Research Technician – Data Collection & Management, Nairobi

Vacancy Number: RT/LSE/04/13
Humidtropics
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: 2 years with the possibility of renewal

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works to enhance the roles livestock play in pathways out of poverty in developing countries. ILRI has two main campuses in East Africa and other hubs in East, West and southern Africa and South, Southeast and East Asia. http://www.ilri.org/.

CGIAR is a global agricultural research partnership for a food-secure future. Its science is carried out by 15 research centres that are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations. http://www.cgiar.org/.

Humidtropics, a CGIAR Research Program (CRP), seeks to transform the lives of the rural poor in tropical Americas, Asia and Africa. Innovative integrated systems research in the humid tropics will help poor farm families, often led by women, boost their agricultural productivity while preserving the land for future generations. ILRI is heavily engaged in the Humidtropics, leading Strategic Research Theme 1 on Systems Analysis and Global Synthesis with strong inputs into other CRP’s. Further information is available at:http://humidtropics.org/

The Position

The overall purpose of these positions is to support field research activities of Humidtropics, Strategic Research Theme 1 (Systems Analysis & Synthesis). This position will be part of the Integrated Sciences Program – Livestock Science and the Environment.

Key responsibilities

• Assisting the Humidtropics data systems manager in the programming of data collection tools;
• Training enumerators in the use of data collection tools for large scale household surveys and supervising their use in the field;
• Responsible for specific activities in the whole data processing and quality assurance process, linking to the data systems manager and overall integrated database system;
• Producing simple summaries and analysis to support the analytical work of research staff in the region, including the generation of appropriate monitoring & evaluation indicators;
• Maintain the hardware systems used for data collection (e.g. netbooks, PDA’s, GPS) and associated security of the electronic files;
• Other activities relating to the good conduct of Humidtropics programme field research.

Requirements:-  

• A BA/BSc degree in computer science, information systems, mathematics and statistics or other relevant discipline;
• A minimum of 2 years relevant work experience, preferably in applied agricultural research;
• Knowledge and experience in agricultural and rural development issues in the study region is an advantage;
• Experience in database management and applying quality assurance (QA) standards and procedures;
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative data analysis an advantage;
• Excellent skills in MS Office, data collection software (CsPro, ODK)  and at least one statistical package (R, SPSS, STATA);
• Basic knowledge and experience with the SQL language is required;
• Basic programming skills (e.g. C++, Java, Visual Basic) is an advantage;
• Excellent English written and oral skills and good skills in a 2^nd language relevant to the study region;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work flexibly in multicultural, multidisciplinary teams;
• Willingness to travel nationally and regionally;
• Demonstrated good organisational skills and ability to work under minimum supervision;
• Ability to work under pressure, often to meet tight deadlines without compromising the quality of deliverables;
• Skills in designing/development of relational databases an advantage;
• Skills in web design and content management, and basic knowledge of HTML an advantage.

Terms of Appointment

This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position based at ILRI’s Nairobi campus.  The position is on a 2 year contract with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon individual performance and continued funding.

Job level and salary

This position is in job Grade 2B with a starting salary of KES 83,606. This is exclusive of other benefits provided by ILRI.

How to Apply

Applicants should send a cover letter and CV combined as one document addressed to the Human Resources Director, explaining their interest in the position, what they can bring to the job and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience by 8th May, 2013. Log on to: http://www.myjobsinkenya.com/ilri_jobs. The position title and reference number REF: RT/LSE/04/13 should be clearly marked on the cover letter. Only online applications will be considered, and only short listed candidates will be contacted.

To find more about ILRI, visit our Website at http://www.ilri.org/

To find out more about working at ILRI visit our website at http://www.ilri.org/ilricrowd/

ILRI is an equal opportunity employer.