Research Associate-Data Analytics – Strathmore University Agribusiness and Food Innovation Centre (SAFIC). at Strathmore University

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

SAFIC is an African-led Centre of excellence at the SBS seeking to empower, enable and scale agri-food innovations, and enhance the competitiveness of food systems across the continent. SAFIC is driven by a clear mission to enhance the competitiveness of the agriculture and agrifood sector in addition to facilitating and supporting innovations within strategic areas of the sector.

JOB PURPOSE:

The selected candidate will offer support through expertise in experimental design, data analysis, results synthesis and insight generation to enable data driven decision making by agrifood industry stakeholders. S/he will contribute SAFIC’s business and market intelligence themes, research activities, capacity building and scientific publications.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Data Analytics and Interpretation: Writing analytical insights on emerging issues related to agricultural value chains, commodities, and food production.
• Advanced Statistical Analysis: Analyze qualitative and quantitative data using the latest statistical techniques, interpret data, analyze results, and provide ongoing reports.
• Data Strategies: Develop databases, data collection, and analytics strategies that optimize statistical efficiency.
• Data Collection and Visualization: Work closely with various teams to design and implement new data collection and visualization tools and features.
• Business Development: Collaborate with the business development and field teams on client-specific projects.
• Client Engagement: Respond to client questions and requests.
• Team management: Lead teams of data analysts and research assistants and oversee programmatic themes related to data systems.

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

• MSc degree related to Statistics, Data Science, or Data Analytics the above or related disciplines is a requirement.
• IT qualification will be an added advantage.
• 5 years of experience in data analytics or other quantitative role. Experience in research, data collection, and analysis of agricultural productivity data will be highly advantageous.

DESIRABLE SKILLS:

• Proficiency in one or more visualization tools (e.g. PowerBI, Looker, Tableau).
• A deep understanding of statistical analysis (e.g. hypothesis testing, experimentation, regressions) and mixed model approaches.
• Demonstrated skills in the development, deployment and utilization of data collection tools.
• Proficiency in Big Data manipulation and analytics.
• Proficiency in the use of R, STATA, and SPSS for data analysis. Knowledge of SAS or Python is an added advantage.
• An understanding of techniques, processes, and languages (TSQL or PL/SQL and others) for accessing data from structured environments.
• Strong presentation, organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with team members across functional roles and strong communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to work independently, under minimal supervision, and on tight deadlines.
• Prior experience in the agri-food sector or agricultural research will be an added advantage.