The Rainforest Alliance is an international non-profit organization working at the intersection of business, agriculture, and forests. With a mission to create a world where people and nature thrive in harmony, the Alliance promotes sustainable practices, builds strong collaborations, and drives forward innovative solutions to some of the most pressing environmental and social challenges.
In Kenya, the organization continues to play a vital role in ensuring responsible practices that protect biodiversity while improving the livelihoods of farming and forest communities. To deliver on this mission, the Rainforest Alliance leverages technology, data, and innovation to strengthen accountability and efficiency in its global programs.
As part of its commitment to digital transformation, the Technology department is spearheading the development and implementation of a strategic Digital Product Roadmap that supports global business initiatives and assurance programs. This involves creating, refining, and maintaining digital solutions that support field data collection, survey analysis, and reporting.
To strengthen this work, the Rainforest Alliance is seeking a Junior Survey Engineer to join the Nairobi office. This role is a unique opportunity for an early-career professional passionate about technology, data, and sustainable development. The selected candidate will work at the heart of survey design, automation, and data integration while supporting the organization’s efforts to make impactful, evidence-based decisions.
Position: Junior Survey Engineer
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Organization: Rainforest Alliance
Posted On: September 22, 2025
Application Deadline: October 3, 2025
Level: 5
Position Summary
The Junior Survey Engineer will support the design, development, and maintenance of digital survey tools and associated data pipelines. This includes working with platforms such as XLSForm and KoBoToolbox, developing automation scripts, building APIs, and ensuring survey data is efficiently integrated with internal and external systems.
The role requires strong technical skills in Python programming, data manipulation, and API development, alongside effective collaboration and communication skills to work with diverse teams across the organization.
This is an exciting position for a motivated and detail-oriented individual who thrives in problem-solving, values precision in data handling, and is eager to contribute to global initiatives that promote sustainability and inclusivity.
Key Responsibilities
As a Junior Survey Engineer, your role will cover several core areas of responsibility:
1. Data Integration
- Use Python to extract, transform, and load (ETL) survey data through APIs.
- Ensure seamless data flow between survey platforms, internal systems, and external partners.
- Maintain data consistency and reliability across digital products.
2. Automation
- Develop Python scripts that automate repetitive survey processes.
- Streamline data collection, cleaning, validation, and reporting workflows.
- Optimize data management to improve operational efficiency.
3. API Development
- Design, implement, and maintain APIs that facilitate smooth data exchange.
- Support the integration of survey tools with Rainforest Alliance platforms.
- Ensure APIs are secure, reliable, and scalable.
4. Data Schema Management
- Work with JSON and XML formats to define and validate data schemas.
- Maintain high standards of data quality and accuracy.
- Support schema updates to accommodate evolving survey requirements.
5. Quality Assurance
- Test survey forms to ensure accuracy, usability, and performance.
- Identify and resolve issues in data pipelines before deployment.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to continuously improve digital tools.
6. Collaboration and Support
- Work closely with field teams to design surveys that meet program needs.
- Provide technical guidance on the use of digital data collection tools.
- Partner with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot challenges and refine instruments.
Requirements
Technical Skills
- Basic experience in XLSForm and KoBoToolbox (or similar platforms such as ODK or SurveyCTO).
- Proficiency in Python, with hands-on experience in:
- Data manipulation libraries (e.g., Pandas, NumPy).
- Creating and consuming APIs (e.g., REST, FastAPI).
- Working with JSON and XML data formats.
- Understanding of data schemas and validation methods.
- Familiarity with Excel/Google Sheets for analysis and reporting.
Soft Skills
- Excellent time management and organizational abilities.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.
- Clear communication of technical concepts to diverse audiences.
- Ability to work collaboratively in multicultural and cross-functional teams.
Education
- Degree or certification in Computer Science, Data Science, GIS, Survey Engineering, or a related field.
- Prior experience with digital survey tools and Python scripting will be considered an added advantage.
Application Process
Candidates will undergo a technical assessment as part of the recruitment process. This evaluation will measure proficiency in:
- .NET
- API development
- Cloud technologies
- DevOps practices
Applicants should be legally authorized to work in Kenya.
Diversity and Inclusion
At the Rainforest Alliance, diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just values—they are integral to the mission. The organization is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other protected category.
The Rainforest Alliance is committed to building a workplace where differences are valued, innovation thrives, and everyone can contribute their best.
Notes
- Only candidates legally authorized to work in Kenya will be considered.
- Any questions regarding the vacancy may be directed to the HR department at [email protected].
How to Apply
If you are ready to bring your technical skills to an organization that is driving global sustainability, this is your opportunity. The Rainforest Alliance is looking for a dynamic Junior Survey Engineer to help transform the way data informs impact.
