Research Officer I - (Social-Economic Inclusion and Livelihoods) Agroecology

Key Responsibilities  

The successful candidate will be responsible to:

• Co-lead data collection in the field (including supervising a team of data collectors) and activities facilitation at the community level.
• Carry out literature reviews pertaining to relevant topics that will be assigned.
• Be able to carry out quantitative and qualitative research.
• Facilitate meetings, workshops, and training with project focus communities, including engagement with external agencies and NGOs as necessary.
• Aiding in planning and organizing research activities and partnership events/meetings, acting as a liaison for communities and other partners.
• Contribute to the reporting of activities and research for project donors and programs and provide input to scientific publications.
• Ensure quality communication and engagement with national and county stakeholders, including government and NGO partners, on research activities implementation and findings.
• Work collaboratively with the work package leads, the Project Leader, and other senior experts. This includes engaging with WorldFish and partner scientists across other geographies to learn from and contribute to a growing body of work on gender equality and social inclusion.
• Ensure timely reporting of project activities and outcomes per WorldFish and donor requirements

Requirements

This job might be for you if you have the below skills and qualifications:

• A Master’s Degree in Agricultural Economics, Social Science, Rural Development, Agricultural Sciences, Gender studies, Anthropology or related field.
• At least three years working experience in research or development programs in Kenya or any other African country relating to agri-food systems, aquaculture, small-scale fisheries, or natural resources (including research methods).
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate program activities and organize events (workshops, demonstrations, trainings).
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and participating in partnerships at national, municipal and local levels.
• Must be proficient in data collection and data management.
• Must be proficient in SPSS/STATA/R program and willing to learn if not able to use qualitative data analysis software, such as N-Vivo.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office 365 software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Comfortable and confident working within a diverse international team, with good interpersonal and communication skills to a broad range of colleagues and partners.
• Strong interpersonal skills, in particular, the ability to work effectively in diverse and dynamic teams as well as develop a close and effective working relationship with partners.
• Proven excellence in written and verbal English communication skills.
• A demonstrated ability to work constructively and effectively in complex contexts and a passion for equality, equity, inclusive poverty reduction, nutrition and food security, and environmental sustainability through research for development.
• Experience working with rural communities in Africa/Asia will be an asset.
• Ensure timely reporting of project activities and outcomes per WorldFish and donor requirements. 
• Aid in administrative duties, communication and research advocacy as instructed. 

Desired Skills and Qualifications

• Knowledge of fisheries and/or aquaculture and/or agri-food systems.
• Experience applying participatory methods that are fun and engaging and gender-sensitive research approaches.
• Demonstrated ability to analyses quantitative and/or qualitative data to a high standard.
• Experience developing information and education materials for government and community stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Good organizational skills.