Research Assistants will play a vital role in gathering high-quality qualitative and quantitative data to support program learning, accountability, and improvement across PWJ’s priority thematic areas, including Livelihoods, Shelter, WASH & Solid Waste Management. The position reports to the MEAL Officer or M&E Lead, working closely with project teams to ensure accurate, reliable, and timely data collection using digital tools.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct household surveys, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs)
• Assist respondents in interpreting interview questions to ensure a complete and accurate response.
• Engage directly with refugees, host communities, and other vulnerable groups.
• Record, organize, and transcribe qualitative notes accurately
• Use digital data collection platforms for field surveys
• Support data quality checks, cleaning, and verification processes
• Adhere to community entry protocols and uphold PWJ’s humanitarian principles
• Perform additional tasks as required during emergency response activities

Minimum Qualifications

• Diploma/Certificate in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Community Development, Agriculture, Environmental Health, Monitoring & Evaluation, IT, or any related field
• Bachelor’s degree is a further advantage
• Prior experience as a Research Assistant, Field Data Collector, or Enumerator is desirable.
• Proficiency in digital data collection platforms (e.g., Kobo Collect, ODK, SurveyCTO, Comcare)
• Competency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Accurate typing and data entry skills
• Fluency in English; knowledge of Swahili, local language (Turkana) and/or refugee community languages (Somali, Nuer, Dinka, Arabic) is an asset.
• Ability to comprehend the research questions.