Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a United States-based non-profit organization dedicated to creating, evaluating and replicating innovative solutions to poverty and policy problems worldwide. IPA specializes in using the randomized controlled trial methodology to evaluate the impact of development programs.
Job Description
Research Associate – 770077-1,Testing Agriculture Technologies
Summary
IPA Ghana seeks a Research Associate who will support a study which aims to determine the relative performance of various imported and locally developed new maize varieties through on-farm trials across the three northern regions. The lead researchers on this study are Shashidhara Kolavalli of the International Food Policy Research Institute, and Christopher Udry and Dean Karlan of Yale University.
This position will be based in Tamale, with required travel across the Northern, Upper East and Upper West Regions. The position is for one year, with a possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funds.
Job Description
The position will involve development of survey instruments in conjunction with the Principal Investigators, manage the incoming data to ensure high data quality, and supervise a team of field staff to ensure all research protocols are adhered to. In addition, the Research Associate will support the team set up the on-farm trials, collect monitoring data and conduct qualitative interviews to better understand how farmers evaluate these new varieties.
Specifically, the Research Associate will:
•Develop and pilot survey instruments; manage translation into local languages;
•Manage the logistics of the survey, including managing the budget, timelines, field staff recruitment, training and payroll, and procurement;
•Ensure adherence to data quality protocols, including auditing , monitoring data collection, and conducting data quality audits;
•Manage critical high-level relationships with partner organizations;
•Participate in meetings with key stakeholders and present research findings;
•Write reports detailing research findings and proposed interventions;
•Oversee funding and human subjects approval applications, and ensure that all necessary approvals are in place;
•Perform related duties as assigned by supervisor; and
•Maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures
•Keep both the rest of the research team, and the management team routinely updated on activities, concerns, and decisions that need to be made.
Required Skills or Experience
•A bachelor’s degree in agronomy, agriculture economics, or related fields;
•Excellent management and organizational skills along with strong quantitative skills;
•Fluency in English with strong communication skills;
•Knowledge of Stata (strongly preferred) or other data analysis software;
•Familiarity with randomized controlled trials preferred;
•Flexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and team player; and
•Demonstrated ability to manage high-level relationships with partner organizations.
How To Apply
Follow this link and complete all required information:
http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/2086721/TESTING-AGRICULTURAL-TECHNOLOGIES-PILOT-RESEARCH-ASSOCIATE
•The vacancy number for this position is: 770077-1
•Note that a Cover Letter and CV will be required to complete the form. Incomplete applications, or applications not completed through the web-form will not be considered.
•The deadline for applications to this position is April 21th 2015 but applications will be screened until a suitable candidate is found. Start date is ASAP.
•Due to the high volume of applications received by IPA, only those candidates who are selected for an interview will be contacted by email or phone.
