Research Specialist – Nairobi

 

 

Research Specialist – Nairobi

last updated July 13, 2025 10:04 UTC

Busara Center for Behavioral Economics

Busara Center for Behavioral Economics

 

HQ: Hybrid

 

OFF: Nairobi

Full-Time

All Other Remote

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About the Role

Busara, in collaboration with Oxford University, is seeking applications for a Research Specialist position. We conduct lab and field experiments in both developing and developed countries, addressing questions in development and behavioral economics. The successful applicant will work on academic projects supervised by Kate Orkin (University of Oxford), Matthew Ridley (University of Warwick), Alison Andrew (University of Oxford), Nate Barker (Northwestern University), Rob Garlick (Duke University).

The position is based at Busara 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 the planning and execution of field and lab experiments and data analysis. The position is particularly appropriate for candidates with backgrounds in quantitative social science, who have experience in overseeing field studies, and who have a strong proficiency in coding and data analysis. Applicants from Kenya are strongly encouraged to apply, and international applicants will be sponsored for a work visa. The successful applicant will engage across two ongoing strands of work with the research group.

First, the group has recently launched a large-scale randomised control trial to understand how mental health impacts labour market participation, including job search, job application quality, and workplace productivity. We will also evaluate the effects of a psychological intervention focused on difficulties surrounding work in the region on our chosen outcomes.

Second, the group is preparing another randomized control trial aimed at tackling the barriers young job seekers in Nairobi face along the path to attaining stable employment. The project will specifically focus on the role of information and will seek to understand the differential impacts of labour market frictions on men and women. This project is run in collaboration with Remit Kenya.

Responsibilities include:

Field Operations Management

Manage and oversee data collection efforts, including planning logistics for regular in-person and phone surveys.

Train enumerators and field teams to ensure consistency and accuracy in data collection.

Manage field teams at project sites from CBD/Kilimani in Nairobi, collect regular updates on data collection progress and spending, tackle any challenges the team faces, and escalate as appropriate

Conduct daily High Frequency Checks (HFCs) to identify and resolve data quality issues in real-time

Research Implementation & Coordination

Ensure the intervention and data collection adhere strictly to the research protocol

Liaise regularly with academic research teams outside the country via weekly calls, raise implementation concerns, and coordinate on corrective measures.

Support the design and implementation of the study at all stages of the randomized evaluation, in collaboration with Principal Investigators (PIs)

Document the data monitoring process, including any deviations from the original study design

Data Management & Quality Assurance

Code and troubleshoot surveys using tools such as SurveyCTO, Qualtrics, and support lab-based experiments via oTree

Implement randomization protocols

Establish and maintain robust data quality safeguards and auditing systems

Manage and clean data to ensure adherence to ethical standards and facilitate the replication of study results

Ensure the project complies with all relevant ethical requirements

Data Analysis

Analyze quantitative data generated by the experiment to produce insights and support reporting needs.

Essential Qualifications and Traits

Experience in team management in any context

Hold, or be close to completion of, a Bachelor’s or Master’s (preferred) degree in Economics, Statistics, Political Sciences, Psychology, Mathematics, or a related discipline requiring substantial quantitative coursework

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

Keen understanding of randomized controlled trials and experimental methods

Excellent oral and written communication skills in English

Strong managerial and organizational skills, and the ability to work under pressure

A systematic, thorough, and well-organised approach to work, with high levels of accuracy and attention to detail, and the ability to take responsibility for the delivery of research outputs to specific deadlines

A committed and collaborative team player, with the ability to work constructively and effectively with research partners

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

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

Demonstrated interest in development economics

Preferred Qualifications and Traits

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

Previous experience living and/or conducting research in low-income countries is highly valued for non-Kenyan candidates

Familiarity with survey programming in Survey CTO (strongly desired), Qualtrics, and/or equivalent

Experience conducting lab experiments using oTree will be an advantage

Experience in programming languages, especially Python, will be an advantage

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

Swahili fluency is a strong advantage

Contract Duration: An 18-month commitment is required. The initial appointment is for one year, with renewal pending satisfactory performance. The proposed start date is flexible.

Hiring Process: Applications for this position require you to include a statement of purpose (cover letter), your CV, and academic transcripts. Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide two letters of recommendation (ideally from previous supervisors or university professors who can speak to your relevant experience) and complete a coding test. This test will cover basic data handling, cleaning, and analysis skills. Candidates will be invited if shortlisted.

Employment Conditions and Support: As part of the employment package, the organization offers comprehensive support to international applicants, including coverage of reasonable relocation expenses, one annual return flight, and visa and immigration support to ensure a smooth and compliant transition. All employees are provided with a private medical insurance.