Research Assistant at Strathmore Business School

JOB PURPOSE: The Research Assistant (RA) will work closely with the project team to support research activities aimed at building sustainable entrepreneurial capacity and nurturing future talent.

PROJECT OVERVIEW: This collaborative research project, funded by Swansea University, aims to establish enduring capabilities at Strathmore University, serving as a model for entrepreneurial universities across Kenya. The focus is on promoting graduate entrepreneurship, inclusivity, research, and innovation within the higher education sector.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Data Collection and Analysis: Assist with qualitative and quantitative data collection, including surveys, interviews, and focus groups with stakeholders (e.g., faculty, students, and entrepreneurs).
• Literature Review: Conduct comprehensive reviews of academic and industry literature to support research on entrepreneurial ecosystems, capacity building, and inclusivity in higher education.
• Field Research Support: Facilitate fieldwork logistics, liaise with participants, and coordinate on-site visits, ensuring smooth execution of research activities.
• Data Coding and Management: Use tools like NVivo or similar software to organize and code research data, assisting with thematic analysis and data interpretation.
• Report Writing: Contribute to drafting progress reports, summaries, and briefs on research findings for dissemination to project partners, stakeholders, and the academic community.
• Administrative Support: Assist in scheduling meetings, preparing research documentation, and supporting communication between project partners, including Swansea University and other collaborators.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the principal investigators, other research staff, and stakeholders to ensure that project milestones are met according to timelines. PRÉ-REQUISITE

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

The post holder will be required to have and demonstrate evidence of the following qualifications, attributes, and skills:

• Academic Qualifications: At least a Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship, Strategic Management, Management or a related field in Social Science. 
• Research Experience: Previous experience working on research projects, preferably in the fields of entrepreneurship, innovation, higher education, or Capacity building
• Context Understanding: Familiarity with the Kenyan higher education sector and knowledge of entrepreneurial support structures in Kenya.

Key Competencies and Attributes:

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in using data analysis tools such as NVivo or equivalent. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required.
• Strong Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write clearly and concisely in academic and non-academic formats.
• Organizational Skills: Strong attention to detail, time management, and the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Team Player: Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment, both independently and under guidance.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding and appreciation of local entrepreneurial ecosystems and the higher education landscape in Kenya.
• Data visualization and presentation: Ability to analyze and interpret data efficiently, allowing for faster decision-making and clearer communication of insights.