Survey Firm for Data Collection on Food Losses Among Potato Producers

Job Posting Organization:
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is a renowned research organization established to provide evidence-based policy solutions to reduce hunger and improve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. IFPRI has been operational since 1975 and has a global presence with offices in various countries. The organization focuses on agricultural research and policy analysis, aiming to improve food systems and promote sustainable agricultural practices. IFPRI collaborates with various partners, including governments, NGOs, and international organizations, to implement projects that enhance food security and nutrition. The organization employs a diverse team of experts and researchers dedicated to addressing global food challenges and promoting agricultural development.

Job Overview:
The position involves conducting follow-up data collection on food losses among potato producers in selected counties of Kenya. The selected survey firm will be responsible for tracking and re-interviewing a baseline sample of 500 potato farmers who were surveyed in May–June 202

• The primary objective is to administer a structured questionnaire using tablet-based data collection methods, ensuring high standards of data quality and documentation. This study aims to measure food losses in both physical quantities and economic value, identify loss points along pre- and post-harvest stages, and generate evidence to inform policy and programmatic interventions. The fieldwork is expected to take place between April and May 2026, and the findings will contribute to understanding food losses and improving agricultural practices in Kenya.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The selected survey firm will have several key responsibilities, including:

• Sample Tracking and Management: Track and locate the original baseline sample of 500 potato producers, implementing a structured tracking protocol that includes multiple contact attempts, mixed tracking methods (in-person and phone), and documentation of all contact attempts and outcomes.
• Survey Preparation and Data Collection: Develop a detailed fieldwork plan and timeline, translate the IFPRI-provided questionnaire into relevant local languages, program and administer the questionnaire on tablets using IFPRI-approved software, and provide feedback to IFPRI on questionnaire clarity and field implementation issues.
• Data Quality Assurance: Implement daily data quality checks, capture GPS coordinates during in-person visits, maintain supervisor oversight and spot checks during fieldwork, and ensure consistent application of consent procedures.
• Deliverables: Provide a plan and timeline for the collection of primary survey-based data, a cleaned and labeled dataset for completed interviews, and a final technical report that includes fieldwork descriptions, tracking outcomes, completion and replacement rates, sampling approaches, and summary tables of key indicators.

Required Qualifications:
The consultant or survey team leader must possess at least five years of professional experience in implementing surveys, particularly in the agricultural sector of Kenya. They should have a proven track record of building trust and good relations with interviewees and communities, along with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The ability to navigate local contexts and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders is essential for the success of this project.

Educational Background:
While specific educational qualifications are not explicitly stated, it is implied that a background in social sciences, agricultural studies, or a related field would be beneficial for understanding the context of the survey and effectively engaging with potato producers.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in conducting surveys, particularly in the agricultural sector. Experience in building relationships with communities and interviewees is crucial, as is familiarity with the local agricultural landscape in Kenya.

Languages:
The ability to communicate in English is mandatory, and proficiency in relevant local languages is highly desirable to facilitate effective communication with the potato producers during the survey.

Additional Notes:
The project is expected to be conducted as a follow-up study to a baseline survey, with fieldwork scheduled between April and May 202

• The consultant will be responsible for providing a technical and financial proposal, along with the CVs of authorized individuals involved in the project. The application deadline is set for February 2, 2026.