Vanguard Economics Ltd (VE) is seeking qualified and motivated individuals to join our talent pool as Data Collectors. Data collection is an excellent starting point for a future career in social research, and we are committed help Rwandan youth take the first steps. If your application is successful, you will be part of our Data Collector Certification Programme and join our talent pool and roster of Data Collectors to be called upon for specific projects. You will also get opportunities to access additional training as you progress in your career. As a Data Collector (enumerator, back checker, field supervisor, transcriber, notetaker, or moderator), you will play a crucial role in field data collection efforts, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and ethical standards in gathering information from diverse communities across all the districts of Rwanda. Hence, your work will give voice to local communities and enable us to provide relevant data insights and advisory services to our clients which include governments, research institutions, development partners, and the private sector.

Job Details

For all the Data Collectors in any position, the following duties and responsibilities are expected: 

• Conduct accurate and reliable data collection through surveys, interviews, or observations.
• Ensure data integrity by following established protocols and ethical guidelines. 
• Use digital tools or platform (CSPro, Survey CTO, CommCare, or Kobo Toolbox) to record and submit collected data. 
• Engage with respondents professionally and respectfully to encourage honest participation. 
• Conduct focus group discussions (FGD) with key populations as per the data protocol. 
• Identify and report any inconsistencies or challenges encountered during data collection. 
• Maintain confidentiality and security of all collected information. 
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to ensure smooth field operations. 
• Attend training sessions and briefings to stay updated on project requirements and best practices. 
• Adhere to timelines and quality standards set by the organization. 
• Perform any other duties and activities, as assigned by fieldwork coordinator or survey manager. 

Requirements

• Nationality & Work Authorization: Being Rwandan or having a legal authorization to work in Rwanda
• Education: A High School Diploma; a bachelor's degree or experience in conducting data collection fieldwork is an added advantage 
• Language Proficiency: Read, Write, and Speak Kinyarwanda and English.
• Mobility: Willingness and ability to travel extensively outside of Kigali including remote rural areas by car or moto to conduct interviews and collect data. 
• Training Capability: Ability to participate in online training sessions with stable internet connection using Smartphone or Computer. 
• Independence & Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to work effectively independently as well as with a team. 
• Experience: Prior experience in data collection fieldwork is an added advantage and may allow for faster progression 

Personal Attributes and Competencies: 

• Alignment with our 5 core values: Constant Learning; Humans First; Everybody is a Leader; Integrity; and Excellence. 
• Resilience: Ability to conduct fieldwork and handle setbacks. 
• Cultural Sensitivity: Awareness and respect for cultural differences and the ability to interact effectively with diverse populations and build rapport with partners and respondents. 
• Teamwork Skills: Ability to collaborate effectively with team members of diverse backgrounds to achieve shared goals, ensuring that any fieldwork challenges are addressed constructively. 
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly and concisely.
• Analytical Skills and attention to detail: High analytical and critical thinking skills to assess complex information and draw meaningful conclusions and highly accurate data.

Benefits

• Capacity Building: Successful applicants will join the Field Team Capacity Building Program, a hybrid training series (online and in-person) designed to develop your skills in quantitative and qualitative data research.
• Industry Mentorship: You will learn from experienced professionals from the Vanguard Economics staff and its partner organizations. 
• Work Opportunity: Upon completion of the training program, successful participants will receive a certificate of completion and be added to Vanguard Economics' Field Team Database. This provides consideration for engagement as temporary independent contractors for our upcoming research projects. 
• Opportunities for progression: There will be opportunities for further training and progression in the social research field as you gain experience working with us. 

Founded in 2015, Vanguard Economics is an East African research and advisory firm headquartered in Rwanda, and with offices in Uganda and Kenya. We specialize in social and economic advisory and project management services tailored to our local context. We are a mission driven organization with the aim to Identify, design and implement homegrown solutions to the challenges populations face on their paths to sustainable and inclusive prosperity. Through our work we ensure that government policies and development assistance are aimed at enhancing social and economic development within the communities we work in. Since our establishment, we have successfully completed 160 assignments for over 100 clients demonstrating our unwavering commitment to delivering impactful, high-quality solutions tailored to diverse client needs. Read more about us: https://www.vanguardeconomics.com/