Management Research Associate, to be carried out as needed according to the
determination of the Data Management Research Coordinator.
Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) seeks a qualified applicant for the position of Data Management Research Associate 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,
handwashing with soap and improved nutrition.
The
position offers an opportunity to gain on-the-ground data management experience
as part of a high-profile water, sanitation, hygiene, and child health impact
evaluation project.
This
position is located in Western Kenya, and the principal investigators (PIs) are
Clair Null and Michael Kremer.
Responsibilities:
The
Data Management RA will work closely with the Data Management RC and senior
project management to support and supervise a variety of tasks across two
offices (Kakamega and Bungoma) including, but not limited to:
·
Manage implementation of systems to manage data related to
monitoring, evaluation, laboratory, and implementation aspects of the project
(both hardware and software).
·
Support the development of data entry forms using CSPro and
Excel as well as the design of tracking templates.
· Support the development and modification of
standard operating procedures (SOPs), process documentation and tracking
systems
· Compile periodic reports
on the progress of data collection activities study wide
· Support hiring and
training of data-entry clerks in both offices, manage the prioritization and
allocation of data-entry tasks and supervise data entry clerks
· Ensure compliance with
variable-naming and data-formatting standards
· Implement procedures for
data management and quality assurance including: daily data downloads, data
encryption and back-up, weekly processing/compiling/cleaning of raw data,
transfer of data between project activities, storage and protection of
hard-copy data, staff productivity, and survey back-checks
· Support the RC and
Research Manager in coordinating data tracking systems for human subjects and
data safety monitoring compliance
· Provide mentorship to
all staff involved in data collection activities (across all aspects of the
study), including contributing to trainings; closely coordinate with other
project associates and staff across offices
· Be familiar with study
protocols and reporting of events to KEMRI and other institutions.
· Analyze data upon
request from the RC, RM and RD
· Support the RC in any
other assignment.
Education
and/or Work Experience Requirements:
Required
Qualifications and Experience:
·
Excellent Stata programming skills
·
Advanced proficiency with Excel
·
Experience with CSPro
·
A Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in a quantitative social
science, engineering or related field
·
Minimum of two years of experience in quantitative/qualitative
research methods and data management, preferably with large (many observations
and many variables) and/or complex datasets (many inter-related variables)
·
Excellent written and oral communication skills and complete
fluency in English
·
Highly organized and detail-oriented, enjoys working with data
·
Excellent management, critical thinking and interpersonal skills
·
Flexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks
efficiently, and team player
Desired Qualifications and Experience:
·
Proficiency in other computer programming languages (SQL,
Blaise, Java, etc.)
·
Experience working on WASH and/or nutrition issues in developing
countries (particularly sub-Saharan Africa)
·
Swahili language skills
·
Knowledge of statistics
·
Familiarity with randomized controlled trials
How 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 MANAGEMENT REF NO: REF NO: WASH B-2015-12-01.
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 management. 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.