Overview
Junior Researcher Jobs in Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya at Square41 Jobs
Title: Junior Researcher
Company: Square41 Jobs
Location: Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
About Bodhi Global Analysis
Bodhi Global Analysis is a woman-led international development research consultancy established in London in 2017, with subsidiaries in Nairobi, Singapore, Dar es Salaam, and The Hague. The organisation specialises in formative and evaluative research through participatory approaches, with expertise spanning conflict analyses, political economy assessments, gender and inclusion studies, and monitoring and evaluation. Bodhi works with UN agencies, bilateral donors, INGOs, and foundations across fragile and conflict-affected contexts in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
About The Role
This is an entry-level research and evaluation position, primarily remote, where you will contribute to and lead individual components of research and evaluation projects across the project cycle. You will build technical skills and thematic expertise under the guidance of senior team members, working on activities ranging from literature reviews and tool development through to data collection, analysis, and report writing.
Your responsibilities
Research & Analysis
- Contribute to and lead individual research and evaluation components, including literature and desk-based reviews, tool development, data collection, analysis, and report writing.
- Conduct literature and desk reviews using high-quality secondary sources, adhering to Bodhi’s guidelines and quality standards.
- Perform cleaning and coding of quantitative and qualitative data, interpreting findings in line with the relevant analytical framework.
- Support fieldwork planning, including scheduling KIIs and FGDs, and liaising with national consultants.
- Conduct remote and in-person data collection activities as appropriate, including training of enumerators, key informant interviews and focus group discussions.
Proposals & Dissemination
- Contribute to the identification of tenders and development of proposals by researching clients, existing programmes, and development topics.
- Communicate research findings through reports, articles, and data presentations, and identify opportunities for external dissemination (social media, webinars, conferences).
Learning & Professional Development
- Actively engage in learning opportunities to build skills in thematic areas and data analysis tools (LLMs, Python) and frameworks (PEA, GESI, Do No Harm, Theory of Change, participatory methods).
- Seek feedback and mentorship, and participate in training sessions and workshops.
Operations & Compliance
- Manage tasks efficiently to meet project deadlines; identify and mitigate risks related to research activities.
- Follow organisational protocols for data management, confidentiality, and ethical research practices.
- Collaborate with team members and foster a positive working environment through open communication.
Key requirements
Essential
- MA in a relevant field (Development Studies, International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies, or related discipline).
- Thematic interest in one or more of Bodhi’s core areas, including conflict and fragility, gender equality and social inclusion, peace building, youth, or displacement.
- 2-3 years of relevant research experience.
- Fluency in English; additional languages an asset.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
- Willingness and enthusiasm for extended in-person fieldwork in challenging environments, with the ability to travel on short notice for deployments of 2-4 weeks
Core Competencies
- Strong analytical and report-writing skills, with the ability to communicate clearly to diverse audiences.
- Proficiency in, or genuine interest in developing, qualitative and quantitative research methods; training will be provided.
- Familiarity with KII/ FGD guide or survey tool development is an advantage.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; knowledge of NVivo (qualitative), Python (quantitative) or similar tools is an added advantage.
Additional information
- A fixed-term contract (1 year, renewable based on performance) with a growing, missiondriven organisation
- Competitive gross monthly salary, commensurate with experience and qualifications
- Exposure to research and evaluation projects for UN agencies, bilateral donors, and leading INGOs across Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, and South East Asia
- Opportunities for international fieldwork across diverse contexts
- Structured professional development support, including access to Bodhi’s internal training resources and mentorship from senior team members
- A collaborative working culture that values women’s leadership, local expertise, and rigorous research standards
- A primarily remote working arrangement
How to apply
To apply, please visit our careers page at bodhiglobalanalysis.com/jobs and follow the application instructions for this role.
You Will Be Invited To Submit
- A CV demonstrating relevant evaluation experience, technical skills, and language proficiency
- A cover letter addressing your evaluation experience in Francophone contexts, your approach to mixed-methods research, and your experience with fieldwork.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early application is encouraged, as we may close the vacancy before the deadline for exceptional candidates.
