User Researcher Producers Direct

Producers Direct is a farmer-led organisation making an impact on smallholder farmers in Latin America (Peru, Colombia) and East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda). Funded by institutions like the World Bank and the Gates Foundation, Producers Direct operates from London, Peru, and Kenya. Our mission is to empower smallholder farmers with actionable data and innovative tools to tackle climate risks and improve agricultural productivity.
The Opportunity:
We are looking for an experienced user researcher who can dive deep into the minds of our users. Your insights will be key in enhancing various aspects of our services and products by understanding user priorities, user needs, their interactions with technology and the challenges they may face with our tools.
This role is key to adding value to the digital tools we are developing, Farm Direct and Croppie, as well as for future new projects. Farm Direct is a system supporting farmers in selling their crops via an online marketplace. Croppie is a native mobile app using AI to derive yield estimations and agronomic advice from coffee plant photographs.

Job Details:
• Title: User Researcher
• Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in qualitative research including research design and execution.
• Location: Uganda Remote (must be based in Uganda)
• Reports to: Head of Digital Programs
• Contract: 12-month consultancy with potential for extension
• Salary: $12,000 – $17,000USD/ per annum depending on experience
• Holidays: 25 days per year + national holidays.

Role and Responsibilities:
• Conduct comprehensive user research to understand the needs, behaviors, and pain points of smallholder farmers in East Africa.
• Design and implement qualitative and quantitative research methods, including but not limited to interviews, surveys, focus groups, and usability studies, both in the field and remotely.
• Collaborate with the Digital Team to integrate research findings into the development of the products.
• Lead the testing of new product features with end-users, gathering feedback to inform iterative design and development processes.
• Facilitate training sessions and workshops for farmers, extension officers, and others to ensure effective adoption and use of the products and services.
• Analyse and synthesise research data to create actionable insights, presenting findings to stakeholders in a clear and compelling manner.
• Other activities as requested by Producers Direct management

Key Skills Required:
Must Have:
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), marketing, communications or a related discipline.
• Five years of experience in different levels of research projects, from design to execution, analysis and presentation.
• At least one year of experience in usability testing.
• Proficiency in qualitative research methodologies such as ethnographic research, interviews, surveys, and participatory research techniques.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to travel regularly to conduct fieldwork and engage directly with Producer Organisations and end-users.
• Fluency in English and Runyankole is required.

Nice to have:
• Familiarity with digital tools and platforms used in agricultural development or similar sectors.
• Experience working with tools like Jira, Figma, Trello, Notion.
• Quantitative research methodologies knowledge.

Why Join Us?
• The opportunity to travel and work with smallholder farmers in rural Peru and East Africa.
• Make a tangible difference in the lives of smallholder farmers.
• Work in a dynamic, creative environment with a team who is passionate about our mission.
• Opportunity for professional growth and contribution to a growing organisation