Research Officer , Lucknow, India

Job Code: 

 1302_Quant_Lko

Location: 

 Lucknow, India

Application Deadline: 

 February 14, 2013 - 18:30

MicroSave is seeking a RO to manage the research component of the Agent Network Accelerator Programme. It is a four year programme that will conduct extensive qualitative and quantitative research in eight selected countries around the world.  It will compile and analyse the data collected to distil best practices that will then formulate the basis for a curricula offered through the Institute for Digital Finance, which will be founded shortly in Nairobi, Kenya.

The major responsibilities of the position are to manage the research methodology and lead the analysis of the data collected, including:

• Implement the research methodology, including making adjustments and improvements to it when necessary.
• Manage a team of MicroSave qualitative researchers that will conduct interviews in the eight countries.
• Manage external firm(s) hired to complete the enumeration of large scale quantitative surveys, including field trainings of enumerators.
• Ensure that the data collected is cleaned, reliable, and maintained in an database using accepted best practices.
• Develop templates for producing short reports on the different agent networks surveyed, aggregated country reports, and assisting on occasional academic papers for publication.
• Analyze data collected in a statistical software package (likely STATA), conducting hypothesis testing using regression analysis and other statistical techniques.
• The RO must be ready and willing to travel when required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education/Training

• A minimum of a master's degree (or equivalent) in Econometrics, Statistics, Research or a related field.
• Interested persons should have three to six years in research and data analysis.  They need to be fluent in STATA and knowledge of other statistical software packages is a plus. Experience with development projects, and also with digital financial services will be valued highly.

Knowledge/Technical Skills

• Fluency in STATA, and potentially other statistical packages.
• In-depth understanding of research techniques including randomized controlled trials.
• Experience implementing techniques in a developing world environment, including creative problem solving to issues airing in the field.
• Sophisticated planning, organisational and time management skills, including flexibility, attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure to meet changing deadlines
• Analytical and problem solving skills of a high order, including the ability to formulate recommendations and advice
• Demonstrated ability to lead trainings
• Proven project planning and management experience
• Highly developed computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Excellent quality English speaking and writing ability and a professional demeanour.

Personal Skills

• Proven ability to work effectively in other cultures, communities and project teams
• A high degree of self-drive, enthusiasm, flexibility and ability to work with minimal supervision
• Strong communications skills, specifically presentation skills, training skills, and the ability to facilitate groups.
• Comfortable working in unstructured environments with high levels of uncertainty
• Ability to work under pressure yet deliver on time with attention to detail and accuracy
• Flexibility and willingness/ability to travel if necessary

Your CV (no more than 4 pages) and cover letter which should detail your skills and experiences and how they relate to the job description, should be emailed to MicroSave HR: HR@MicroSave.net, quoting "ref: Quantitative Research Officer" in the email subject line.

Your letter should also include your current salary, your salary expectations and notice period/available start date.

Apply