Research Assistant and Project Assistant Jobs in Kenya - Bank

A leading banking institution hereby invites applications from suitably qualified, experienced and self-motivated candidates with proven track record to fill the positions advertised below.

The ideal candidates must be persons of high integrity, hardworking, able to work with minimum supervision, possess good interpersonal and analytical skills, as well as be resourceful and self-motivated.

Kindly note that these positions require flexibility for periodic travel within the country.

Job Title: Research Assistant

Terms of Employment: Contract, 2 years

Location: Nairobi

Key Responsibilities

The candidate will be expected to carry out the following research activities and specific mandates:

• Assisting in the development of the research approach and data collection instruments; and in the selection of statistical techniques, where needed.
• Collecting and compiling data and information, including literature reviews.
• Applying standard methods of statistical analysis and/or qualitative analysis to analyse data as required.
• Carrying out fieldwork, interviews and focus groups discussions.
• Assisting in documenting research results and compiling detailed output reports and highlighting findings and recommendations.
• Assisting in Global Positioning System (GPS) mapping as guided.
• Assisting with other research activities as directed.

Academic Qualifications

The ideal candidates should:

• Be a holder of a Masters Degree in Sociology, Economics or related discipline from a recognized university.
• Have certification in analytical software packages, including: Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), Statistical Analysis System (SAS).

Other Key Attributes

The ideal candidates should have the following attributes:

• Good knowledge and understanding of the structure, key players and role of the financial sector in Kenya.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in conducting data analysis and surveys in developing countries. Experience of both qualitative and quantitative methodologies would be an added advantage.
• Should have knowledge on data analysis software such as SAP and SPSS and other fundamental computer programmes.
• Demonstrable experience in conducting and analyzing field research and managing a local research team.
• Should have prior experience in the use of GPS mapping techniques and in the use of the relevant equipment.
• Should have basic proficiency in the use of (or the aptitude to master at short notice) electronic audio-visual recording media for use in data collection and transcription.
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write and edit technical information.
• Demonstrable ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Detail oriented and able to interpret results in written form.
• Willingness and ability to spend extensive periods of time in remote areas throughout Kenya.
• Punctuality, willingness to take initiative, ability to multitask, and willingness to work long hours and under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills.

Job Title: Project Assistant

Terms of Employment: Contract, 2 years

Location: Nairobi

Key Responsibilities

The candidate will be expected to carry out the following project management and administrative tasks and specific mandates:

• Conducting project management, monitoring and reporting as required.
• Assisting in logistics, planning and coordinating of meetings, workshops, forums (expert panel interviews and focus group discussions).
• Assisting in compiling and transcribing the deliberations during the meetings, workshops and forums.
• Assisting with other research activities alongside the project research team, as required, including:

1. Development of questionnaires and data collection forms.
2. Collection and compiling of data and information, including, literature reviews required.
3. Carrying out fieldwork, interviews and focus groups.
4. Documenting results and preparing output reports.

The candidates should have the following qualifications, acquired through a combination of formal education, previous experience, and/or on-the-job training:

Academic Qualifications

• Be a holder of a Masters Degree in Social Sciences, Finance, Economics or related discipline from a recognized university.
• Certificate in Financial Management or Accounting is an added advantage.
• Certificate in Project Management is an added advantage.

Other Key Attributes

• Have capacity to organize logistics in diverse parts of Kenya. Experience working in the field of international development is an added advantage.
• Knowledge and on the job experience in project management, desktop publishing and event management.
• Excellent interpersonal skills required purposely for organizing and participating in focus group discussions in a number of locations in the country.
• Experience in program management and logistics; capacity to organize logistics in diverse parts of Kenya.
• Good report writing skills; detail oriented and able to interpret results in written form.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; fluency in written and spoken English and Kiswahili is a must.
• Reasonably conversant with the basic structure, key stakeholders and role of the financial sector in Kenya.
• Basic proficiency in use of (or the aptitude to master at short notice) electronic audio-visual recording media for use in data collection and transcription.
• Demonstrate willingness and ability to spend extensive periods of time in remote areas throughout Kenya.
• Punctuality, willingness to take initiative, multi-tasking, and willingness to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in administration as well as some experience in conducting data analysis and surveys in developing countries.

If you meet the above requirements and consider yourself proactive, self-driven and up to the challenge, please send an application letter and attach a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae, and copies of the following documents to the address indicated below:

• Transcripts of Academic Records;
• Records of Previous employment; and
• Any other relevant documents

The Advertiser
DNA 1153,
P.O. Box 49010 00100 GPO

So as to be received on or before November 23, 2011

Note:

• Applications received after deadline will not be considered.
• Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
• Canvassing, either directly or indirectly, will result in automatic disqualification of the affected applicant.

The leading banking institution is an equal opportunity employer.