Research Associate I at Population Council

ASSIGNMENT LENGTH: Two years, renewable by mutual consent and the availability of funding 

POSITION SUMMARY: The Population Council, Kenya (PC Kenya) leads several consortia of partners in the East, Horn of Africa, and Great Lakes region to generate evidence and enhance sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) among vulnerable populations. PC Kenya is also growing a portfolio of work on girls’ education. The Research Associate I will be a nimble self-starter with the capacity to contribute to the development and implementation of, and to provide technical leadership for, ongoing and new programs related to SRHR and/or girls’ education. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Manage large-scale research activities by overseeing data collection quality and liaising with study partners as necessary. 
• Proactively anticipate service delivery partners’ data and measurement needs, developing and delivering technical solutions to meet them, and supporting the provision of general oversight to partners across two regional consortia. 
• Enhance the utilization of research findings by working with partners to identify mechanisms for ensuring adaptation and scale-up of interventions with proven effectiveness. 
• Manage activities for multiple projects, including proposal and study tool preparation and review, and technical and financial reporting. 
• Prepare activity workplans, budgets, reports and other required documents for internal submission. 
• Supervise project/field staff and consultants for the implementation of individual project activities. 
• Provide technical expertise in quantitative and qualitative data management. Work with the data management team to oversee the processing of collected data and undertake analysis. 
• Demonstrate intellectual leadership in disseminating and communicating the Council’s evidence at national, regional and international levels through presentations, the preparation of reports and other knowledge products, and the publication of papers in high-impact, peer review journals. 
• Contribute to fundraising efforts in the areas of SRHR and/or girls’ education under the Council’s International Programs Division. 
• Represent the Council in meetings organized by national and international organizations, including government and donor agencies, such as technical working groups. 
• Other duties as may be required by the position. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Doctoral degree in social science, public health, education, or related field with training relevant to reproductive health; HIV and AIDS; and/or poverty, gender, and youth. 
• Minimum of five years’ relevant post-doctoral professional experience. 
• In-depth, substantive knowledge of SRHR and/or girls’ education, as well as evidence of being a well-respected and credible leader in such fields. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage large quantitative and qualitative datasets, and to design, implement, analyse, publish, and disseminate research emanating from developing countries. 
• Strong understanding and application of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. 
• Strong knowledge of and experience with quantitative data management and analysis software such as EpiData, Access, Excel, Stata, and SPSS. 
• Strong qualitative data management and analysis skills. 
• Deep understanding of gender and gender issues within and beyond African contexts. 
• Excellent diplomatic, representational, problem-solving, management, and interpersonal skills 
• Excellent written and oral English language communications skills, including high-quality writing and presentation skills. Ability to represent PC Kenya before high-level donors, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, civil sector society, and organizational counterparts, and to discuss program activities, lessons learned, opportunities, and challenges in a compelling and articulate way. 
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, including demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team in a multi-cultural environment. 
• Understanding of bureaucratic systems in Africa and a demonstrated ability to work with all levels of national and international staff within a complex research and technical assistance organization. 
• Willingness to travel within and outside Kenya as needed. 

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Salary range between KES 483,000 to KES 677,374 per month, depending on knowledge, skills, and experience. Excellent benefits package includes medical and group life and personal accident insurance available immediately upon hire; provident plan with employer contribution equal to 15% of annual salary, after successful completion of the trial period. We strive to provide an environment of professional growth and development. 

Qualified candidates should send their resume and cover letter to: jobs-nairobi@popcouncil.org by March 31, 2022. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. This is a national position and only Kenyan nationals will be considered. Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply. The Population Council, Kenya is an equal opportunity employer. 

The Population Council, Kenya (PC Kenya) is an NGO that seeks to improve the health and well-being of vulnerable and marginalized populations in East Africa and other countries in the region. We support the design, testing and scale-up of interventions on sexual reproductive health and rights, develop sustainable program solutions that respond to girls’ educational needs and build their social, economic, and health assets; reduce HIV transmission; prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence; assess various service integration models; and strengthen evidence for programs related to unintended pregnancy and other health and development issues.