Research Specialist

ABOUT RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE (RTI)

Research Triangle Institute (RTI) has over 30 years of experience assisting governments, communities, and the private sector. As a not-for-profit, an independent research institute based in North Carolina, USA, RTI has roughly 5,000 employees with global experience implementing international development projects. RTI's Sustainable Growth & Resilience (SG&R) technical unit within the International Development Group brings together RTI experts and capabilities across food security, agriculture, energy, environment, water, governance, and economic opportunity. SG&R will leverage RTI's experience designing and delivering multisectoral programming and technical solutions to respond to climate change, build resilience, and promote economic growth around the world.

ABOUT SG&R’s Global Food Security and Agriculture portfolio

SG&R’s Global Food Security and Agriculture portfolio is working to strengthen agricultural markets, engage youth and women as critical leaders of the on- and off-farm workforce, and tackle the dual burden of malnutrition around the globe. RTI’s work is helping foster stronger food systems, reduce malnutrition in all its forms, build resilience and engage the next generation of food security leaders. RTI is currently partnering on nearly 30 projects in East Africa, including activities focused on private sector-driven agricultural growth in Rwanda and market systems development in Kenya.

ABOUT FIRST CONSULT

First Consult is a leading economic development consulting firm implementing projects in Ethiopia. Founded in 2006, First Consult (FC) has grown to design and implement projects across the agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors. Our multidisciplinary teams combine a capacity to execute with clarity of the local context. As a result, we have delivered at-scale real impact in terms of jobs & wealth creation, business formation & growth, and investment attraction & mobilization.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The purpose of the USAID/Ethiopia Food and Agriculture Systems Transformation (FAST) Activity is to increase access to healthy diets, particularly for women and children, by improving competitiveness, inclusiveness, and resilience of the Ethiopian food and agriculture system. FAST will also increase incomes gained from agriculture by as much as 40 percent over the next five years. To achieve its goals FAST must collaborate intensively with other USAID-funded projects working in the food and agriculture sector.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Research Specialist, based at the head office in Addis Ababa, is responsible to provide review and technical advice, contributing to the development and implementation of studies, assessments, and performance evaluations conducted for the Project. 

In addition to the specific tasks stated below, s/he is expected to contribute fully as a project team member, conducting him/herself in proper decorum at all times as a representative of the project, and is responsible for the safekeeping and care of all project assets assigned to him/her. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Conduct periodical assessments and studies on the environment affecting the Ethiopian food and agriculture system
• Develop and maintain macroeconomic and agri-business quantitative and qualitative data sets
• Follow up on Ethiopia’s economic developments relevant to ETA and share with the team
• Identify and acquire publications relevant to the project’s areas of work and share them with teams
• Manage digital and print knowledge materials, ensuring organized storage in shared drives as well as shelves
• Create, plan, organize and lead internal knowledge-sharing, capacity building and learning activities such as monthly Brown Bag Lunch (BBL) discussion sessions and coaching and mentorship by different Team Leads.
• Carry out assessments and support in the implementation of the Communications Strategy
• Produce analytical publications and success stories including case studies
• Produce/adapt write-ups, news and success stories for posting on the website
• Assist in reviews and signs-off on the technical content of targeted and focused surveys
• Works closely with the CLA lead and RTI home office to maintain the internal work plan up-to-date and participates in routine check-ins to ensure key deadlines are met.
• Works closely with the CLA lead in managing the division & demanding workload to ensure deliverables are prioritized effectively (with a major emphasis on meeting contractual requirements to donors);
• Supports the CLA lead in updating plans and preparing quarterly and annual progress reports to USAID.
• Performs additional managerial duties as assigned by CLA lead or other

• A master’s degree (or higher) in agricultural economics, development studies, social sciences, public policy or a relevant field from a recognized University/College
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience working with USAID is a Plus
• Strong demonstrated skills in planning, MEL and programming adaptation, inclusion, and budgeting.
• Proven expertise in quantitative and qualitative methodologies, operations research, governance management information systems, reporting, data quality assessments, data analysis and presentation.
• Proven and demonstrated experience in designing surveys (including sampling methodologies) (household, enterprise, market, etc…) and facilitation of survey-based activities.
• Knowledge of Macro and Micro-economic indicators and experience with analysis and interpretation of the indicators specifically within the Ethiopian context.
• In-depth familiarity with, understanding of, and ability to successfully navigate within the Ethiopian context preferred.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving capacities – ability to identify issues with contractual implications, ensure consistent donor reporting and support teams in providing appropriate analyses of activities.
• Good interpersonal skills and a good team player
• Ability to work independently and shoulder delegated authority
• Strong technical and analytic capacities and sound judgment
• Professional fluency in English (both spoken and written) and strong command of Amharic is required, additional local language is a plus.
• Excellent computer skills; Good proficiency in Microsoft Office – significant experience with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
• Experience with data collection platforms such as Tangerine, Kobotoolbox, ODK, etc
• Proficient with statistical and data visualization software packages (STATA, SPSS and Power Bi)

How To Apply

The applicant is required to carry out his/her duties in accordance with First Consult’s Safeguarding policy and the Code of conduct. All applicants should be aware that our organization is committed to safeguard our programme participants, staff, representatives of the organization and community members we work with is our top priority in everything we do, including recruitment. By applying, you acknowledge and agree to adhere the First Consult recruitment procedure in which all offers are subject to satisfactory background checks.  By submitting your application, you consent to the use of your personal data for recruitment purposes. All documents requested by First Consult at various stages of the recruitment process will be used for this purpose only. Competent candidates should submit their one-page cover letter and updated CVs only to: jobs@firstconsultet.com before June 13,2024. Candidates MUST refer to the position title " Research Specialist" in the subject line of their email and applications