Research Officer

POSITION SUMMARY: Population Council – Kenya (PC – Kenya) is looking for a professional with experience in management and analysis of large and complex datasets to serve as a Research Officer. The Research Officer will be responsible for managing the preparation of datasets from several projects for re-use and inclusion in open access repositories. He/she will be responsible for managing the cleaning of the datasets, developing codebooks, and conducting basic secondary data analyses. The Research Officer will also be responsible for developing modalities for archiving, accessing, and reusing the datasets, in collaboration with the Information, Communications and Technology (ICT)

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Mapping of available datasets for re-use: Work with the Data Manager and the Network Administrator to map available datasets from past research projects implemented by PC Kenya. Conduct a mapping of the study tools and protocols associated with the identified datasets.

2. Oversee the preparation of datasets for re-use and inclusion in open access repositories: Oversee the cleaning and anonymization of the mapped datasets, and the preparation of codebooks to facilitate data re-use and inclusion in open access repositories.

3. Develop systems and modalities for archiving, accessing, and re-using datasets: Work with the Data Manager, the Network Administrator, and the Population Council, Inc. ICT to develop systems and modalities for archiving, accessing, and re-using the datasets.

4. Develop a data archiving and re-use strategy: Work with the Data Manager to develop a data archiving and re-use strategy to guide processes and procedures for archiving and re-using future datasets.

5. Ensure compliance with existing laws and policies that pertain to data sharing and re-use: Ensure compliance with the requirements of the Kenya Data Protection Act 2019 and international regulations pertaining to data sharing and re-use. Liaise with the Grants and Contracts office to ensure that systems and modalities for data sharing and re-use further comply with the contractual obligations pertaining to the projects that generated the datasets.

6. Conduct basic secondary data analyses: Collaborate with other research staff to conduct basic secondary data analyses on topics of mutual interest and prepare knowledge products, including evidence summaries, policy briefs and reports based on the results of the analysis.

7. Represent PC Kenya in strategic meetings: Represent PC Kenya in project dissemination meetings, training workshops, and technical working group meetings organized by national and international organizations including government and donor agencies.

8. Perform any other duties as may be required by the position.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Master’s degree in statistics, social science, public health, or related field and at least 3 years professional experience contributing to research projects, including data collection, management, and analysis.

2. Knowledge of and applied experience in managing large and complex survey datasets, including cross-sectional and longitudinal datasets.

3. Knowledge and practical experience in data warehousing and ETL (Extract, Transform and Load) processes and its applicability to survey datasets.

4. Demonstrated proficiency in cleaning, managing, and analyzing data using Stata® and writing codes in detailed dofiles for large and complex datasets.

5. Knowledge of and experience with ethical conduct of research, including national and international laws and policies regarding data archiving, sharing and re-use.

6. Excellent oral and written English language skills, including demonstrated ability to translate technical data management and analysis information for non-technical audiences.

7. Excellent problem-solving, management and interpersonal skills, including ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team in a multi-cultural environment.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Salary is KES 250,705 per month, depending on knowledge, skills, and experience. Excellent benefits package includes medical and group life and personal accident insurance available immediately upon hire; provident plan with employer contribution equal to 15% of annual salary, after successful completion of the trial period. We strive to provide an environment of professional growth and development.