Anticipatory Action Senior Research Officer

The IRC in Kenya is undertaking Anticipatory Action (AA) research to understand how cash-based interventions can help build the resilience of vulnerable communities in climatic shock-prone areas. The research projects utilize various methodologies including, but not limited to, formative qualitative research, mixed-methods, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The Research will use established IRC M&E systems to follow clients’ progress. The Senior Research Officer position will be responsible for leading the implementation of the research projects and will work closely with the ERD Technical Coordinator, the M&E staff, and the IRC HQ (Airbel) based research team.

Major Responsibilities:

• Secure National ethics approval for anticipatory action and climate resilience research studies
• Work closely with program implementation team to map implementation activities and coordinate research timeline and work plan with the program implementation timeline and work plan.
• Review research instruments and tools and provide feedback. Secure input and approval on research instruments from all meaningful stakeholders in the IRC Kenya ERD team
• Responsible for leading research instrument translation and supporting necessary pre-testing of the instrument
• Liaise with and maintain IRC’s relationship with external research partners for the various projects, including coordinating and facilitating in-country visits
• Responsible for ensuring fidelity to research design (including the randomization process) and adherence to research protocols and standards established by the IRC
• Responsible for sharing weekly internal progress reports with the project management and research teams on the various research projects and flagging any challenges with research activities. Provide support on the ground to troubleshoot and resolve research related challenges and bringing up issues to the research team, as necessary
• Responsible for providing input into donor reports, as needed
• Responsible for reviewing research outputs and providing feedback and securing input from all meaningful stakeholders in the IRC Kenya office.
• Working closely with the M&E Officer to export necessary data from the M&E system and share with various research partners as needed for the different projects
• Provide support to implementation team, as necessary, to facilitate research activities
• Work closely with the ERD and grants teams to ensure that the budgets are well monitored
• Conduct in-depth literature reviews and data analysis
• Develop and implement strategic plans to enhance research competitiveness
• Present findings at conferences and stakeholder meetings

Working Environment

The position will be based in IRC Kenya’s Lodwar’s Office, with travel to field sites.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Development Studies, Climate Change Adaptation, Disaster Management, Humanitarian Assistance, Range Management, Geography or a related field.
• Five years’ experience in research design and implementation with at least 3 years working on randomized controlled trials
• Experience in refugee livelihood programming is a strong asset
• Significant experience undertaking field research in arid and semi-arid (ASAL) counties of Kenya.
• Experience programming digital surveys and conducting digital data collection with experience in cloud-based programmes such as Commcare, Survey CTO, KOBO Toolbox etc.
• Strong data analysis skills using either STATA, R or SAS statistical software with the ability to conduct both descriptive and inferential analysis such as econometrics, regression etc.
• Proficiency in English and Swahili
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) and email
• Detail-oriented with strong communication and report writing skills
• Ability to facilitate communication between various levels of management and work independently to meet deadlines.

Standards of Professional Conduct: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – Code of Conduct.  These are Integrity, Service, Accountability and Equality.  In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, Combating Trafficking in Persons and several others.

Gender Equality & Equal Opportunity: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request reasonable accommodation.

Kenyan nationals are encouraged to apply.  International allowances are not available for this position. Salary and employee benefits are compliant to the Kenyan NGO Sector. 

Disclaimer:

Please take note that International Rescue Committee (IRC) does not ask for any fees in connection with its recruitment processes.