Transcriber - UG job at Busara Center

About Busara

Since 2014, Busara has evolved from a small behavioral science lab in Nairobi into a boutique research and advisory organization. Our diverse team of over 130 staff from 15+ countries has engaged in diverse projects across more than 50 countries in sectors like Agriculture, Health, Governance, and Inclusive Finance. While headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, we have expanded our footprint with offices now in India, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Latin America.

Role Purpose Statement

The Transcriber ensures all field-collected data is accurately transcribed, cleaned, verified, and prepared for analysis. The role holder will work closely with Busara offices, academic researchers, and advisory clients to maintain data integrity, resolve inconsistencies, support quality assurance processes, and ensure that data meets project standards and deadlines.

Key Accountabilities / Responsibilities

The Transcriber will work closely with Busara offices and directly with academic researchers and advisory clients to perform a variety of tasks including, but not limited to:

• Transcribe and clean all field-collected data accurately and consistently.
• Review survey and interview responses for completeness, accuracy, and adherence to project protocols.
• Identify, flag, and resolve data inconsistencies or missing responses in collaboration with Field Officers and Project Leads.
• Support translations and back-translations of survey instruments or participant responses.
• Conduct quality assurance checks on datasets before submission for analysis or reporting.
• Maintain detailed documentation of data processing, quality checks, and issues encountered.
• Provide timely updates to the Project Lead regarding data quality and field challenges.
• Ensure confidentiality and ethical handling of all participant data.
• Support Field Officers and contribute to their training on data quality procedures as needed.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Project Lead.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Minimum Requirements

• Excellent oral and written communication in Swahili and English.
• Basic computer literacy and experience with data entry tools.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain data integrity.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple datasets or tasks simultaneously.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Data Management, or related field.
• Experience in transcription, data cleaning, or QA in field research projects.
• Familiarity with digital data collection tools such as Android tablets, KoboCollect, or ODK.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to resolve data issues efficiently.

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

• Transcribe and clean all field-collected data accurately and consistently.
• Review survey and interview responses for completeness, accuracy, and adherence to project protocols.
• Identify, flag, and resolve data inconsistencies or missing responses in collaboration with Field Officers and Project Leads.
• Support translations and back-translations of survey instruments or participant responses.
• Conduct quality assurance checks on datasets before submission for analysis or reporting.
• Maintain detailed documentation of data processing, quality checks, and issues encountered.
• Provide timely updates to the Project Lead regarding data quality and field challenges.
• Ensure confidentiality and ethical handling of all participant data.
• Support Field Officers and contribute to their training on data quality procedures as needed.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Project Lead.

• Excellent oral and written communication in Swahili and English.
• Basic computer literacy and experience with data entry tools.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain data integrity.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple datasets or tasks simultaneously.
• Familiarity with digital data collection tools such as Android tablets, KoboCollect, or ODK.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to resolve data issues efficiently.

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Data Management, or related field.
• Experience in transcription, data cleaning, or QA in field research projects.