Project Associate, BIOMARKERS (IPA Kenya)

Innovations for Poverty Action seeks a qualified applicant for the position of Project Associate for a project on BIOMARKERS – A follow-up on the “Education and HIV/AIDS in Western Kenya”

Project Description: Between 2003 and 2006, the nonprofit organization International Child Support (ICS) ran a large-scale HIV/AIDS prevention program in 328 primary schools in Western Province of Kenya. This program included: 1) A Teacher Training Program, which provided in-service training for primary school teachers to enhance delivery of the national HIV/AIDS education curriculum, and 2)Reduced costs of Education Program which provided 20,000 free school uniforms.

IPA researchers Esther Duflo, Pascaline Dupas and Michael Kremer are conducting a long-term follow-up study to assess the impact of these two programs on HIV and STI transmission using Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2) as a biomarker. The study is following up with approximately 11,000 students who were enrolled in class 6 in 2003 in schools that participated in ICS’s programs. Students that can be followed-up and who consent are surveyed, as well as tested for sexually transmitted infections.

In addition, the effectiveness of additional HIV/AIDS prevention strategies is also being examined. Specifically, students in the study population were randomized to one of 4 intervention groups: 1) VCT only, 2) VCT plus free 2 year supply of condoms, 3) Free 2 years supply of condoms only, and 4) Control. These interventions were offered during the first follow-up period (Phase 1) and their impact is being measured during a second wave of HSV-2 testing (Phase 2), which began in 2011 and is expected to run through 2012. This set-up will enable us to measure the impact of VCT and provision of free condoms on sexual behavior and risk of HIV transmission, in addition to evaluating the original interventions.

There will also be an opportunity to support data collection for a study comparing the impacts of access to savings and credit on small business people and subsistence farmers in the area.

Position Description: The position offers an opportunity to gain first-hand field management experience in an organization undertaking cutting-edge development research.

The PA work closely with academic researchers and other field staff to perform a variety tasks including, but not limited to: managing survey teams, managing data entry processes with outside firms and in-house staff, checking and cleaning data, assisting in preliminary analysis, assisting in the writing of project reports and coordinating with local partners running the programs being evaluated. This position is located in Busia, Kenya.

Desired Qualifications and Experience

• A Bachelor's degree in economics, social sciences, public policy, or related fields.
• Experience living in a developing country is a strong plus
• Excellent management and organizational skills along with strong quantitative skills
• Fluency and excellent communication skills in English
• Flexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and team player
• Knowledge of Stata strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with randomized controlled trials preferred.

We are looking for a commitment period of approximately 1 year for this position, beginning January/February 2012, through the calendar year. This year will be spent in Busia, Kenya.

MORE / LESSHOW TO APPLY

If you are interested, please do two things, before Friday October 21:

Send an email tosgreen@poverty-action.organdjobs@poverty-action.org, following these instructions exactly:·

• In the subject line: Put your full name, first (given) name followed by last (family) name.·
• Attachments: Please attach your CV and a cover letter.·
• In the email body: Copy exactly the following position line: 100458IPAKenya, “Education and HIV/AIDS in Western Kenya

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by (job title). The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. Please note that IPA will never request any form of payment from an applicant. Applicants are encouraged to confirm the information listed above with IPA prior to releasing any extensive personal information to the organization. Please direct questions to jobs-info@poverty-action.org.

IPA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE), adhering to the laws that prohibit discrimination in the terms and conditions of employment. The IPA EOE policy provides equal employment, volunteer, and service opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, national origin or ancestry, religion, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identification, marital status, veteran status, disability (including HIV/AIDS), or any other status protected by applicable law.