Busara Center for Behavioral Economics is Hiring: Research Specialist (Nairobi, Kenya)

The Busara Center for Behavioral Economics, in collaboration with leading academics from Oxford, Warwick, Duke, and Northwestern universities, is currently inviting applications for a full-time Research Specialist position based in Nairobi, Kenya.

This is an excellent opportunity for early-career researchers with strong quantitative skills and a passion for experimental research in development and behavioral economics. The role offers the chance to contribute meaningfully to cutting-edge randomized controlled trials (RCTs) addressing critical labor and mental health challenges in low-income contexts.

Deadline to apply: August 8, 2025. Early submissions are strongly encouraged, as applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

About the Role

The Research Specialist will work closely with a team of principal investigators, including Kate Orkin (Oxford), Matthew Ridley (Warwick), Alison Andrew (Oxford), Nate Barker (Northwestern), and Rob Garlick (Duke), to design, implement, and analyze behavioral field and lab experiments.

The role is embedded at Busara’s Nairobi office — a vibrant research and advisory organization advancing behavioral science for social impact across Africa. While international candidates are welcome and will receive visa and relocation support, Kenyan applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

Project Focus

The selected candidate will support two ongoing RCTs:

1. Mental Health and Labor Market Outcomes
   A multi-phase evaluation examining how mental health influences job-seeking behavior, employment outcomes, and workplace productivity. The project also tests a psychological intervention designed to improve labor market outcomes through enhanced mental well-being.
2. Barriers to Youth Employment in Nairobi
   A randomized evaluation in partnership with Remit Kenya, exploring how information frictions affect young job seekers’ transition into stable employment. Special attention will be given to the differential effects of these barriers on men and women.

Key Responsibilities

Field Operations Management

• Oversee in-person and phone-based data collection activities.
• Coordinate enumerator training, field logistics, and supervision.
• Conduct daily data quality checks (High Frequency Checks) and escalate issues as needed.

Research Implementation

• Ensure all field activities adhere strictly to the research protocol.
• Coordinate weekly with principal investigators and academic partners.
• Support intervention design, monitoring, and documentation of deviations from original plans.

Data Management & Quality Assurance

• Program digital surveys using tools like SurveyCTO, Qualtrics, and oTree (for lab studies).
• Implement randomization protocols and auditing systems to uphold data integrity.
• Clean and manage datasets in preparation for replication and analysis.

Data Analysis

• Perform econometric analysis using Stata and/or R.
• Translate quantitative findings into actionable insights for academic and policy reporting.

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (preferred) in Economics, Statistics, Political Science, Psychology, Mathematics, or related quantitative fields.
• At least 1–2 years of experience in team management, research coordination, or field operations.
• Strong command of STATA and/or R, and familiarity with randomized controlled trials.
• Excellent English communication skills (written and verbal).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet tight deadlines.
• Commitment to being based in Nairobi for at least two years.
• Deep interest in development economics, labor markets, and behavioral interventions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with field or lab-based research.
• Proficiency in survey programming (SurveyCTO strongly preferred).
• Familiarity with oTree, Python, and/or behavioral game design.
• Experience working in or researching low-income contexts (especially relevant for non-Kenyan applicants).
• Fluency in Swahili is a significant advantage.

What Busara Offers

• An 18-month renewable contract, with initial one-year appointment and potential for extension.
• Relocation support for international hires, including:
  • Coverage of reasonable relocation costs
  • One annual return flight
  • Private medical insurance
  • Visa sponsorship and immigration support
• Opportunities for professional growth and collaboration with globally recognized researchers.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit the following:

• Statement of Purpose (cover letter)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Academic transcripts

Applications missing any of the required documents will not be considered.

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to:

• Provide two recommendation letters (preferably from academic or supervisory references).
• Complete a coding assessment (data cleaning, handling, and analysis).

Apply by August 8, 2025 via the Busara job portal. Given the rolling review process, early applications are encouraged.

Be Part of Research That Matters

This is more than a job—it’s a chance to engage in rigorous, policy-relevant research that shapes how we understand mental health, employment, and economic behavior in low-income settings.

Whether you’re looking to deepen your technical research skills, explore a PhD path, or gain first-hand experience in applied behavioral economics, this role offers a powerful platform to grow.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.