About the Role

Busara, in partnership with Oxford University, is hiring a Research Specialist. The role involves conducting lab and field experiments in both developing and developed countries, focusing on issues in development and behavioral economics. The successful candidate will work on academic projects led by Kate Orkin (University of Oxford), Matthew Ridley (University of Warwick), Alison Andrew (University of Oxford), Nate Barker (Northwestern University), and Rob Garlick (Duke University).

The position is based at Busara’s Nairobi office, which collaborates with researchers and organizations to apply behavioral science to reduce poverty. The role includes involvement in all project phases, especially in planning and implementing lab and field experiments, as well as data analysis. Ideal candidates will have a background in quantitative social sciences, experience managing fieldwork, and strong coding and data analysis skills. Kenyan applicants are especially encouraged to apply, and international candidates will receive visa sponsorship. The successful applicant will contribute to two ongoing research projects.

The first project is a large-scale randomized controlled trial studying how mental health affects labor market behaviors such as job searching, application quality, and productivity. It also evaluates a psychological intervention targeting employment-related mental health challenges.

The second project, in collaboration with Remit Kenya, is another randomized controlled trial exploring barriers young job seekers in Nairobi face in securing stable employment. It focuses on the role of information and examines how labor market challenges affect men and women differently.

Key Responsibilities

Field Operations Management

– Oversee data collection, including planning logistics for in-person and phone surveys
– Train enumerators and field teams to ensure accurate and consistent data collection
– Manage field teams in Nairobi (CBD/Kilimani), monitor progress and spending, address challenges, and escalate issues as needed
– Conduct daily High Frequency Checks (HFCs) to maintain data quality

Research Implementation & Coordination

– Ensure interventions and data collection follow research protocols
– Maintain regular communication with international academic teams, raise implementation issues, and coordinate solutions
– Assist in designing and implementing all stages of the randomized evaluations with Principal Investigators
– Document data monitoring processes and any deviations from the original study design

Data Management & Quality Assurance

– Program and troubleshoot surveys using tools like SurveyCTO and Qualtrics; support lab experiments using oTree
– Implement randomization protocols
– Set up and maintain strong data quality and auditing systems
– Clean and manage data to meet ethical standards and support reproducibility
– Ensure compliance with ethical guidelines

Data Analysis

– Analyze experimental data to generate insights and support reporting

Essential Qualifications and Attributes

– Experience managing teams in any setting
– Bachelor’s or near-complete Master’s degree (preferred) in Economics, Statistics, Political Science, Psychology, Mathematics, or a related field with strong quantitative training
– Proficiency in econometrics and programming (especially STATA and/or R)
– Solid understanding of randomized controlled trials and experimental methods
– Excellent written and spoken English
– Strong organizational and management skills, with the ability to work under pressure
– Detail-oriented and systematic, with a commitment to delivering high-quality research outputs on time
– Collaborative team player with the ability to work effectively with research partners
– Self-motivated and capable of working independently
– Willingness to live in Nairobi, Kenya, for at least two years
– Demonstrated interest in development economics

Preferred Qualifications and Attributes

– Prior experience designing and running field or lab experiments
– Experience living or conducting research in low-income countries (especially for non-Kenyan candidates)
– Familiarity with SurveyCTO (strongly preferred), Qualtrics, or similar tools
– Experience using oTree for lab experiments is a plus
– Programming skills, especially in Python, are an advantage
– Background or training in development and behavioral economics
– Leadership potential with the ability to guide field and lab teams with intelligence, dedication, and empathy
– Fluency in Swahili is a strong asset

Contract Duration

The position requires an 18-month commitment. The initial contract is for one year, with the possibility of renewal based on performance. The start date is flexible.

Hiring Process

Applicants must submit a statement of purpose (cover letter), CV, and academic transcripts. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide two letters of recommendation (preferably from previous supervisors or professors) and complete a coding test covering basic data handling, cleaning, and analysis.

Employment Conditions and Support

The organization offers comprehensive support for international hires, including coverage of reasonable relocation costs, one annual return flight, and assistance with visa and immigration processes. All employees receive private medical insurance.