NAFASI 2 ZA KAZI RESEARCH ASSISTANTS

 

Location

Other Mara District Mara

Description

Summary:
I have an opening for two Research Assistants (RAs) in Rorya and Tarime Districts. The Research Assistants' primary duties will be conducting interviews with local citizens, at times alone and at times with me. Preference will be given to candidates who speak Kiswahili, Dholuo and English fluently. Fluency in speaking, reading and writing in Kiswahili and English is an absolute must. Candidates must have experience using ODK technologies for data collection. The RA is responsible to the Principal Investigator (PI), Alesha Porisky. This research is being conducted as part of the requirements for a PhD in Political Science at the University of Toronto, by the Principal Investigator, Alesha Porisky. The research examines the impacts of state social assistance on perceptions and practices of citizenship in Tanzania and Kenya.
The position requires the successful candidates to relocate to Rorya and Tarime districts at their own expense. Preference will be given to candidates who have knowledge of Rorya and Tarime districts. Candidates must be willing to both live and work in rural areas for long periods of time. Candidates who are able to work flexible hours and six days per week are preferred.
The research will commence October 15, 2017. There are two expected research periods. First October 15 - December 8, 2017. Second, January 15, 2018 - March 15, 2018. Candidates must be willing and able to work both periods. Transcription work will be offered to successful candidates during the December 8, 2017 - January 15, 2018, period.
Training in qualitative research methods will be given to all successful applicants. I am willing to train applicants who do not experience in quantitative research methods but do not have experience in qualitative research methods.
Female applicants are highly encouraged to apply.
Primary Duties:

1. Assistance with logistical planning, including but not limited to the selection of research sites and participants alongside the Principal Investigator
2. Organization of transportation, meetings with local and government officials and individuals, among others
3. Translation in preparation for and during interviews and ethnographic observation. Translation services include, but are not limited to, verbatim translations during the conduct of interviews and the translation of interview questions.
4. Conducting interviews with or without the presence of the Principal Investigator. The interviews will be conducted and recorded using the interview guide provided by the Principal Investigator. The interviews will be conducted with the aid of the Survey CTO mobile application, and all responses will be recorded on Survey CTO using the mobile phones provided Principal Investigator.
5. Recording interview notes and/or focus group discussions and translating these notes into English, as required by the Principal Investigator and in line with an agreed upon timeline for completion.
6. Ethnographic observation, including informal conversations on subjects relevant to the research as agreed to by both the Research Assistant and Principal Investigator.
7. Provide mother tongue speaker insight during analysis of interview data, including identifying and explaining implicit cultural meanings to the PI.

Required Qualifications:

1. High level of fluency in Kiswahili and English.
2. Able to provide translation from Kiswahili to English and/or Dholuo to English.
3. Ability to identify and explain subtle differences between Kiswahili/Dholuo/English phrases and meanings.
4. Strong interpersonal skills.
5. Able to work independently with minimal supervision and complete tasks in a timely manner.
6. Experience with ODK technologies; ability to type quickly and accurately on an android phone.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Experience with qualitative social science research
2. Experience with Kiswahili-English and/or Dholuo-English translations
3. Fluency in Dholuo preferred, but not required.
4. University Degree in the Social Sciences
5. Knowledge of, and experience living and/or working in the area where research is being conducted.

Applications Requirements:
Please send an email to the PI with the following information and documents:

1. A cover letter describing your knowledge and experience, and why you want to work on the project
2. A CV detailing your qualifications and work experience
3. Contact information for at least two references
4. Your current location and your experience living and working in Rorya and Tarime districts
5. Your availability for the period of research.

Remuneration:
Remuneration will be based on the applicant's experience.

JISAJILI NA UTUME MAOMBI