10 Research Assistants at Catholic Relief Services
Job Description
Title: Research Assistants (10)
Location: Kasese (05), Rubirizi and Ibanda (05)
Department: Program (MEAL)
Report to: Project Officer-MEAL
Country/Location: Uganda/Kampala
About CRS:
Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.
CRS has worked in Uganda since 1965, initially providing emergency assistance to Sudanese refugees living in the north. Over the years, CRS has expanded its programming to also address development needs in western, central, and eastern Uganda. CRS’ projects in Uganda currently include agriculture, health, microfinance, peacebuilding, and youth. CRS Uganda implements its programs through partnerships with local organizations, including the Catholic Church, other faith-based organizations and community entities for maximum impact and sustainability.
Background:
The Vines Project, implemented by CRS Uganda, is a five-year, $13 million Food for Progress project that will make Uganda the world’s next leading supplier of high-quality vanilla. Vines will leverage the expertise of CRS and its partners to enhance the production of safe, pure vanilla and develop sustainable market links with US vanilla companies, directly transforming the lives of 16,200 farmers, 836 supply chain actors and create 15,820 new jobs to reach 32,856 vanilla stakeholders. The Vines strategy reflects best practices in sustainable development and will leave Uganda with a robust vanilla farming community resilient to the boom/bust nature of the market and a cadre of private sector agricultural extensionists to support more sophisticated production, processing, and marketing needs.
CRS seeks to recruit 10 experienced Research Assistants. The Research Assistants’ responsibilities will be on a need-for-work basis and is not going to be a full-time job. The Research Assistants will work under the supervision of Vines Project Officer-MEAL and will be responsible for collection of panel data (pre and post-harvest data) from the Vines project participants (beneficiaries) in rural communities of Kasese, and Rubirizi, Ibanda using CommCare Mobile Application, providing important feedback on key issues of concern as they emerge during survey testing and data collection. Enumerators will participate in a training related to the tool before administering the survey in targeted households.
Job summary:
• Collect quality panel data at household level from the Vines project participants bi-annually.
• Collect vanilla field information especially the acreage, number of vines and other crops in the vanilla fields.
• Ensure that data entered in the CommCare mobile application is accurate and complete.
• Document and share feedback on the project from project participants and other stakeholders.
The duties and responsibilities of the data enumerator are as follows:
Pre-data Enumerators duties:
• Participate in the training workshop for the survey questionnaire to understand the requirements and contents.
• Participate in training workshop and orientation of the use of the CommCare based questionnaire.
• Participate in a questionnaire pretest and trial-run of the data processing and reporting.
Data Enumerators duties:
• Conduct face to face interviews with selected respondents using the survey questionnaire.
• Collect vanilla field information especially the acreage, physical counting of vines and other crops in the vanilla fields.
• Observe and document vanilla production practices and Natural Resources Management (NRM) and climate-risk management competencies.
• Enter responses to the CommCare application using data collection tablets.
• Ensure daily uploads of survey data into the server.
• Report key issues of concern during data collection and hand over to the team lead at end of each day.
• Exercise high level of security measures to avoid data loss and theft of devices.
• Ensure high level data integrity.
Post-Data Collection duties:
• Return all data collection gadgets and materials to survey supervisor.
• Answer any questions from the supervisor regarding the data uploaded.
• Maintain confidentiality of all the information under your access.
Essential Traits
• Honesty: Enumerators should be able to show a high level of integrity and will not fabricate responses.
• Ability to Communicate: Confidently expresses self, able to clearly ask questions and help the respondent understand what is needed from her/him.
• Relationship Building: Able to build trust with people at the rural level and maintain confidentiality.
• Cultural Awareness: Must be aware of and sensitive to the cultural expectations of communities in Karamoja.
• Accuracy: Must be able to interpret and record responses appropriately without distorting the respondent’s meaning.
• Endurance: Must be able to work for full day working hours in the field for several days.
Qualifications and Skills
Education and Experience:
• A bachelor’s degree in agriculture, or any other related research studies. Good understanding of research ethics and Data Quality Management
• Previous experience conducting data collection using mobile devices is a must.
• Highly organized individual, capable of handling multiple priorities, meeting deadlines, and managing time effectively.
• Must be available for the entire period.
• Ability to work independently as well as an effective team player.
• Willingness to work long hours to achieve set goals.
• MUST be fluent in one of the languages Lukhonzo and Runyakore.
• Working English language proficiency.
• Knowledge of CommCare Application is an added advantage but not a requirement.
• Previous experience in agricultural research especially vanilla is an added advantage
Note: In addition to the daily rate, enumerators will be provided with all travel arrangements for field data collection and piloting of the tools. Transport refund will be given to candidates participating in trainings conducted outside their district of residence. Meals and refreshment may not be provided during the data collection period. Per diems maybe given to candidates working outside their districts of residence however, people residing in the areas of operation are highly desirable.
Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):
Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.
• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
• Acts with Integrity – Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission. Is considered honest.
• Builds and Maintains Trust – Shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.
Agency Leadership Competencies:
• Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.
The deadline for receiving applications is no later than June 29, 2023, before 5 PM
