Research Coordinator at Village Enterprise

About the Job:

Village Enterprise is seeking a candidate who will use his/ her expertise to assist with Village Enterprise’s dynamic field- level monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) team and activities for the project. Program areas of involvement include: Oversight for implementation of participants tracking system, data collection, compilation, cleaning and analysis; database and information management system; write-up and deliver the monitoring and evaluation report; conduct field visits and community consultations and community consultations; staff trainings on M&E tools/system; conduct routine data quality assessment; coordination and collaboration with consortium partners; participate and monitor in the organizational research initiatives as well as ensure the field data collection processes.

Required:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Agriculture or Food Sciences, Economics, Sociology, Development Studies, Business, Education, Geography, Statistics, or related, with at least 2 years of experience in research and analysis, including field work; OR a Post-Graduate Diploma (PGD) with at least 3 years of post-graduation experience. A Bachelor’s degree in combination with at least 5 years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Familiarity with Gender and Social Inclusion issues in relation to agrifood sector
• Demonstrated experience in managing field teams of at least 10 during data collection
• Previous data collection experience in household surveys, focus group discussions, and observations (ideally with PDAs, mobile phones/tablets, or computers). Knowledgeable in designing and programming mobile based surveys (e.g. with surveyCTO, ODK)
• Strong data and analytical skills and high attention to detail, with experience producing high quality databases and reports
• Demonstrated proficiency in computer applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, database management, data analysis, and internet research
• Highly motivated, able to take initiative, a reliable team player and comfortable relating to and communicating with respondents, community members, local officials, and team member
• Well-organized, detail-oriented, able to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously with minimal supervision.
• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed
• Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matte
• Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving result
• Is motivated by professional concerns and shows persistence and calmness when faced with difficult problems, challenges or stressful situations
• Strong quantitative and qualitative reasoning skill
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Kiswahili.

Desirable:

• Experience with development research projects focusing on communities, poverty reduction and enterprise support programs
• Experience conducting research, specifically within Western Kenya or North Rift counties
• Excellent knowledge and technical skills with digital survey applications
• A current resident in Western Kenya or North Rift – preferably Kitale or Bungoma
• Knowledge of any of the local languages spoken in the counties of Bungoma and West Pokot