Do you want to become part of the open data and open government revolution by helping us explain important public finance or statistical issues to ordinary Kenyans?
Are you interested in imparting an understanding of public finances and statistical data to encourage more informed decision-making and an active citizenry?
Code for Kenya and the International Budget Partnership Kenya (IBPK) are offering a one-year fellowship to an outstanding individual who will be able to fact check the accuracy and relevance of budgetary and/or statistical claims made by public figures and the media.
Through data visualisation and the publication of weekly blogposts/articles, the fellow will encourage greater rigour and accuracy in the use of budget and statistical information.
As fellow, you will research and create a weekly infographic and accompanying narrative ‘column’ that helps clarify or correct the facts on an issue of public interest.
The PesaCheck column will be syndicated into mainstream Kenyan media, as well as onto appropriate blogs and social media online.
The PesaCheck column will be data-driven, and will be based on expert input from the teams at Code for Kenya and IBPK. It will also draw on expertise from external think tanks, research institutes, and other partners.
So who qualifies for the fellowship? The initiative is a pilot, and we are therefore casting the net as wide as possible.
Applicants should:
- Be able to conceptualise, design and execute data visualisations
- Have a keen eye for best design practices and a meticulous understanding of a data-driven story development process
- Have a minimum of three years’ experience in design with a top-notch portfolio demonstrating a user-centered design approach and strong storytelling skills
- Be able to comprehend and explain intricate public finance and statistical issues to ordinary citizens
- Have strong verbal and written communication skills
- Be adaptable, self-motivated and able to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Be able to verify the accuracy of facts and figures through research, reference sources and consultations with Code for Kenya and IBPK
- Be objective, impartial and avoid spin to protect the reputations of Code for Kenya and IBPK as purveyors of evidence-based analysis
- Have experience utilising website analytics tools to inform decisions
- Have their own laptop
The successful candidate will work from Code for Kenya’s CivicLab at Nairobi Garage, Piedmont Plaza, Ngong Road, Nairobi. The successful fellow will receive a modest monthly stipend.
The deadline for applications is December 15, 2015. The fellowship runs for 12 months on a part-time basis with the possibility of an extension. Code for Kenya and IBPK will consider shorter-term fellowships, in exceptional circumstances.
How to apply
Please apply by sending an email to the recruitment team at fellowships@code4kenya.org with your cover letter and CV before December 15, 2015.
Please include the following in your subject line: PesaCheck Fellowship.
If you do not hear from us within three weeks following the application deadline, please consider your application unsuccessful.
About International Budget Partnership Kenya
International Budget Partnership Kenya (IBPK) trains civil society, media and government on public finances, conducts research, and promotes transparency and participation in budgets.
About Code for Kenya
Code for Kenya is the Kenyan-based programme of Code for Africa, Africa’s largest open data/open government initiative with country-based programmes in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.