Senior Researcher job at KOKO Network

Location: Kigali, RwandaType: full-time

About Company

KOKO Networks is a climate‑tech enterprise delivering clean cooking fuel and infrastructure for urban households in emerging markets. Its flagship product, KOKO Fuel, uses bioethanol cooking stoves, smart canisters, and dense “Fuel ATM” retail points powered by cloud‑based logistics and IoT systems. In Rwanda, KOKO is partnering with the government and Dalberg to build a nation‑wide renewable cooking fuel utility, replacing charcoal with ultra‑clean bioethanol via local agent networks, smart delivery systems, and carbon financing.

Job Description

The Senior Researcher, Climate Operations will design, lead, and manage field research operations for carbon projects in Rwanda. The role ensures that all studies meet international standards for carbon credit methodologies and support the monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) of emissions reductions from KOKO’s clean cooking systems. It requires balancing technical rigor with local execution, stakeholder engagement, and operational realities.

Key Responsibilities

Research Design & Methodology

• Review carbon standards, methodologies, and sector studies.
• Design and execute baseline fuel use, charcoal usage, and fuel consumption studies (e.g., Kitchen Performance Tests).
• Ensure data integrity for verification and carbon issuance.

Field Operations & Management

• Lead end-to-end planning and execution of field research.
• Coordinate with Rwanda Operations for access to centers, agent networks, households, and government stakeholders.
• Manage budgets, payments, expenses, and reporting.
• Recruit, train, and oversee field teams and enumerators.
• Establish data quality protocols and ensure compliance with MRV requirements.
• Collaborate with external auditors during verification.
• Prepare analytical reports and maintain documentation.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with Rwanda Operations for alignment and reporting.
• Serve as liaison between Global Climate and Rwanda Operations.
• Maintain transparent communication and collaborative problem-solving.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in applied science, engineering, or related field.

Experience

• Minimum 4 years leading and independently managing field research, ideally in environment, energy access, or carbon credit projects.
• Demonstrated expertise in statistical sampling, data collection, and analysis.
• Proven project management and stakeholder coordination experience.
• Experience with budget management and financial reporting in research projects.

Skills & Competencies

• Proficiency in English and the local language.
• Strong written communication and reporting skills.
• Knowledge of analytical tools/software for data analysis.
• Understanding of carbon offset methodologies, MRV, and clean cooking projects (desirable).

Good to Have

• Experience working with auditors or verification agencies.
• Familiarity with government and NGO stakeholders in Rwanda.
• Previous work in multi-country or global teams.

Additional Information

• KOKO encourages applications from diverse backgrounds, with a focus on gender and racial inclusivity.
• Deadline: Not specified (apply as soon as possible).

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