Since 2014, Busara has evolved from a small behavioral science lab in Nairobi into a boutique research and advisory organization. Our diverse team of over 130 staff from 15+ countries has engaged in diverse projects across more than 50 countries in sectors like agriculture, health, governance and inclusive finance. While headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, we have expanded our footprint with offices now in India, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Latin America.

About the role:

The Project Officer supports both the advisory and research arms of Busara by serving as the primary data collection person responsible for collecting qualitative, quantitative and administrative data as well as carrying out administrative and logistical roles.

The Project Officer will be expected to be able to produce and deliver quality outputs and high quality data in projects with the guidance of Manager/Coordinator/projects team, work on specific project tasks. In addition, the Project Officer will be expected to develop project management skills with support from Manager/ Coordinator, including the ability to proactively bring up challenges with project tasks assigned and develop solutions to successfully complete project tasks.

Additionally, the Project Officer will be expected, with the support from the Project Associate to manage a team of FOs. The Project Officer should also have the ability to work independently and as part of a team. The Project Officer will report to an Associate on project-based activities.

CORE PROJECT RESPONSIBILITIES: The Project Officer will have the following responsibilities on projects, but not limited to:

• Execute the core project responsibilities with the highest degree with respect to creativity, rigor, relevance, detail and timeliness
• Manage and execute field research activities from start to finish with minimal support from the Manager/ Coordinator
• Serve as the point person for projects during implementation, including training, and piloting
• Oversee daily field activities of projects
• Oversee field testing and piloting of survey instruments
• Lead instruction and facilitation of lab sessions
• Coordinate the transcriptions of data
• Coordinate translations and back-translations of data
• Train Field Officers for project Tasks
• Present daily field reports and feedback to staff in the research and advisory arms of Busara
• Prepare field budgets, and oversee and account for all project expenses as delegated
• Contribute to contextualization of research and data collection protocols
• Serve as the primary communication link between the project and the Manager/ Coordinator team
• Conduct weekly team meetings and troubleshoot challenges in the field or research lab
• Implement quality assurance protocols for all data collected
• Liaise with other project staff about work plan deliverables and ensure all field-based deliverables are met
• With support from the Project Manager, plan travel within Kampala or across regions of Uganda for project work and support field-related project tasks
• Take Field Officers’ and your feedback to the project manager to improve project team coordination and management
• Work with other project staff to ensure cohesive implementation of all protocols across Busara projects
• Ensure timely completion of project tasks as assigned
• Perform any other duty as may be assigned

CORE ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: The Project Officer will have the following organizational responsibilities to ensure a healthy and functioning organization:

• Effectively communicate across organizational teams
• Assist with internal initiatives where necessary
• Serve on internal committees when necessary

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Social Sciences, Public Policy, or related fields
• Qualitative, quantitative, and research skills
• Experience working in large scale research and data collection projects in Uganda
• Excellent management and organizational skills
• Flexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently independently and as part of a team
• Interest and experience working in a fast-paced working environment
• Fluency and excellent communication and writing skills with a mastery of English
• Ability to report in a timely manner on project activities
• High level of ethics and commitment to human subject protection in research

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience managing teams
• Familiarity with randomized controlled trials preferred
• Familiarity with behavioral science
• Familiarity with psychology or economics experiments

We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.