• Position Title: Coders (PolicyLens AI Project)
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Employment Type: Full-Time (Contractual)
• Number of Vacancies: Multiple
• Salary: KES 80,000 – 120,000 Monthly (Estimated based on 2025 market data from Glassdoor and MySalaryScale, where policy coder salaries in Kenya’s research sector average KES 70K-110K monthly, adjusted for APHRC’s requirement of proven NVivo/Atlas.ti experience and AI-assisted analysis, comparable to roles at IFPRI or IDRC, with potential allowances adding 10-15%.)
• Category/Department: Research / Data Analysis / Policy Analysis
• Reporting To: PolicyLens AI Project Lead
• Application Deadline: November 3, 2025

Introduction

The Coders role at the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) for the PolicyLens AI project offers a pivotal opportunity for Kenyan research professionals to contribute to the Weather Events and Mental Health Analysis (WEMA) by coding policy documents on climate resilience and mental health. This full-time contractual position involves collecting, analyzing, and annotating policy texts using tools like NVivo and PolicyLens AI, ensuring nuanced, AI-validated insights for evidence-based policy.

Ideal for candidates with a Bachelor’s in Public Policy, Social Sciences, or related, and proven qualitative analysis experience, the role supports APHRC’s mission to generate evidence for health and development in Africa. As part of a multidisciplinary team, the Coder will refine AI models and identify themes like gender equity, aligning with Kenya’s KES 20 billion research sector and Vision 2030’s evidence-driven policy goals. This vacancy suits detail-oriented, ethical analysts committed to data integrity, offering growth in a rigorous, inclusive research environment.

About African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC)

APHRC, founded in 2002 and headquartered in Nairobi, is a leading research-to-policy institution generating evidence on health, population, and development in Africa. Partnering with governments and NGOs, APHRC influences policy for 10 million+ beneficiaries annually, with a KES 2 billion budget (2024 estimates). Employing 200+ staff, APHRC publishes 100+ studies yearly, contributing to Kenya’s KES 10 billion research sector, aligned with Vision 2030’s knowledge economy.

APHRC fosters a culture of rigor and impact, rated 4.2/5 for innovation on reviews. For the Coder, APHRC offers training in AI policy tools, mentorship, and exposure to global research, creating a workplace where your analysis shapes African policy in a diverse, inclusive environment.

Key Responsibilities

As a Coder for PolicyLens AI at APHRC, you will analyze policy documents. Core duties include:

• Collect, review, and organize national/regional/global policy documents, legislative texts, strategies, and frameworks across health, environment, education, technology, and governance.
• Contribute to designing, testing, and refining standardized coding frameworks and taxonomies aligned with project objectives and themes.
• Conduct systematic coding and annotation of policy content using PolicyLens AI, comparing with NVivo/Atlas.ti/MAXQDA for validation.
• Engage with PolicyLens AI team to improve model accuracy via feedback loops and data annotation refinement.
• Review/validate/cross-check AI-generated outputs for conceptual accuracy, contextual relevance, and consistency across datasets.
• Identify emerging policy themes, gaps, and trends; generate insights for cross-sectoral discussions and decision-making.
• Participate in review meetings, capacity-building sessions, and collaborations to align coding with goals and priorities.
• Maintain strict data confidentiality, adhere to ethical standards, and document procedures for auditability/reproducibility.

Qualifications and Skills

The Coder role requires specific qualifications and competencies, as outlined:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Social Sciences, Environmental Studies, Public Health, Political Science, Data Science, Information Management, or related discipline.
• Proven experience in qualitative coding and policy content analysis using NVivo, Atlas.ti, MAXQDA, or equivalent.
• Strong ability to interpret, categorize, and synthesize complex policy documents/legislative texts/strategic frameworks.
• Familiarity with AI-assisted text analysis tools or willingness to learn PolicyLens AI.
• Understanding of African policy ecosystems/governance; knowledge of climate change/digital transformation/public health/resilience advantage.
• Exceptional attention to detail, commitment to data integrity/confidentiality, and ability to work independently.
• Proven ability to work in multidisciplinary teams, adapt to evolving frameworks, and contribute to model improvement/evidence synthesis.

Company Culture and Values

APHRC fosters a rigorous, impact-driven culture rooted in evidence and equity, reflecting its research-to-policy leadership. With 200+ staff, APHRC promotes diversity through inclusive hiring and analytical training, encouraging collaboration via project syncs and policy forums. Values of integrity and innovation guide operations, with Coder roles central to data-driven insights.

APHRC supports growth with mentorship and AI tool development, creating a workplace rated 4.2/5 for opportunity. For the Coder, this means thriving in a dynamic environment where your analysis informs African policy, aligned with Vision 2030, offering a fulfilling path in research analysis.

How to Apply

Apply now for the Coders position at APHRC.

Submit via https://ats.flexi-personnel.com/browse-jobs/798-coders by November 3, 2025.

Include:

1. CV.
2. Cover letter.

APHRC is an equal opportunity employer; only shortlisted contacted. No fees. Note: Salary estimated; employer determines final.

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Coders Jobs Nairobi, APHRC PolicyLens AI Careers, Qualitative Policy Analysis, NVivo Atlas.ti MAXQDA, AI Text Analysis Roles, Full-Time Research Vacancies, Nairobi Climate Mental Health, Data Annotation, Policy Coding, Kenya Vision 2030 Research

Expert Tips for Success as a Coder at APHRC: A Shortlister’s Perspective

As a recruiter shortlisting for the Coder role at APHRC’s PolicyLens AI project, I prioritize applications that demonstrate alignment with research demands—qualitative coding, AI validation, and policy synthesis in health/climate domains. With a 60% rejection rate due to generic CVs or lack of NVivo experience, these 10 tips are designed to place your application in the top 10% by showcasing your proven analysis skills. Each tip provides realistic, impactful examples for your CV, cover letter, and interview, explaining why they work from a shortlister’s perspective.

Tip 1: Lead with a Quantified Coding Accuracy Achievement

Why It Works: Recruiter seek Coder who excel in accurate annotation, a core KPI for PolicyLens AI’s validation. A CV opening with a specific, measurable coding achievement (e.g., “Coded 500 policy documents with 95% accuracy”) grabs attention, proving your precision. Metrics demonstrate your impact, aligning with APHRC’s data integrity goals.

CV Example:
“Annotated 500 policy documents as a Coder candidate at IDRC, achieving 95% accuracy using NVivo.”
Why: This showcases your annotation impact, aligning with APHRC’s coding needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As a Coder candidate at IFPRI, I validated 400 texts with 90% accuracy, preparing me for PolicyLens AI’s requirements.”
Why: It links your experience to the job’s validation needs, showing recruiter your proven precision.

Interview Example:
“As a Coder candidate, I coded 300 documents monthly with 92% accuracy at a think tank, aligning with APHRC’s standards.”
Why: This concise story highlights your precision skills with metrics, making you a strong candidate.

How to Do It: Open your CV with a “Key Achievement” section featuring one bullet point with a coding metric (e.g., “95% accuracy,” “500 documents”). Include “Coder” and “policy coding” in your CV and cover letter. Practice a 30-second interview story with specific results. Attach a redacted NVivo sample to your portfolio. Follow up 3 days post-submission via the Flexi-Personnel portal emphasizing APHRC’s integrity focus. Network via Kenya Policy Analysts on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 2: Highlight AI Tool Familiarity with a Validation Example

Why It Works: Familiarity with AI-assisted tools is advantageous for Coder, and recruiter prioritize candidates who refine models. A specific example of validation (e.g., “Validated 400 AI outputs with 90% adjustment”) demonstrates tech-savvy, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics show your ability to enhance, aligning with PolicyLens AI’s feedback loops.

CV Example:
“Validated 400 AI-generated policy texts as a Coder candidate at a research firm with 90% adjustment accuracy.”
Why: This quantifies your tech-savvy impact, aligning with APHRC’s AI needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As a Coder candidate at a data lab, I refined 300 outputs with 85% improvement, preparing me for PolicyLens AI’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s refinement needs, showing recruiter your tech-savvy skills.

Interview Example:
“As a Coder candidate, I matched 200 AI annotations with 88% accuracy in a project, aligning with APHRC’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your tech-savvy with metrics, boosting your interview appeal.

How to Do It: Include an “AI Tool Familiarity” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with adjustment metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to APHRC’s model improvement needs. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific validation. Attach a redacted AI output sample to your portfolio. Follow up highlighting PolicyLens AI’s loop focus. Network via Kenya AI Policy Coders on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 3: Demonstrate Policy Synthesis with a Theme Example

Why It Works: Synthesizing policy themes is key for Coder, and recruiter prioritize candidates who identify gaps. A specific example of synthesis (e.g., “Synthesized 50 themes with 90% insight generation”) shows analytical skills, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to interpret, aligning with WEMA’s trend analysis goals.

CV Example:
“Synthesized 50 policy themes as a Coder candidate at IFPRI with 90% insight generation for reports.”
Why: This quantifies your analytical impact, aligning with APHRC’s synthesis needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As a Coder candidate at IDRC, I identified 40 gaps in 85% of analyses, preparing me for WEMA’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s interpretation needs, showing recruiter your analytical skills.

Interview Example:
“As a Coder candidate, I synthesized 30 trends monthly with 88% accuracy, aligning with APHRC’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your analytical skills with metrics, increasing your interview prospects.

How to Do It: Include a “Policy Synthesis” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with insight metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to WEMA’s gap identification needs. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific synthesis. Attach a redacted theme report to your portfolio. Follow up emphasizing APHRC’s trend focus. Network via Kenya Policy Synthesizers on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 4: Highlight NVivo Proficiency with an Accuracy Example

Why It Works: Proven NVivo experience is mandatory for Coder, and recruiter prioritize candidates who code accurately. A specific example of proficiency (e.g., “Coded 500 documents in NVivo with 95% accuracy”) shows tool mastery, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to categorize, aligning with PolicyLens AI’s qualitative comparison goals.

CV Example:
“Coded 500 policy documents in NVivo as a Coder candidate at a think tank with 95% accuracy.”
Why: This quantifies your mastery impact, aligning with APHRC’s NVivo needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As a Coder candidate at a research institute, I used Atlas.ti for 400 texts with 90% accuracy, preparing me for PolicyLens AI’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s tool comparison needs, showing recruiter your mastery skills.

Interview Example:
“As a Coder candidate, I coded 300 cases monthly in MAXQDA with 92% accuracy, aligning with APHRC’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your mastery with metrics, boosting your interview appeal.

How to Do It: Include an “NVivo Proficiency” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with accuracy metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to PolicyLens AI’s comparison needs. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific coding. Attach a redacted NVivo screenshot to your portfolio. Follow up emphasizing APHRC’s accuracy focus. Network via Kenya NVivo Users on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 5: Demonstrate Ethical Standards with a Confidentiality Example

Why It Works: Commitment to ethical standards is essential for Coder, and recruiter prioritize candidates who maintain confidentiality. A specific example of standards (e.g., “Handled 500 confidential texts with 100% integrity”) shows reliability, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to adhere, aligning with APHRC’s data protection goals.

CV Example:
“Handled 500 confidential policy texts as a Coder candidate at IDRC with 100% ethical integrity.”
Why: This demonstrates your reliability, aligning with APHRC’s confidentiality needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As a Coder candidate at IFPRI, I ensured 95% data security in 400 analyses, preparing me for the job’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s protection needs, showing recruiter your reliability skills.

Interview Example:
“As a Coder candidate, I maintained 100% confidentiality in 300 policy reviews, aligning with APHRC’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your reliability with metrics, increasing your interview prospects.

How to Do It: Include an “Ethical Standards” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with integrity metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to APHRC’s data protection needs. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific confidentiality. Attach a redacted ethics log to your portfolio. Follow up emphasizing APHRC’s ethical focus. Network via Kenya Ethical Policy Coders on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 6: Highlight Documentation with a Framework Example

Why It Works: Contributing to coding frameworks is key for Coder, and recruiter prioritize candidates who refine systems. A specific example of documentation (e.g., “Refined 5 frameworks with 90% adoption”) shows contribution, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to design, aligning with PolicyLens AI’s taxonomy goals.

CV Example:
“Refined 5 coding frameworks as a Coder candidate at a research center with 90% team adoption.”
Why: This quantifies your contribution impact, aligning with APHRC’s framework needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As a Coder candidate at a policy lab, I designed 4 taxonomies with 85% alignment, preparing me for PolicyLens AI’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s refinement needs, showing recruiter your contribution skills.

Interview Example:
“As a Coder candidate, I documented 3 frameworks monthly with 88% adoption, aligning with APHRC’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your contribution with metrics, boosting your interview appeal.

How to Do It: Include a “Documentation” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with adoption metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to PolicyLens AI’s taxonomy needs. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific frameworks. Attach a redacted framework draft to your portfolio. Follow up emphasizing APHRC’s design focus. Network via Kenya Framework Coders on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 7: Demonstrate Team Collaboration with a Matching Example

Why It Works: Matching themes is essential for Coder, and recruiter prioritize candidates who collaborate. A specific example of matching (e.g., “Matched 200 themes with 90% accuracy”) shows teamwork, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to integrate, aligning with APHRC’s multidisciplinary goals.

CV Example:
“Matched 200 policy themes as a Coder candidate at IDRC with 90% accuracy in team analysis.”
Why: This quantifies your teamwork impact, aligning with APHRC’s collaboration needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As a Coder candidate at IFPRI, I collaborated on 150 matches with 85% accuracy, preparing me for PolicyLens AI’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s integration needs, showing recruiter your teamwork skills.

Interview Example:
“As a Coder candidate, I matched 100 themes monthly with 88% accuracy in a team, aligning with APHRC’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your teamwork with metrics, increasing your interview prospects.

How to Do It: Include a “Team Collaboration” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with accuracy metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to APHRC’s multidisciplinary needs. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific matching. Attach a redacted theme log to your portfolio. Follow up emphasizing APHRC’s integration focus. Network via Kenya Team Policy Coders on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 8: Highlight Policy Interpretation with a Gap Example

Why It Works: Interpreting policy is key for Coder, and recruiter prioritize candidates who identify gaps. A specific example of interpretation (e.g., “Interpreted 50 policies with 90% gap identification”) shows insight, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to analyze, aligning with WEMA’s trend goals.

CV Example:
“Interpreted 50 policy texts as a Coder candidate at a think tank with 90% gap identification.”
Why: This quantifies your insight impact, aligning with APHRC’s interpretation needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As a Coder candidate at a research firm, I analyzed 40 frameworks with 85% insight, preparing me for WEMA’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s analysis needs, showing recruiter your insight skills.

Interview Example:
“As a Coder candidate, I interpreted 30 policies monthly with 88% accuracy, aligning with APHRC’s standards.”
Why: This story highlights your insight with metrics, boosting your interview appeal.

How to Do It: Include a “Policy Interpretation” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with gap metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to WEMA’s trend needs. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific interpretation. Attach a redacted gap report to your portfolio. Follow up emphasizing APHRC’s analysis focus. Network via Kenya Policy Interpreters on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 9: Demonstrate Ethical Integrity with a Data Example

Why It Works: Commitment to data integrity is mandatory for Coder, and recruiter prioritize candidates who maintain confidentiality. A specific example of integrity (e.g., “Maintained 100% integrity in 500 datasets”) shows ethics, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to safeguard, aligning with APHRC’s ethical goals.

CV Example:
“Maintained 100% data integrity in 500 policy datasets as a Coder candidate at IDRC.”
Why: This demonstrates your ethics, aligning with APHRC’s integrity needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As a Coder candidate at IFPRI, I safeguarded 400 records with 98% security, preparing me for the job’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s safeguarding needs, showing recruiter your ethics skills.

Interview Example:
“As a Coder candidate, I ensured 100% confidentiality in 300 analyses, aligning with APHRC’s standards.”
Why: This story highlights your ethics with metrics, increasing your interview prospects.

How to Do It: Include an “Ethical Integrity” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with security metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to APHRC’s ethical needs. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific safeguarding. Attach a redacted integrity log to your portfolio. Follow up emphasizing APHRC’s ethics focus. Network via Kenya Ethical Coders on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 10: Craft a Concise, Passion-Driven Interview Talk

Why It Works: Recruiter prioritize Coder who convey passion and alignment with APHRC’s evidence-based mission. A concise, 1-minute talk linking your skills to APHRC’s goals (e.g., policy impact) makes you memorable and demonstrates fit. Referencing WEMA project shows research, a key shortlisting factor.

CV Example (Summary Statement):
“Analytical Coder candidate with 3 years at IDRC, coding 95% accurate policies, eager to refine PolicyLens AI for WEMA’s climate-mental health insights.”
Why: This sets a strong tone, aligning your skills with APHRC’s mission.

Cover Letter Example:
“With experience in 90% validated AI at IFPRI, I’m passionate about APHRC’s PolicyLens AI driving African policy equity.”
Why: It conveys enthusiasm and ties your skills to APHRC’s goals, making your application compelling.

Interview Example:
“As a Coder candidate, I synthesized 92% themes in a project, excited to contribute to APHRC’s WEMA evidence for Kenya’s health policy.”
Why: This talk connects your experience to APHRC’s needs, showing passion and readiness for interviews.

How to Do It: Craft a 1-minute talk highlighting your policy experience, a key achievement (e.g., “92% themes”), and passion for APHRC’s mission. Include it in your cover letter’s closing and rehearse for interviews. Dress in professional attire, arrive early, and bring a folder with your CV, degree. Reference WEMA. Follow up via Flexi-Personnel emphasizing APHRC’s impact vision. Network via Kenya APHRC Research Pros on LinkedIn for insights.

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