Samuel Hall is inviting applications for the position of Senior Research Operations Coordinator, offering an opportunity for an experienced research operations professional to support the implementation of research projects across Africa. Based in office in Nairobi, Kenya, the successful candidate will support the Research Operations Manager in coordinating day-to-day operational planning, implementation oversight, quality assurance, consultant coordination and operational risk management. The role is suited to professionals with significant experience in research operations, field coordination and project implementation, particularly within development, humanitarian or research organisations working across African contexts. With responsibility for supporting multiple concurrent research projects, coordinating consultants and field teams, monitoring operational performance and strengthening quality standards, this position presents an important career opportunity for a professional ready to take on a senior operational coordination role. Job at a Glance Organisation: Samuel Hall Position: Senior Research Operations Coordinator Function: Research Operations Reports To: Research Operations Manager Location: Nairobi, Kenya Work Arrangement: In Office Direct Report: Research Operations Coordinator Application Deadline: 11 September Application Method: Submit a CV and cover letter by email Lead Research Operations Across Multiple African Projects The Senior Research Operations Coordinator will play a central role in supporting the coordination and implementation of Samuel Hall’s research operations across Africa. Working closely with the Research Operations Manager, the successful candidate will help ensure that research projects are effectively planned, appropriately resourced and implemented in line with organisational systems, procedures and quality standards. The position requires someone who can work across multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining a strong focus on efficiency, quality, compliance and operational consistency. From reviewing field implementation plans to coordinating deployment schedules and monitoring project progress, the Senior Research Operations Coordinator will help ensure that operational activities are ready for effective delivery. The role will also involve identifying implementation challenges and working with relevant colleagues to support practical and timely solutions. Coordinate Operational Planning and Project Implementation A major responsibility of the role is supporting operational planning across assigned research projects. The successful candidate will coordinate activities designed to prepare projects for implementation, including reviewing field implementation plans, deployment schedules and overall operational readiness. They will monitor implementation progress, timelines and operational performance across multiple concurrent projects. This will require the ability to identify emerging challenges and coordinate responses before operational issues affect project delivery. The Senior Research Operations Coordinator will also monitor operational budgets and expenditure across assigned projects, identify variances and work with the Research Operations Manager and Finance team to coordinate corrective actions where necessary. Another important responsibility will involve coordinating operational resources across projects. This includes supporting the effective deployment of consultants, field teams and other operational resources required for implementation. Support and Coordinate Consultants and Field Teams The position involves substantial responsibility for coordinating people and operational resources. The successful candidate will coordinate the mobilisation, onboarding and deployment of Research Operations Coordinators, consultants and field teams to ensure projects have the resources required for implementation. They will provide technical guidance and operational support throughout the project lifecycle. The role also includes monitoring the performance of consultants and field teams, providing coaching and feedback to strengthen operational effectiveness. Working with the Research Operations Manager, the successful candidate will contribute to maintaining a capable and responsive consultant network aligned with organisational needs. This makes the role particularly relevant for applicants who have experience supervising and coordinating consultants, enumerators, research teams and field personnel. Strengthen Research Quality and Operational Standards Quality assurance is a key component of the Senior Research Operations Coordinator position. The successful applicant will coordinate quality assurance activities throughout the research lifecycle to support compliance with approved methodologies, ethical standards and established procedures. This includes reviewing field implementation processes, data collection activities and operational documentation. The role requires the ability to identify potential quality concerns and recommend appropriate corrective actions. The Senior Research Operations Coordinator will also monitor the implementation of operational systems, standard operating procedures and quality standards across projects. They will contribute to continuous improvement initiatives designed to strengthen consistency and quality across research operations. Applicants should therefore have a strong understanding of both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and the practical processes involved in field implementation. Manage Operational Risks and Support Field Compliance Research projects can face a wide range of operational challenges, particularly when activities are implemented across different countries and complex environments. The successful candidate will monitor operational risks across assigned projects and support the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures. They will also contribute to safety and security planning for field activities in collaboration with project teams and management. Another responsibility will be monitoring compliance with organisational policies, donor requirements and research protocols. Where significant operational, quality or compliance issues arise, the Senior Research Operations Coordinator will escalate these matters for management intervention. The role therefore requires strong problem-solving skills, operational judgement and the ability to respond flexibly to changing priorities. Work with Stakeholders Across the Research Ecosystem The position requires effective communication and collaboration with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. Internally, the Senior Research Operations Coordinator will work across all functions and help coordinate collaboration between programme, research, finance and support teams. Externally, the successful candidate may liaise with consultants, research partners, community representatives, government authorities and service providers. The role may also involve representing the Research Operations function in operational meetings, technical discussions, workshops and external engagements. The successful applicant will support the operational delivery of workshops, training programmes, validation meetings and dissemination activities. Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills will therefore be important. Monitor Performance and Drive Continuous Improvement The Senior Research Operations Coordinator will monitor operational performance against agreed workplans, budgets and key performance indicators. They will prepare operational reports, dashboards and implementation updates to support management decision-making. The successful candidate will also coordinate operational reviews and lessons-learned exercises to identify improvements for future project implementation. This may involve identifying opportunities to improve operational systems, field coordination processes and the management of consultant networks. The role is therefore well suited to someone who combines strong organisational ability with analytical thinking and a commitment to continuous improvement. Qualifications and Experience Required Applicants should hold a 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 discipline will be considered an added advantage. Candidates should have at least five years of experience in research operations, field coordination or project implementation. Relevant experience within development, humanitarian or research organisations operating across Africa is preferred. Applicants should also demonstrate experience coordinating multiple research projects and supporting field operations, including work in complex or fragile environments. Experience supervising consultants, field teams and enumerators is required, together with experience implementing quality assurance processes for qualitative and quantitative research. Key Skills for the Role Strong candidates should demonstrate experience and skills in: Operational planning and multi-project coordination Qualitative and quantitative research methodologies Field implementation processes Consultant and field team coordination Quality assurance and operational compliance Operational risk identification and problem-solving Stakeholder engagement and relationship management Report writing, analysis and presentations Data analysis and interpretation Digital data collection platforms such as KoBoToolbox, ODK or similar tools Microsoft Office and relevant project management and collaboration tools Excellent written and verbal communication in English Knowledge of additional African languages will be an advantage. The successful candidate should also be comfortable working in dynamic, multi-country environments and across multidisciplinary and multicultural teams. Who Should Consider Applying? This opportunity may be particularly suitable for experienced professionals who are ready to take on greater responsibility in research operations and field implementation across Africa. Samuel Hall is seeking someone who can coordinate, mentor and support colleagues and consultants while maintaining high standards of quality, accuracy, compliance and efficiency. The ideal candidate will be professional, accountable and committed to ethical research practices. They should be able to analyse operational challenges, consider available options and implement practical solutions in a timely manner. Strong candidates will also demonstrate the ability to build effective working relationships with donors, government institutions, NGOs, research partners, universities, consultants and other service providers. How to Apply Interested candidates should submit a CV and cover letter to: careers@samuelhall.org Applicants should ensure that their application clearly demonstrates their experience in research operations, project implementation, field coordination, quality assurance and the management of consultants or field teams. Candidates should also highlight relevant experience working across multiple projects, supporting research in complex environments and coordinating stakeholders. The application deadline is 11 September. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organisation offering this position and does not process applications. This opportunity is shared for informational purposes. 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