Senior Violent Extremism Researcher – Kenya

Introduction:

SoCha is seeking an experienced Senior Violent Extremism (VE) Researcher to provide subject matter expertise and lead data analysis for an upcoming study of community perceptions of VE and efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism (PCVE) in five counties in Kenya. For this study, SoCha will be leveraging AI modeling techniques to support the analysis of large amounts of qualitative data. The analysis is expected to provide a more nuanced understanding of community dynamics and perceptions of VE and PCVE than traditional analytical methods may achieve.

The Senior VE Researcher will co-design the data collection instrument, support data collection training, and conduct data quality checks. The researcher will provide VE and PCVE expertise in the process of developing the AI model, including working with interview material to assess the quality of the AI-assisted analysis. The researcher will lead the interpretation of results from the AI analysis, conduct a literature review of the VE and PCVE field to situate the findings of the study, write a report summarizing the findings, and co-facilitate capacity-building and knowledge-sharing sessions to complement the expertise of AI experts in enhancing understanding and utilization of AI tools and techniques for research and analysis.

Application is open to Kenyan nationals only.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Support co-design of the research approach and methodology.
• Collaborate with the team to design a data collection instrument to be integrated into a final baseline survey.
• Support literature reviews by identifying literature, collating, and archiving information and data to support analysis and interpretation of findings.
• Ensure the data collection instrument captures relevant data points related to PCVE perceptions and activities.
• Provide expert advice and support during data collection training sessions to ensure the enumerators are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to collect data accurately and effectively.
• Conduct data quality checks during the piloting phases to identify and address any issues or inconsistencies.
• Lead the process of prepping and cleaning the data collected from the baseline survey across five counties.
• Extract key findings, insights, and trends related to PCVE efforts from the AI analysis and interpret the results generated to develop meaningful conclusions and actionable recommendations.
• Based on the interpretation of results, formulate clear and concise findings related to PCVE perceptions, challenges, and opportunities.
• Support the compilation of the findings and development of the final report, presentations, and all knowledge products.
• Conduct comparisons of the process and results obtained from traditional standardized analysis software with those from the AI model analysis to demonstrate the effectiveness and benefits of using AI in future assessments.
• Co-facilitate capacity-building sessions and knowledge sharing sessions to empower partners on utilization of AI tools and techniques for research and analysis.

Minimum Qualifications and Expertise:

• A Minimum of post-graduate qualification in international relations, conflict resolution, peace studies, political science, sociology, or a related field.
• More than five (5+) years of experience in conducting qualitative research or evaluations in areas related to conflict prevention, peacebuilding, radicalization, terrorism, or VE.
• In-depth knowledge of theories and frameworks related to VE, radicalization processes, counterterrorism, and PCVE strategies, including Kenya’s national frameworks, guidelines, and best practices.
• Proficiency in qualitative research methodologies with proven track record of conducting fieldwork, including qualitative data collection through interviews, focus groups, and participatory observation in addition to proven skills in turning qualitative data into actionable insights. Proficiency in quantitative research methods is a plus.
• Advanced skills in qualitative data analysis software such as NVivo, ATLAS.ti, or similar. Familiarity with relevant software and tools for quantitative data analysis or data visualization is a plus.
• Experience in conducting research in sensitive and high-risk environments is highly valued.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders such as government officials, community leaders, civil society organizations, and donors.

Location:

Nairobi, Kenya.

Period of Performance:

June – September 2024