We seek an experienced and professional Research Assistant to join our Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning
(MEAL) Pillar for a full-time position in Nairobi, Kenya. Samuel Hall's MEAL Pillar empowers civil society, inter-governmental organisations, governments, small businesses, and other stakeholders with rigorous research, insightful evaluations, and comprehensive solutions,... driving positive change in contexts of migration and displacement, international development, and social equity.
The Research Assistant will support the MEAL team in conducting research, data collection, analysis, and reporting to ensure the effectiveness and impact of programmes and projects. Depending on their level of seniority, the Research Assistant will work on 1-3 projects simultaneously and be increasingly involved in research aspects. There is potential for domestic, regional, and international travel.
Candidates who have lived experiences of migration or displacement are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will work on a full-time arrangement from our headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.

Tasks & Responsibilities

Objective 1 - Research

Assume responsibilities of the project cycle from A to Z.
Methods and tools: Support the design or design research tools and research methodology.
Secondary research: Conduct secondary research and desk reviews.
Research outputs: Contribute to the writing of data analysis results and research reports in an accessible, engaging way in line with academic standards, compiling analysis results into coherent storytelling.
Review translation and documents from colleagues, and occasionally translate tools and/or documents.
Transcribe interview notes, write field reports, and prepare and contribute to draft/final deliverables in a timely manner. with strong analysis and recommendations in line with policy and academic standards.
Provide the above in English, Kiswahili and French as required.
Liaise with supervisors to improve the quality of outputs.

Objective 2 - Fieldwork

Undertake research including fieldwork and primary data collection, putting fieldwork at the centre of the mission.
Plan and supervise project fieldwork, and adequate resource management with field coordinators.
Support and monitor the field team’s work, and provide input to improve the quality of the field team’s interview notes, transcripts, and outputs.
Train field teams and colleagues as required on components of the project cycle and evaluation standards.
Problem solve in the field.

Objective 3 - Organisational Support

Train field teams and colleagues as required on components of the project cycle and research standards.
Effectively communicate with supervisors on progress with daily updates on Zoho.
Ensure all project-related information is stored correctly, using the organisation’s procedures and processes..
Direct reporting and support to the research team.
Support the Pillar lead in developing partnerships, dissemination, and outreach activities, including direct support in the development of proposals and concept notes for solicited and unsolicited projects.
Direct reporting and support to the line manager and other colleagues as needed.
Support to widen Samuel Hall’s network, including through proposal development.

Opportunities for Growth

Working at Samuel Hall means contributing to ground-breaking, innovative, and rigorous work that bridges research, implementation, and policy. Most of our training happens on the job, but as part of our investment in learning and development, everyone is encouraged to apply for up to five days of paid professional development leave and financial resources to enable them to acquire new skills and knowledge.

Vacancy Requirements

Required

A Masters degree in Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Statistics, International Economics, International Development Studies, Migration Studies, Monitoring and Evaluation, or a related field.
A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in monitoring, evaluation, accountability, research, result-based management, or a related field.
Experience with data collection, management, monitoring activities, analysis, and reporting.
Proven experience in qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
Excellent writing skills, conveying technical findings to different audiences in an accessible way.
Previous relevant experience of research in contexts of migration and international development, in particular, specific to vulnerable groups.
Strong presentation skills and ability to build professional relationships.
Proficiency in qualitative, quantitative or statistical software (e.g., SPSS, Stata, R, NVIVO) and data visualisation tools.
Proven experience in project management.
Excellent verbal and written skills in English.
Keen attention to detail.
Ability to be patient and to work well within a global team.
Ability to cope well under pressure, occasionally work irregular hours and meet tight deadlines.

Desirable

Proficiency in French and/or Kiswahili.
Experience specific to the East and Horn of Africa, Central/South Asia, and/or the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). more

Tasks & Responsibilities

Objective 1 - Research

 Support research activities, including tool development and drafting of final reports
 Support the contextualization of research projects, tools and fieldwork strategies
 Support development of methodological frameworks, tools design, data analysis and data validation
 Coordinate, lead, and ensure timely data collection, maintaining Samuel... Hall’s quality standard protocols
 Transcribe, translate, and draft comprehensive interview notes, reports and tools
 Coordinate planned and ongoing research activities throughout the research life cycle
 Undertake primary data collection (qualitative and quantitative).
 Provide input into to project deliverables as required

Objective 2 - Operations

Maintains a:

roster of local consultants and service providers  
database of key contacts - government, NGOs and other organisations


 Responsible for fieldwork preparation and implementation in area of responsibility, with the support of Area Coordinator and/or Senior Area Coordinator 
 Coordinate, lead, and ensure timely data collection, maintaining Samuel Hall’s quality standard protocols
 Provide daily coordination between the project team and counterparts, ensuring that concerns are effectively communicated between parties, flagging emerging issues that may be of potential concern to the team, and ensuring that effective and productive collaboration is maintained.
 Ensure that targets are met on time, and that all activities are carried out in accordance with the study design
 Ensure robust monitoring, evaluation and financial accountability systems are in place and implemented
 Transcribe, translate, and draft comprehensive interview notes, reports and tools
 Develop and maintain effective working relationships with local coordination structures and stakeholders



Objective 3 - Safety and Security

 Act as Security Focal Point for area of operation, and own and oversee implementation of Comprehensive Planning Processes (CPPs).
 Develop Comprehensive Planning Process strategies

Opportunities for Growth

Working at Samuel Hall means that you are contributing to ground-breaking, innovative, and rigorous work that bridges research,

implementation and policy. Most of our training happens on the job, but as part of our investment in learning and development,

everyone is encouraged to apply for up to five days of paid professional development leave and financial resources to enable

them to acquire new skills and knowledge. We commit to helping you to:

 Grow within the organisation, with gradual increases in responsibility and accountability, and exposure to our different roles within the Research Operations Unit
 Grow to become a sought-after focal point for development and humanitarian actors, with the opportunity for continued learning, and the chance to become a key voice in your area of expertise.
 Grow your personal and professional network as we expand our list of partners.

Vacancy Requirements

Required

 A minimum of 2 years full-time relevant work experience in a similar role
 A Bachelor’s degree in Social Science or related field
 Excellent spoken and written skills in English (Somali, Arabic and/or additional languages a plus))
 Effective communication skills including strong facilitation/negotiation and coordination abilities.
 Willingness and ability to undertake frequent travel to Somalia (Kismayo, Hargeisa, Baidoa, Galmudug, etc.)
 Keen attention to detail
 Basic skills in research tool development, quantitative and qualitative data analysis and tools (for example, MS Excel, SPSS, NVIVO)
 Demonstrated interest in humanitarian and development work
 Existing work authorisation in Kenya is required.

Desirable

Prior knowledge of editing and research in contexts of migration, displacement, and international development.
Experience specific to the East and Horn of Africa
Knowledge of key donors, institutional frameworks and stakeholders more

Required 


Prior experience working and conducting research in contexts surrounding migration, displacement, and/or international development are requirements for this role. The successful Senior Research Assistant is further required to have: 

A completed Master’s degree in International Development, Political Sciences, Economics, Statistics or any related discipline with 1+ years of... additional experience required  
Strong interest in socio-economic research and innovation for development (should be complementary) 
Exceptional English writing skills  
Proven experience with quantitative research and advanced data analytics, experience in STATA, SPSS or R an asset 
Advanced data visualization 
GIS and mapping experience desirable 
Web design and dashboard experience desirable 
Keen attention to detail, pro-active 
Ability to be patient and to work well within a spread-out international team.  
Ability to cope well under pressure, work occasionally irregular hours and meet tight deadlines. more

Required 

A Master's degree in a relevant field 
A minimum of 6 years of relevant experience of research in contexts of migration, displacement, economics, and international development 
Past experience specific to the East and Horn of Africa, Central/South Asia, and/or the Middle East and North Africa 
Proven experience in writing research papers, consultancy reports, evaluation assignments... and policy briefs 
Proven experience in project management and leading teams 
Proven expertise in quantitative and qualitative data analysis and tools (for example, R, SPSS, NVIVO) 
Knowledge of key institutional frameworks and stakeholders 
Strong presentation skills and ability to build professional relationships 
Excellent verbal and written skills in English  
Keen attention to detail 
Ability to be patient and to work well within a global team 
Ability to cope well under pressure, occasionally work irregular hours and meet tight deadlines 

Desirable 

A PhD degree in a relevant field 
Published articles/papers (peer-reviewed) 
French, Arabic, Dari, Pashto and/or additional languages more

Tasks & Responsibilities Objective 

Team Management and Coordination 
Enact the timeline implementation and execution of the RM’s vision for the project 
Head all research and internal communications processes 
Accountable of all project finances, reporting, liaison with finance and admin teams 
Manage project team members both in office and field locations 
Train national and... international teams 
Produce, review and approve key project documents 
Oversee fieldwork authorisations processes under the responsibility of the area coordinators 
Coordinate activities with relevant partners 
Responsible for timely submission of deliverables and timely invoicing Objective 

Client Management and Communications 

Manage day-to-day client requests and all day-to-day internal/external interfacing for the project - Prepare and lead presentations for stakeholders (internal and external) 
Maintain and coordinate an efficient system of data sharing and data uploads of all project-related data Objective 

Research 

Lead Research and Planning Teams 
Manage mixed methods fieldworks in multiple countries 
Produce the design of research tools, research methodologies and outputs 
Manage, train and task research assistants and area coordinators 
Execute the quality and timeliness of the collected data 
Contribute to analysis, report writing and dissemination 

Required 

A Master's degree in a related field (Economics, Political Science, International Development) 
A minimum of 4 years of relevant experience of research in contexts of migration, economics, and international development 
Proven experience in writing research papers, consultancy reports, evaluation assignments and policy briefs - Proven experience in project management and leading teams 
Proven expertise in quantitative and qualitative data analysis and tools (for example, R, SPSS, NVIVO) - Knowledge of key institutional frameworks and stakeholders 
Excellent verbal and written skills in English 
Keen attention to detail 
Ability to be patient and to work well within a global team 
Ability to cope well under pressure, occasionally work irregular hours and meet tight deadlines more

Tasks & Responsibilities Objective 

Evaluation 

Assume responsibilities of the project cycle from A to Z for M&E projects 
Support the design or design evaluation tools and evaluation methodologies 
Conduct secondary research and desk reviews in support of baseline, midline, and/or endline evaluations 
Provide strong analysis and recommendations in line with policy and academic... standards 
Transcribe interview notes and support Research Lead / Research Manager in drafting evaluation reports Objective

Fieldwork 

Undertake research in support of evaluation projects,  including fieldwork and primary data collection, putting fieldwork at the centre of the mission 
Conduct qualitative and quantitative data collection (such as surveys, case studies, focus groups, field observations, and key informant interviews) 
Support project fieldwork and monitor the quality of data collection in support of evaluations 
Provide input to improve the quality of the field teams’ notes, transcripts, outputs for evaluations Objective

Organisational Support 

Train field teams and colleagues as required on components of the project cycle and evaluation standards 
Plan fieldwork logistics, and adequate resource management with field coordinators for all evaluation projects 
Support to widen Samuel Hall’s network 
Effectively communicate with supervisors on progress with daily and weekly updates

Requirements Required

A Master's degree in a related field (IInternational Relations, International Development, Political Science, Monitoring & Evaluation) 
Previous relevant experience of research in contexts of migration, including monitoring and evaluating development and/or humanitarian projects and programs 
Knowledge of key institutional frameworks, M&E standards and methodologies (UNEG, OECD DAC), and stakeholders 
Proven experience in writing research papers, consultancy reports, evaluation assignments and policy briefs 
Proven experience in project management and leading teams 
Proven expertise in quantitative and qualitative data analysis and tools (for example, R, SPSS, NVIVO) 
Excellent verbal and written skills in English 
Keen attention to detail 
Ability to be patient and to work well within a global team 
Ability to cope well under pressure, occasionally work irregular hours and meet tight deadlines more

To support the programme unit with financial and procurement analysis on fiduciary management and implementation of a multi-year  World Bank project.
Vacancy Requirements
Required

Full professional spoken and written skills in English and Swahili
5-7 years of experience in performing financial and operational analysis either in the private sector or an international organisation
Experience... analysing data, financial and procurement documents, and other metrics
Experience  analysing past results, performing variance analysis, and identifying trends
Experience evaluating financial performance by comparing and analysing actual results with plans and forecasts
Experience guiding cost analysis
Performing research, data mining, and valuation analysis as needed.

Desirable

Experience with forensic accounting
Experience with procurement systems in large organisations
Proven experience in writing for professional purposes
Computer skills – Microsoft office and analytical tools more

To support the programme unit with financial and procurement analysis on fiduciary management and implementation of a multi-year  World Bank project.
Vacancy Requirements
Required

Full professional spoken and written skills in English and Swahili
5-7 years of experience in performing financial and operational analysis either in the private sector or an international organisation
Experience... analysing data, financial and procurement documents, and other metrics
Experience  analysing past results, performing variance analysis, and identifying trends
Experience evaluating financial performance by comparing and analysing actual results with plans and forecasts
Experience guiding cost analysis
Performing research, data mining, and valuation analysis as needed.

Desirable

Experience with forensic accounting
Experience with procurement systems in large organisations
Proven experience in writing for professional purposes
Computer skills – Microsoft office and analytical tools more

To support the programme unit with financial and procurement analysis on fiduciary management and implementation of a multi-year  World Bank project.
Vacancy Requirements
Required

Full professional spoken and written skills in English and Swahili
5-7 years of experience in performing financial and operational analysis either in the private sector or an international organisation
Experience... analysing data, financial and procurement documents, and other metrics
Experience  analysing past results, performing variance analysis, and identifying trends
Experience evaluating financial performance by comparing and analysing actual results with plans and forecasts
Experience guiding cost analysis
Performing research, data mining, and valuation analysis as needed.

Desirable

Experience with forensic accounting
Experience with procurement systems in large organisations
Proven experience in writing for professional purposes
Computer skills – Microsoft office and analytical tools more

To support the programme unit with financial and procurement analysis on fiduciary management and implementation of a multi-year  World Bank project.
Vacancy Requirements
Required

Full professional spoken and written skills in English and Swahili
5-7 years of experience in performing financial and operational analysis either in the private sector or an international organisation
Experience... analysing data, financial and procurement documents, and other metrics
Experience  analysing past results, performing variance analysis, and identifying trends
Experience evaluating financial performance by comparing and analysing actual results with plans and forecasts
Experience guiding cost analysis
Performing research, data mining, and valuation analysis as needed.

Desirable

Experience with forensic accounting
Experience with procurement systems in large organisations
Proven experience in writing for professional purposes
Computer skills – Microsoft office and analytical tools more