POSITION TITLE Senior Research Operations Coordinator
REPORTS Research Operations Manager
DIRECT REPORTS Research Operations Coordinator
FUNCTION Research Operations
Location Nairobi, Kenya [In Office]
ROLE PURPOSE: The Senior Research Operations Coordinator supports the Research Operations Manager in
coordinating the implementation of Samuel Hall’s research operations across Africa. The role is responsible for
day-to-day operational planning, quality assurance, consultant coordination, implementation oversight and
operational risk management to while promoting consistent implementation of Samuel Hall’s systems, procedures
and quality standards
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Operational Planning & Implementation Oversight
● Coordinate operational planning across assigned research projects to support efficient project
implementation
● Review field implementation plans, deployment schedules and operational readiness to ensure projects are
adequately prepared for delivery
● Monitor operational budgets and expenditure across assigned projects, identifying variances and
coordinating corrective actions with the Research Operations Manager and Finance.
● Coordinate operational resources across projects, including consultants, field teams and operational support
requirements
● Monitor implementation progress, timelines and operational performance across multiple concurrent
projects, identifying and addressing implementation challenges
2. Consultant & Field Team Coordination
● Coordinate the mobilisation, onboarding and deployment of Research Operations Coordinators, consultants
and field teams to ensure projects are appropriately resourced
● Provide technical guidance and operational support to Research Operations Coordinators, consultants and
field teams throughout project implementation
● Monitor consultant and field team performance, providing coaching and feedback to strengthen operational
effectiveness
● Support the Research Operations Manager in maintaining a capable and responsive consultant network
aligned with Samuel Hall’s needs
3. Research Quality Assurance & Operational Standards
● Coordinate quality assurance activities throughout the research lifecycle to ensure compliance with approved
methodologies, ethical standards and procedures
● Review field implementation processes, data collection activities and operational documentation to identify
quality issues and recommend corrective actions
● Monitor implementation of operational systems, standard operating procedures and quality standards across
projects
● Support continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen operational quality and consistency
4. Operational Risk Compliance & Field Support
● Monitor operational risks across assigned projects and coordinate implementation of mitigation measures
● Support safety and security planning for field activities in collaboration with project teams and management
● Monitor compliance with organisational policies, donor requirements and research protocols
● Escalate significant operational, quality or compliance issues requiring management intervention
5. Operational Coordination & Stakeholder Management
● Coordinate day-to-day operational activities across multiple projects to ensure effective collaboration
between programme, research, finance and support teams
● Liaise with consultants, research partners, community representatives, government authorities and service
providers to facilitate effective project implementation
● Represent the Research Operations function in operational meetings, technical discussions, workshops and
external engagements, as required, to support effective project implementation and stakeholder
engagement
● Support operational aspects of workshops, training programmes, validation meetings and dissemination
activities
● Promote effective communication and coordination across operational teams and stakeholders
6. Performance Monitoring, Reporting & Continuous Improvement
● Monitor operational performance against agreed workplans, budgets and key performance indicators
● Prepare operational reports, dashboards and implementation updates to support management decision
making
● Coordinate operational reviews and lessons learnt exercises to strengthen future project implementation
● Identify opportunities to improve operational systems, consultant management and field coordination
processes
7. Perform any other duties as may be assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
● Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Research Methods, International Relations or a
related field
● A postgraduate qualification in Project Management, Research Methods, Monitoring and Evaluation,
Development Studies or a related field will be an added advantage
EXPERIENCE
● Minimum of 5 years experience in research operations, field coordination or project implementation,
preferably within development, humanitarian or research organisations operating across Africa
● Experience coordinating multiple research projects and supporting field operations in complex or fragile
environments
● Experience supervising and coordinating consultants, field teams and enumerators
● Experience implementing quality assurance processes for qualitative and quantitative research
● Experience coordinating operational planning, field logistics and project implementation
● Experience facilitating training sessions, workshops or field briefings for consultants, field teams or partners
● Experience working with international clients, donors, research partners and government institutions is an
advantage
KEY SKILLS
● Strong operational planning and project coordination skills across multiple concurrent research projects
● Strong knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and field implementation
processes
● Experience coordinating consultant networks, field teams and operational resources
● Quality assurance and operational compliance skills across the research lifecycle
● Knowledge of digital data collection platforms (e.g. KoBoToolbox, ODK or similar)
● Operational risk identification and problem solving skills
● Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
● Excellent planning, organisational and coordination skills
● Strong report writing, analytical and presentation skills
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; knowledge of additional African language(s) is
an advantage
● Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant project management and collaboration tools
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
● Demonstrates the ability to coordinate, mentor and support consultants, field teams and colleagues to
achieve high standards of performance
● Maintains a strong focus on quality, efficiency, consistency and continuous improvement across research
operations
● Ensures accuracy, compliance and high quality implementation throughout the research lifecycle
● Identifies operational challenges, analyses options and implements practical solutions in a timely manner
● Builds effective working relationships and communicates confidently with internal and external stakeholders
● Thrives in dynamic, multi-country environments and responds effectively to changing operational priorities
● Works effectively across multidisciplinary and multicultural teams to achieve shared organisational objectives
● Demonstrates professionalism, accountability and commitment to ethical research practices
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Internal: All functions
External: Donors, government institutions, NGOs, research partners, consultants, universities and service providers
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply for this position, please send a CV and a cover letter to careers@samuelhall.org by September 11th. Only
shortlisted candidates will be contacted.