Full Time
Nairobi, Kenya
Posted 6 days ago

KENYA CLIMATE INNOVATION CENTER (KCIC)

RESEARCH OFFICER AT KENYA CLIMATE INNOVATION CENTER (KCIC) – NAIROBI, 2025

ESSENTIAL JOB DETAILS

Position: Research Officer
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Corporate Services Directorate
Reports To: Corporate Services Manager
Application Deadline: Wednesday, 12th March 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Level (Minimum 3 years of relevant experience)
Salary Range: Competitive and based on qualifications and experience
Employment Type: Fixed-term contract with renewal based on performance

INTRODUCTION

The Research Officer position at Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC) presents a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about climate entrepreneurship, research, and policy engagement. This role is critical in conducting research to inform KCIC programs, managing multiple research projects, conducting data analysis, and ensuring all research activities align with ethical compliance standards.

The selected candidate will work closely with KCIC’s Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) team, external stakeholders, donors, and research institutions to enhance the organization’s capacity in generating high-impact research and knowledge sharing. The Research Officer will also contribute to grant writing, proposal development, and resource mobilization to expand KCIC’s impact on climate innovation in Kenya.

ABOUT KENYA CLIMATE INNOVATION CENTER (KCIC)

The Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC) is a pioneering social impact organization dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and enterprises in tackling climate change challenges. Established to drive sustainability through innovation and technology, KCIC provides a wide range of services, including:

Incubation and acceleration programs for startups focused on climate-smart solutions.
Capacity-building services that equip businesses with technical and financial skills.
Access to financing opportunities, enabling climate innovators to scale their solutions.
Market linkage support, connecting enterprises with local and global partners.

KCIC actively supports innovation in renewable energy, energy efficiency, water resource management, agribusiness, waste management, and commercial forestry. The organization’s overarching goal is to accelerate the adoption of climate-friendly technologies while creating economic opportunities for Kenyan entrepreneurs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Research and Program Development

Conduct high-quality research to inform policy development, strategic planning, and program implementation at KCIC.
Oversee the design and execution of research methodologies, including quantitative and qualitative research approaches.
Develop and implement data collection strategies, ensuring the integrity and reliability of collected data.
Lead longitudinal studies and pilot research programs to assess the impact of climate interventions.
Ensure that all research complies with ethical standards and legal guidelines, obtaining necessary approvals from relevant bodies.
Analyze existing climate-related data and emerging global trends to provide evidence-based recommendations for KCIC initiatives.
Support the development of knowledge products such as reports, case studies, policy briefs, and white papers.
Work in collaboration with other research professionals and institutions to strengthen research partnerships.
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior researchers and interns within KCIC’s research unit.

Data Management and Analysis

Manage large-scale data collection, cleaning, and validation processes, ensuring accuracy in reporting.
Utilize statistical software such as STATA, R, Python, and NVivo to conduct complex data analysis.
Develop data visualization tools and dashboards to communicate research findings effectively.
Monitor and evaluate key performance indicators for ongoing KCIC projects.
Ensure proper storage, security, and confidentiality of all research-related data in compliance with GDPR and data protection regulations.

Stakeholder Engagement and Policy Advocacy

Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with research institutions, universities, think tanks, and policymakers.
Represent KCIC in high-level policy forums, conferences, and stakeholder engagement meetings.
Translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations to support climate resilience efforts.
Work closely with government agencies and private sector players to drive the adoption of climate-smart solutions.
Participate in international knowledge exchange programs to promote cross-border research collaborations.

Business Development and Resource Mobilization

Lead funding proposal development and grant applications to secure financial resources for research initiatives.
Identify potential donors, investors, and funding partners, building strong long-term relationships.
Develop research-based funding strategies to enhance organizational sustainability.
Monitor trends in climate financing, impact investing, and development grants to tap into emerging funding opportunities.
Support project teams in designing financially viable research projects aligned with donor priorities.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Minimum Requirements

A Master’s degree in Research Studies, Environmental Science, Climate Change, Geography, Economics, or related disciplines.
Minimum of three (3) years of experience in research, data analysis, or project management within the climate or development sector.
Demonstrated experience in conducting field research and surveys.
Expertise in managing multi-disciplinary research teams and complex projects.
Advanced proficiency in statistical software (STATA, R, NVivo, Python) for quantitative and qualitative data analysis.

Key Competencies

Proven ability to design and execute research methodologies effectively.
Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to interpret complex data.
Excellent writing and presentation skills, with experience in publishing research papers or policy briefs.
Ability to work independently and in a team setting, handling multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
Excellent interpersonal skills, fostering strong relationships with donors, partners, and stakeholders.
Experience in policy advocacy and engaging policymakers with research-backed evidence.

COMPANY CULTURE AND VALUES

KCIC thrives on fostering a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability. Employees are encouraged to:

Drive Impact: Develop climate solutions that directly contribute to sustainable development.
Embrace Collaboration: Work in dynamic, cross-functional teams to tackle pressing climate challenges.
Be Research-Oriented: Leverage data-driven insights to inform decision-making.
Promote Diversity and Inclusivity: Engage with diverse stakeholders to build a resilient community.
Strive for Excellence: Commit to continuous learning and professional development.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

A completed KCIC Employment Application Form (Apply Here).
A detailed resume and cover letter, indicating relevant experience and current and expected salary.
Three professional references with contact details.

Application Deadline: Wednesday, 12th March 2025.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. KCIC is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusivity.

ADDITIONAL ENGAGEMENT

Explore more career opportunities at The Kenyan Job Finder to discover similar roles in climate innovation, research, and policy development.