Monday, November 21, 2011

RESEARCH ASSISTANT AND PROJECT ASSISTANT JOBS IN LEADING KENYAN BANK

A leading banking institution hereby invites applications from suitably qualified, experienced and
self-motivated candidates with proven track record to fill the positions advertised below.
The ideal candidates must be persons of high integrity, hardworking, able to work with minimum
supervision, possess good interpersonal and analytical skills, as well as be resourceful and selfmotivated.
Kindly note that these positions require flexibility for periodic travel within the country.

RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Terms of Employment: Contract, 2 years
Location: Nairobi

Key Responsibilities
The candidate will be expected to carry out the following research activities and specific
mandates:
• Assisting in the development of the research approach and data collection instruments;
and in the selection of statistical techniques, where needed.
• Collecting and compiling data and information, including literature reviews.
• Applying standard methods of statistical analysis and/or qualitative analysis to analyze
data as required.
• Carrying out fieldwork, interviews and focus groups discussions.
• Assisting in documenting research results and compiling detailed output reports and
highlighting findings and recommendations.
• Assisting in Global Positioning System (GPS) mapping as guided.
• Assisting with other research activities as directed.

Academic Qualifications
The ideal candidates should:
• Be a holder of a Masters Degree in Sociology, Economics or related discipline from a
recognized university.
• Have certification in analytical software packages, including: Statistical Package for the
Social Sciences (SPSS), Statistical Analysis System (SAS).

Other Key Attributes
The ideal candidates should have the following attributes:
• Good knowledge and understanding of the structure, key players and role of the financial
sector in Kenya.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in conducting data analysis and surveys in developing
countries. Experience of both qualitative and quantitative methodologies would be an
added advantage.
• Should have knowledge on data analysis software such as SAP and SPSS and other
fundamental computer programmes.
• Demonstrable experience in conducting and analyzing field research and managing a
local research team.
• Should have prior experience in the use of GPS mapping techniques and in the use of the
relevant equipment.
• Should have basic proficiency in the use of (or the aptitude to master at short notice)
electronic audio-visual recording media for use in data collection and transcription.
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including
Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write and edit
technical information.
• Demonstrable ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Detail oriented and able to interpret results in written form.
• Willingness and ability to spend extensive periods of time in remote areas throughout
Kenya.
• Punctuality, willingness to take initiative, ability to multitask, and willingness to work long
hours and under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills.

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

Before the Interview

Before your interview find out everything you can about the company (read their annual report which can be obtained by telephoning them). Re-read your application, thinking through your own career and the questions they might ask you. You should try to anticipate the general questions which they will ask and also prepare some questions to ask them.

To do well at the interview you will need to convince the interviewer you are technically qualified to do the job. You will also need to show that you are sufficiently motivated to get the job done well and that you will fit in with the company's organizational structure and the team in which you will work.

You should dress smartly for the interview and should leave home earlier than you need to on the day of the interview - you may be delayed by traffic or for other reasons. Be courteous to all employees of the company. At the interview itself you must be positive about yourself and your abilities - but do not waffle.

Here are some tips:

1. Assemble all necessary papers

  1. Resume or personal data sheet - Know your resume well enough that you can discuss every line if necessary
  2. Licenses, Social Security card and/or military records
  3.  Samples of work, if relevant
  4. List of questions you want to ask the interviewer about the job

Many employers will use your resume(CV) as a source of questions during the interview. Review your resume prior to the interview and be able to develop answers to questions that relate to your employment and educational experience listed on your resume. Be prepared to discuss gaps in employment. If called upon, you must be able to demonstrate the skills you stated on your resume. Focus your answers on the skills and experience that will be most useful to the position you are interviewing for.

2. Learn all you can about the prospective employer

  1. What are the products and services?
  2. What is its reputation?
  3. What types of jobs are available?
  4. What are the hiring policies and practices?