Research Assistant – CO-CARE Program at United States International University - USIU Africa

Background

The County Creative Arts Residence and Empowerment (CO-CARE) Program is a strategic partnership between United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa), the Challenge Fund for Youth Employment (CFYE), and Across Solutions. The program equips youth (ages 18–35) in the creative economy with technical and entrepreneurial skills to build sustainable careers. A critical component of the program is its research and learning agenda, which aims to generate evidence for adaptive project implementation and policy influence.

To support this agenda, the program is recruiting a team of Research Assistants to conduct baseline field data collection with CO-CARE beneficiaries across Nairobi, Kiambu, Kisumu, and Mombasa counties.

Key Responsibilities

• Attend a 1-day training on data collection tools, research ethics, and field protocols.
• Participate in piloting the data collection instrument to ensure functionality and accuracy.
• Book appointments and coordinate interviews with CO-CARE beneficiaries.
• Conduct in-person interviews using digital data collection tools on mobile devices.
• Ensure data quality, completeness, and confidentiality during fieldwork.
• Submit daily fieldwork reports including progress reports/updates, challenges, and recommended solutions.
• Work collaboratively with fellow research assistants and the research coordination team to achieve fieldwork goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or currently pursuing one) in Social Sciences, statistics, economics, research methods, Education, Business, Arts, or a related field.
• Prior experience in field research or data collection, preferably with youth programs.
• Must have strong knowledge of research methods, data collection, and ethics.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage respectfully with diverse communities.
• Proficient in using digital data collection platforms (e.g., KoboToolbox, ODK, SurveyCTO).
• Fluency in English and Kiswahili; additional local language skills are an advantage.

Availability to travel within assigned counties during the data collection period.

Desirable Attributes

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Experience working with creatives or youth empowerment programs is a plus.
• Willingness to adhere to research ethics and protocols.