Research Assistant in Poverty & Social Protection
Akwa Ibom State University – Agricultural Economics & Extension Department
Location: Obio-Akpa Campus, Akwa Ibom State
Salary: NGN 50,000 – NGN55,000
Closes on: 24th November 2024
Hours: Full Time
Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract
We are excited to announce an opening for a Research Assistant for an externally funded project aimed at exploring the accessibility and potential use of mobile phone data, land registry information, and high-resolution satellite data for efficient targeting of cash transfer programs to impoverished and vulnerable people in Nigeria.
This is a full-time position (35 hours per week) for a duration of six months due to the nature of external funding. The successful candidate will be located in the Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension at the Faculty of Agriculture, Akwa Ibom State University. You will collaborate with a diverse multidisciplinary team of experts in Development Economics, Computer Science, and Social Protection. We also support occasional hybrid working arrangements.
You will report directly to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Otu Ibok ([email protected]), and the Co-Principal Investigator, Prof. Edna Akpan. For informal inquiries regarding the position, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Principal Investigator.
The job description for this role is attached below.
Job Description
Job Title: Research Assistant
Department: Agricultural Economics & Extension
Reporting to: Principal Investigator (PI) & Co-Principal Investigator
Duration: Fixed-term for 6 months
Working Hours: Full time/35 hours per week
Salary: NGN 50,000 – NGN55, 000
Start Date: After interview
Main purpose of the Role
As part of Girbaocke Labs, Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension at Akwa Ibom State University, we are seeking a dynamic and motivated Research Assistant for an exciting exploratory study focused on the accessibility and utilization of mobile phone, land registry, and high-resolution satellite data. This study aims to improve the targeting of cash transfer programs to impoverished and vulnerable populations in Nigeria.
The main role of the candidate filling this position will be to contribute to the exploratory research between Akwa Ibom State University and Innovation for Poverty Action. The exploratory research aims to investigate the availability of innovative data sources in Nigeria in order to improve existing targeting strategies for cash transfer programs in Nigeria. Within this agenda, the candidate will support ongoing activities such as those related to large-scale exploratory research.
Key duties and responsibilities
Assist in collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data related to the research.
Support the integration of mobile phone, land registry, and satellite data into the research framework.
Conduct literature reviews relevant to the study objectives and assist in designing the research methodology.
Collaborate with team members and partners to facilitate outreach and engagement activities.
Help prepare reports and presentations based on the findings of the study.
The post will involve a few travels and therefore the successful applicant is expected to meet this requirement. Also, the successful candidate must be able to work with a multidisciplinary team which comprises of researchers/partners in Development Economics, Computer Science, and Social Protection
Please note that these key duties and responsibilities are not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.
Personal Specification
This section details the attributes e.g. skills, knowledge/qualifications and competencies which are required in order to undertake the full remit of this post.
Qualifications:
· Bachelor’s degree (at least a second-class upper) in Agricultural Economics, Social Sciences, Data Science, or a related field.
· Strong analytical and research skills, with proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., Stata, R, or similar).
· Familiarity with mobile technology, land registration systems, and satellite data is an advantage.
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
· Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
Preferred Skills:
· Experience in poverty/social protection research or cash transfer programs.
· Knowledge of statistical and econometric modelling techniques.
· Familiarity with project management tools is a plus.
Benefits:
· Opportunity to gain hands-on research experience in an important area of social protection.
· Involvement in a project that aims to improve the lives of vulnerable populations in Nigeria.
· Networking opportunities with experts in the field of poverty alleviation and impact evaluation.
How to Apply
All interested candidates should send the following information to [email protected] on or before the deadline.
· A CV (including contact information for two references)
· A cover letter which details your experience, strengths and potential to meet the personal specification requirements and key duties for this role
· A job market/research paper
Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview which will be held virtually and will have the opportunity to meet key members of the research team.
Akwa Ibom State University is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
