Location
Manchester and Kenya
Scope of business
The Geode Corporate Trust has a long-term commitment to water security around the world. Our current focus is the Nyanza Province of Western Kenya, where access to clean, sanitised water is non-existent in some rural communities. Achieving water security in Nyanza Province requires new solutions in an integrated and globalised world, where problems are often intertwined and we are therefore working with heads of state, ministers, farmers, NGOs, civil society and scientists to develop such innovative solutions.
Scope of role
The Geode Corporate Trust needs a research officer with an interest in African internal affairs or a commitment to sustainable development. You will join our research and development team, which works alongside the government and peoples of the Nyanza Province to come up with innovative and practical solutions to the water crisis in this region. This role will involve frequent travel to Western Kenya, sometimes for extended periods of time.
Responsibilities / Activities
- Carry out in-depth qualitative research in Nyanza Province to gain a good understanding of local perspectives of the issues surrounding water security in the region.
- Act as a link between local people and other Geode staff to ensure a partnership model of development which is culturally and ethically sensitive to local needs.
- Complete detailed reports for internal and external consumption. These will need to be written and presented in a manner that can be understood by expert and non-expert people.
- Attend conferences to explain the importance of our work and acquire the necessary permissions and funding from local governmental bodies.
- Monitor relevant policy outputs from governments and NGOs that may impact on our work in this region.
- Disseminate findings to scientists and engineers also working for the Geode Corporate Trust.
- Maintain an overview of the security situation in the region to ensure the safety of all Geode staff working in an inherently unstable area.
Skills required
- To have attained, or be likely to attain, at least a 2.i (upper second class) degree in any social science discipline.
- MA in Development Studies preferred (or a willingness to work towards one of these qualifications on appointment as part of our 3-year Graduate Training Programme).
- Work experience in relevant field preferred.
- Highly competent at conducting qualitative research (interviews, focus groups, etc.).
- Ability to research, analyse and evaluate complex issues for internal and external consumption.
- Sound knowledge of the cultural, social and political issues affecting development in Africa.
- Effective communicator both in writing and orally.
- Skilled and experienced in the use of Microsoft Office.
- Ability to build and develop internal and external relationships.
- Well organised and able to manage time effectively.
- Must be able to work independently and as part of a team (acting as its leader when required).
- Ability to work well under pressure.
Pay for this graduate position is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.