United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa), based in Nairobi, Kenya, is the most diverse university in East and Central Africa. With a student body of approximately 7,000 individuals from over 60 nations and a global network of over 25,000 alumni, USIU-Africa stands as a beacon of academic excellence and diversity. The university is uniquely accredited by both the Kenya Government through the Commission for University Education (CUE) and the American Government through the WASC Senior Colleges and Universities Commission (WSCUC).
In line with its mission to provide quality, affordable education supported by world-class service delivery, USIU-Africa, through its School of Humanities and Social Sciences, is pleased to announce a new opportunity for enthusiastic and skilled individuals to join its dynamic team as Research Assistants under the County Creative Arts Residence and Empowerment (CO-CARE) Program.
About the CO-CARE Program
The CO-CARE Program is a pioneering initiative developed through a strategic partnership between USIU-Africa, the Challenge Fund for Youth Employment (CFYE), and Across Solutions. The program is designed to empower youth aged 18–35 in the creative economy by equipping them with both technical and entrepreneurial skills. The ultimate goal is to help them build sustainable careers in Kenya’s creative sectors.
A fundamental pillar of the program is its strong focus on research and learning. This focus aims to generate high-quality evidence that will inform adaptive project implementation and influence youth employment policy across the country.
As part of this learning agenda, the program seeks to recruit a cohort of Research Assistants to support a baseline study by conducting comprehensive field data collection among CO-CARE beneficiaries in four key counties: Nairobi, Kiambu, Kisumu, and Mombasa.
Position: Research Assistant – CO-CARE Program
Location: Nairobi, Kiambu, Kisumu, and Mombasa Counties
Engagement Type: Short-Term Assignment
Duration: 1-day training + 7 to 14 days of field data collection
Application Deadline: Friday, June 19, 2025
Key Responsibilities
As a Research Assistant for the CO-CARE Program, you will play a crucial role in the successful collection of accurate and reliable data. Your primary duties will include:
- Participating in a 1-day training session on research protocols, ethical standards, and data collection tools.
- Engaging in pilot testing of the data collection instrument to confirm usability and functionality.
- Scheduling and coordinating interviews with assigned CO-CARE beneficiaries within your designated county.
- Conducting face-to-face interviews using mobile-based digital data collection platforms.
- Ensuring data quality and completeness during each interview session while strictly maintaining participant confidentiality.
- Submitting daily fieldwork reports, which will include updates, challenges encountered, and recommended improvements.
- Collaborating with fellow Research Assistants and the central coordination team to achieve daily and overall fieldwork targets.
Desired Qualifications and Skills
While the position is open to a range of academic and experiential backgrounds, ideal candidates will meet the following criteria:
- Bachelor’s degree (or currently enrolled) in Social Sciences, Economics, Statistics, Research Methods, Education, Business, Arts, or a related field.
- Previous experience in field-based research or data collection, especially in youth-focused programs, is preferred.
- Demonstrated understanding of research methods, ethical data handling, and interviewing techniques.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to engage a diverse group of participants respectfully and empathetically.
- Proficiency in using digital data collection tools such as KoboToolbox, ODK, or SurveyCTO.
- Fluency in English and Kiswahili is required; knowledge of additional local languages will be an added advantage.
- Availability to travel and work in the selected counties during the fieldwork period.
Personal Attributes
- High level of attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate data.
- Ability to work independently while also being an effective team player.
- Time management skills and reliability in meeting daily goals and deadlines.
- Previous involvement in creative sector initiatives or youth empowerment projects is an asset.
- A strong ethical mindset and adherence to data privacy protocols.
Remuneration
This is a paid short-term position. Successful candidates will receive a competitive daily rate, covering training, pilot testing, and actual data collection days. Payments will be performance-based and subject to completion of assigned tasks and submission of accurate reports.
Locations and Deployment
Applicants will be deployed based on their county preference and the needs of the project. The four deployment locations are:
- Nairobi County
- Kiambu County
- Kisumu County
- Mombasa County
Applicants should clearly state their preferred county in the application email and must be willing to travel within the county as required for data collection.
Why Join the CO-CARE Research Team?
This opportunity is ideal for individuals who are:
- Looking to gain hands-on research experience with one of the leading universities in Africa.
- Passionate about youth development and the creative economy.
- Interested in contributing to a project that aims to shape policy and practice around youth employment in Kenya.
- Seeking a short-term engagement with real-world impact and professional development opportunities.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and a brief cover letter outlining their motivation and preferred county of operation. The subject line of the email should read:
“Application – Research Assistant CO-CARE Program”
Applications must be sent to the following address:
All applications must be received no later than Friday, June 19, 2025.
For more details on the CO-CARE Program and the role of Research Assistants, kindly refer to the attached PDF if available.
This is your opportunity to be part of a transformative program that empowers young people and supports Kenya’s creative economy through evidence-based interventions. Your contribution will help generate critical insights that shape the future of youth employment.
