[Air-L] JOB OPPORTUNITY: Senior Researcher - Africa's Voices

[Matti Pohjonen]

A new senior researcher position available at Africa's Voices, a research
organisation spun out of research at the University of Cambridge. You can
read more and apply here: http://www.africasvoices.org/
about/careers/#op-167816-senior-researcher-2017

*Position Title:* Senior Researcher
*Function: *Research & Innovation
*Position Type:* 1 Year Renewable Contract
*Application deadline:* 20th March 2017
*Location:* Nairobi, Kenya and Cambridge, UK
*Language:* English

*OVERVIEW*

Africa’s Voices is a non-profit start-up, spun out of ongoing cutting-edge
research at the University of Cambridge. We conduct innovative research and
produce powerful, insightful evidence that helps to amplify the voices of
Africans towards development and governance actors. In media forums we
spark inclusive, interactive discussions, and gather audience opinions
through SMS, instant messaging, and social media. We analyse these
conversations -- often in low-resource local languages -- using our own
tested methods. We combine social science theories and frameworks with data
science techniques, and tailor these to challenging language contexts. This
way, we provide powerful insights into the beliefs, ideas and priorities of
hard-to reach populations and social groups, and how these change over
time. Our evidence helps organisations to better understand, engage with,
and respond to target populations.

Africa’s Voices combines rigorous academic research and a commitment to
innovation with real-world impact. We provide our researchers with a
vibrant interface to world-leading university research. Researchers
regularly work with faculty, advisors, external researchers, and student
interns to bring the latest developments in research methods and digital
technologies into our working practices. Our innovative, dynamic approach
has been recognised internationally, including being awarded the Market
Research Society’s President’s Medal in 2016 for our work with UNICEF
Somalia. We have offices in Nairobi, Kenya and Cambridge, UK, and a small
but highly qualified and motivated team that we are seeking to grow
steadily in the coming period. More at www.africasvoices.org.


*JOB SUMMARY*

The Senior Researcher is expected to join our rapidly growing team to
undertake, design, and manage applied research projects collaboratively
with client organisations, with ultimate impact always in mind. The role
will include managing relationships with clients; managing a team of junior
researchers in African countries and the UK; contributing to developing
innovative methodologies and research approaches; communicating research
insights to stakeholders; and producing research reports and academic
publications.



*SELECTION CRITERIA*
*Essential*

   - A completed postgraduate degree (Masters or PhD) in a relevant Social
   Science discipline (such as social psychology, sociology, political
   science, development studies, socio-economics).
   - At least 5 years of relevant experience in research applied to social
   issues.
   - Ability to innovate through rigorous research design in challenging
   applied contexts.
   - Excellent knowledge of, and experience working with, quantitative
   methods, statistical concepts and data analysis.
   - A sufficiently wide-range understanding and experience of qualitative
   methods (such as content analysis, focus group discussions, grounded theory
   or digital ethnography).
   - Experience in research on public opinion OR social norms OR public
   health OR behaviour change or similar.
   - Willingness to work with and adapt new methodologies relevant to
   digital social research, including collaborating with data scientists on
   coding scripts for analysis.
   - Experience in scientific research design, including survey methods.
   - Ability to undertake research that has policy and social impact and to
   engage in knowledge exchange.
   - Ability to prioritise and manage multiple projects simultaneously, and
   follow through on issues in a timely manner.
   - High levels of energy, initiative, and flexibility in quickly
   adjusting to changing work requirements.
   - Aptitude for and willingness to work in client-facing contexts,
   focused on delivering research value-add.
   - Clear and confident communicator of research methods and results to
   non-specialist and practitioner audiences.


*Desirable*

   - Knowledge of one or more of these domains: social innovation/ICT;
   African media or media development; research and evaluation in a
   development context.
   - Exposure to, interest in and some understanding of techniques such as
   text mining, NLP, machine learning, category analysis, agent-based
   modelling.
   - Strong client orientation and proven ability to work with development
   and governance actors, ability to identify problems, provide technical
   support, build collaboration and arrive at solutions.
   - Track record of academic publications and interest to contribute to
   collaborative academic outputs with University-based collaborators.
   - Technical understanding of user interfaces and digital
   platforms.'Knowledge and understanding of data visualisation techniques.
   - Working knowledge of languages relevant to the African context besides
   English.


*TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS*

The location of the post will be either Cambridge, UK, or Nairobi, Kenya,
based on discussions with the appointee. However, willingness to travel (up
to 50% of the time) will be essential.

*TO APPLY*

Upload your CV and a Cover Letter to explain why you are interested in
Africa's Voices and this position, and how you fulfil the selection
criteria. Application deadline is midnight (GMT) on Tuesday, 20th March
2017. Applications may be considered after this date only if a suitable
candidate has not been found.

Recruitment questions can be directed to Head of Performance, George
Kaburu: george at africasvoices.org. Questions about research can be sent to
Africa’s Voices acting Head of Research, Dr. Matti Pohjonen:
matti at africasvoices.org.

Africa’s Voices Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and supports
workforce diversity. All applications for vacant positions will be welcomed
and will be considered on the relative merits of the applicant against the
role profile for the position regardless of colour, race, nationality,
ethnic origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability,
parental responsibilities, age, religion, or belief.
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