Research Associate

Description

The Research Associate will coordinate and support a set of field-based trials designed to evaluate operational management strategies and the impacts of biochar production and use on agricultural and community outcomes. These trials will explore variations in operational strategy as well as document observed impacts of biochar use on participating farms.

The role will involve coordinating field activities as well as collecting and synthesizing data, including structured field observations and feedback from Kijani staff and other field actors. The Research Associate will coordinate trial activities, gather insights from implementation teams, and prepare internal and donor-facing reports that document findings, lessons, and potential implications for program design.

The position requires close coordination with the Biochar Director and field teams, and includes regular travel to project areas. The role involves a mix of planning, fieldwork, documentation, and quantitative/qualitative analysis.

Trial implementation and coordination

• Coordinate implementation of structured field trials related to biochar training, logistics, and support models
  

• Support the development and refinement of field protocols and observation guides
  

• Maintain clear records of trial zones, team assignments, and field activities
  

• Track implementation status and ensure research activities are aligned with project timelines
  

Collection of field insights and staff observations

• Conduct regular site visits to gather observations, facilitate staff debriefs, and collect structured qualitative feedback
  

• Use checklists, interview guides, and structured debriefs to document field staff experiences and perceived outcomes
  

• Record information related to operational effectiveness, coordination challenges, and early farmer reactions
  

• Compile observational notes, photos, and field memos in an organized and traceable format
  

• Synthesis and reporting
  

• Organize and analyze qualitative data to identify patterns, challenges, and operational learning
  

• Prepare internal summaries and donor reports that document field findings, including narrative analysis and direct quotes
  

• Support the development of learning briefs, slide decks, or other communication materials
  

• Maintain version-controlled documentation for each trial component, including notes, photos, and summary outputs
  

Coordination and adaptive learning

• Participate in regular meetings with the Biochar Expansion Director and field teams to discuss ongoing trial insights
  

• Assist in adjusting protocols or tools in response to emerging challenges or opportunities
  

• Coordinate feedback loops to ensure that staff observations are incorporated into project decision-making
  

• Help plan internal learning sessions or cross-team briefings based on trial findings
  

Training, materials development, and quality support

• Support the Biochar team in developing and refining training materials, field guides, and SOPs based on research findings
  

• Participate in farmer, Leader Farmer, and Carbon Coordinator training sessions to observe delivery and gather feedback
  

• Translate field learning into practical improvements across the team
  

• Assist the quality control team during periods of high activity and with process improvements.
  

QUALIFICATIONS.

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Environmental Studies, Rural Development, Research Methods, or a related field
  

• At least 1 year of experience in field research, monitoring and evaluation, or program implementation
  

• Experience with qualitative research methods, including note-taking, interviews, and observation-based reporting
  

• Strong writing and synthesis skills, especially in organizing and presenting field insights
  

• Familiarity with digital documentation tools (e.g., Airtable, KoboToolbox, Google Workspace)
  

• Ability to travel regularly to rural project areas and work closely with field teams
  

• Valid motorcycle permit and ability to ride a motorcycle in rural environments
  

Preferred:

• Experience supporting operational research or pilot testing in community-based programs
  

• Familiarity with participatory research methods or implementation science approaches
  

• Experience in agronomy and/or soil science
  

• Prior involvement in donor reporting or internal learning documentation