Research Specialist with Johannes Haushofer, Nairobi – Busara Center for Behavioral Economics

Research Specialist with Johannes Haushofer, Nairobi – Busara Center for Behavioral Economics

Organization: Busara Center for Behavioral Economics

Country: Kenya

Education: Bachelor’s, Master’s, other advanced degrees

Start Date (Earliest): 1 March 2024

Start Date (Latest): 1 September 2024

Language Requirement: English

Length of Commitment: Two years

Johannes Haushofer’s academic projects team at the Busara Center for Behavioral Economics in Nairobi, Kenya is seeking applications for a research specialist. We conduct lab and field experiments in both developing and developed countries, addressing questions in development and behavioral economics.

The position is based at the Busara Center for Behavioral Economics in Nairobi, Kenya, which works with researchers and organizations to advance and apply behavioral science in pursuit of poverty alleviation. The successful applicant will participate in all aspects of the work, particularly around planning and execution of field and lab experiments and data analysis. The position is particularly appropriate for candidates with backgrounds in quantitative social science and experience in experimental methods and overseeing field studies.

Responsibilities include:

• Supervising the planning and implementation of lab and field studies

• Managing field and lab teams

• Liaising and coordinating with academic research teams and non-governmental organizations to conduct experimental research

• Programming tasks and questionnaires

• Analyzing administrative and experimental datasets

• Produce publication-quality tables and charts

• Preparing academic papers for publication

• Contributing to grant-writing, ethics approvals, and budgeting

About the candidate

Essential Qualifications and Traits:

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, statistics, political science, psychology, mathematics, or related discipline requiring substantial quantitative coursework

• Strong academic record

• Strong skills in econometrics and programming (especially STATA and/or R)

• Keen understanding of randomized controlled trials

• Strong ability to produce publication-quality deliverables and communicate the findings to a wide audience

• Strong analytical and writing skills

• Strong managerial and organizational skills

• Strong problem-solving skills, solution-oriented, with a mentality for continuous improvement of yourself and the organization

• Collaborative, collegial and excited to work with diverse teams

• Highly self-motivated and able to take initiative without much supervision

• Willingness to be based in Nairobi, Kenya for at least two years

Preferred Qualifications and Traits include:

• Master’s degree in Economics, Social Sciences, Public Policy or related fields

• Previous experience living and/or conducting research in low-income countries is highly valued

• Previous research experience in designing and conducting field and/or lab experiments

• Interest and training in development and behavioral economics

• Leadership potential with the ability to inspire and lead field and lab teams with intelligence, dedication and kindness

• Grant and paper writing experience

A two-year commitment is required. Initial appointment is for one year, with renewal pending

satisfactory performance. The proposed start date is flexible.