About Innovations for Poverty Action: Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a non-profit research organization that creates and evaluates approaches to solving development problems. IPA disseminates the results of its evaluations to policymakers, practitioners, investors and donors around the world.

IPA seeks qualified applicants for the position of Research Associate for the “Rural Lighting Project”, which is a Randomized Control Trial looking at the take-up, use and impact of solar lighting on rural households in Western Kenya.

We are looking for an enthusiastic Research Associate to manage data collection, quality assurance and initial analysis. The position offers an opportunity to gain first-hand field management experience in an organization at the cutting edge of development research.

Position Summary: The Research Associate will oversee all aspects of field work in Kenya, under the supervision of a Research Manager, and in close consultation with the Principal Investigators based at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland.

Responsibilities:
Manage multiple data collection activities simultaneously;
Develop and pilot survey instruments;
Help design forms for electronic data collection (using ODK) and manage survey data;
Train and manage field team to conduct surveys together with the field manager;
Ensure all aspects of data quality and assist with data cleaning and preliminary analysis;
Manage logistics of all project activities;
Manage project budget, including tracking project expenses and adherence to the project budget;
Work closely with the Principal Investigators and the local partner organization to ensure study protocols are followed;
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in economics, statistics, social science, or related field.
Excellent management and organizational skills along with strong quantitative skills.
Solid knowledge of STATA is a strong plus.
Familiarity with database management and randomized control trials is a strong plus.
Experience screening, training, and managing staff a strong plus.
Outstanding interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills. Fluency in English required.
Flexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and a team player.
Be detail oriented and able to work independently.
Experience living and working in a developing country required.

To Apply: Please send a cover letter and detailed CV including daytime phone number, email address, and 3 professional references. Your CV should include your scores or grades and other measures of academic achievement, and details about any relevant work experience.

Applications must be submitted by email to jobs-kenya@poverty-action.org, please ensure that the subject line reads: “RESEARCH ASSOCIATE: REF NO: RURAL LIGHTING-2015-02-01.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by email for an interview.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.