Current Vacancies at SoCha

• SoCha is seeking a seasoned Senior Preventing Conflict and Violent Extremism (PCVE) Expert to provide subject matter expertise in an upcoming survey-based baseline evaluation of community perceptions of PCVE efforts in five counties in Kenya. SoCha will be leveraging AI modeling techniques to analyze the data. The aim of the analysis is to uncover patterns, trends, and correlations that traditional analytical methods may overlook. The analysis is expected to provide a more nuanced understanding of community dynamics and perceptions of PCVE.
• The Senior PCVE Expert will provide PCVE expertise and perspectives during the co-design of the survey instrument to ensure the tool captures pertinent PCVE-related data points. Additionally, they will conduct a literature review on PCVE-related topics and support the interpretation of results from the AI analysis. The Expert will also provide expert guidance during data collection training, conduct data quality checks, oversee data prepping, 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.

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

• Minimum of post-graduate qualifications in international relations, conflict resolution, peace studies, political science, sociology, or related fields.
• More than ten (10) years of experience working in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, or countering violent extremism with experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating PCVE programs or initiatives.
• Strong understanding of conflict dynamics, drivers of violent extremism, and theories of peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
• Knowledge of PCVE approaches and frameworks, specifically Kenya’s national frameworks, guidelines, and best practices in PCVE.
• Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methods, including methodology design, development of tools, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• Familiarity with relevant software and tools for data analysis and visualization.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders such as government officials, community leaders, civil society organizations, and donors.

go to method of application »

• SoCha is developing an AI Analysis Model and will be leveraging AI modeling techniques to analyze data from an upcoming assessment of community perception on Preventing Conflict and Violent Extremism (PCVE) efforts in selected counties in Kenya. The aim of the AI Analysis Model is to uncover hidden patterns, trends, and correlations that traditional analytical methods may overlook. This AI analysis is expected to provide a more nuanced understanding of community dynamics and perceptions on PCVE. SoCha is therefore seeking an Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Expert to create this AI Analysis Model.

Roles and Responsibilities

In collaboration with the Evaluations Manager and the IT team, the selected candidate will:

• Develop tailored AI prompts for qualitative data analysis using the most appropriate large language models (LLMs).
• Build a model-agnostic data pipeline in Python, including API calls, data preprocessing, and output handling.
• Establish metrics to assess model performance and conduct initial tests with a subset of data.
• Apply advanced AI modeling techniques to analyze data, identifying and interpreting trends, patterns, and correlations in community perceptions.
• Incorporate feedback to refine the model, enhancing both the accuracy and relevance of the outputs.
• Conduct descriptive and correlational statistical analyses to further illuminate community perspectives on PCVE efforts.
• Work with subject matter experts to review model outputs, validate their accuracy and applicability, and make iterative improvements based on expert feedback.
• Document and present findings in visually compelling formats, ensuring that reports and presentations effectively communicate key insights to stakeholders, facilitating informed decision-making regarding PCVE strategies and interventions.

Minimum Qualifications and Expertise

• Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics or a related field.
• At least five (5) years of experience in data science, with specific expertise in AI and machine learning. Experience in handling natural language datasets is essential.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis. Experience in integrating qualitative insights with quantitative data to provide comprehensive analysis.
• Proficiency in Python or R programming languages.
• Extensive experience with machine learning libraries and frameworks (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Strong background in statistical modeling and data mining techniques.
• Ability to interpret complex data and turn it into actionable insights. Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Understanding of PCVE (Preventing/Countering Violent Extremism) programs and related social issues is highly desirable.
• Published research or projects in relevant areas of AI, social science, or community studies would be an advantage.