Consultancy for Survey Implementer to Collect Experimental Quantitative Survey in Kenya

Job Posting Organization:
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is a research organization that aims to provide evidence-based solutions to reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition. Established in 1975, IFPRI operates in over 40 countries and employs more than 300 staff members, including researchers, policy analysts, and support staff. The organization focuses on agricultural research and policy analysis, working collaboratively with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to improve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and nutrition worldwide.

Job Overview:
The position of Survey Implementer is crucial for the successful execution of a research study aimed at understanding the impact of breadwinner strain on economic behavior and participation in communal seed banks. The implementer will be responsible for conducting a lab-in-the-field experiment involving approximately 400 farming individuals in Vihiga County, Kenya. This role requires the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data to explore how the mental and emotional pressures of being the primary provider affect individuals' willingness to contribute to communal resources and their economic decision-making processes. The implementer will work closely with the IFPRI team to ensure that the survey is designed effectively and that data collection is conducted ethically and efficiently. The role also involves facilitating focus group discussions to enhance data collection and participant engagement, ensuring that the research adheres to ethical standards and local regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Survey Implementer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: translating the survey instrument and interview guides into local languages, obtaining necessary ethics clearance and research permits, and ensuring compliance with local regulations. The implementer will also be responsible for acquiring tablets for computer-assisted personal interviews (CAPI), developing and finalizing the CAPI data entry program, and preparing a field implementation manual for enumerator training. Additionally, the implementer will organize the hiring and payment of enumerators and focus group discussion facilitators, ensuring gender balance and relevant language skills among the staff. The role includes facilitating enumerator training, conducting a pretest of the survey, developing a field schedule for data collection, and providing regular updates during the fieldwork. The implementer will also be responsible for data management, including conducting data cleaning, sharing data with IFPRI, and delivering cleaned datasets in Stata format. Finally, the implementer will organize and facilitate focus group discussions, ensuring participant comfort and confidentiality, and will deliver a final report summarizing the findings and any challenges encountered during the research process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate substantial experience in conducting both quantitative and qualitative survey fieldwork in Kenya within the last five years. Preference will be given to those with experience in implementing field and lab-in-the-field experiments. Applicants should possess expert knowledge of the local context and languages relevant to the target areas, as well as experience in building trust and maintaining good relationships with community leaders and interviewees. Strong program management skills are essential, along with a proven track record of successfully coordinating large field teams and managing deliverables. Proficiency in computer skills, particularly with CAPI and statistical software packages, is required. Additionally, candidates should have experience in obtaining local ethics review and permits for research activities.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is essential for this position, ideally in fields such as social sciences, public health, or a related discipline. Candidates should possess a degree that supports their understanding of survey methodologies, data collection techniques, and ethical considerations in research. Advanced degrees may be preferred, particularly for roles that involve complex data analysis and interpretation.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of five years of experience in survey implementation, particularly in the context of agricultural or economic research. Experience in managing field teams and conducting training sessions for enumerators is crucial. Familiarity with the local context and previous work in similar research projects will be highly advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in local languages spoken in Vihiga County is highly desirable. This linguistic capability will facilitate effective communication with participants and ensure accurate data collection.

Additional Notes:
The period of performance for this consultancy is expected to be from June to September 202

• This position is open only to firms, and interested applicants must submit a cost proposal along with their application. The organization emphasizes that only selected applicants will be contacted, and they are unable to respond to every applicant individually. The role is expected to be full-time during the data collection phase, and the selected firm will need to manage all aspects of the project, including sourcing the necessary human resources.