Field Officer (Fixed Term Contract) at GiveDirectly

The Field Officer (FO) is the backbone of GiveDirectly’s field operations, responsible for executing end-to-end recipient engagement in Turkana County. FOs work across multiple enrollment stages to ensure accurate data collection, high-quality service delivery, and effective community engagement. This role demands strong attention to detail, integrity, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the local context. FOs serve as the face of GD in communities and play a key role in ensuring our programs are impactful and trusted.

Key Responsibilities

Recipient Engagement and Fieldwork Execution

• Conduct high-quality surveys across all enrollment stages, including census, registration, and audit.
• Accurately explain GiveDirectly’s program, processes, and recipient rights to ensure informed participation.
• Support recipients in navigating enrollment processes with empathy and professionalism.
• Ensure respectful, dignified interactions that uphold GD’s values and community trust.
• Address recipient questions or complaints on-site, escalating complex issues to management as needed.

Data Collection and Quality Assurance

• Collect data using mobile devices with strict adherence to survey protocols and timelines.
• Regularly review and clean submitted data to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Collaborate with field managers to resolve discrepancies and improve data integrity.
• Participate in spot checks, shadowing sessions, and refresher trainings to enhance data quality.

Program Support and Process Improvement

• Participate in piloting new tools, surveys, or workflows and provide feedback on usability and effectiveness.
• Share insights from the field on process challenges, community dynamics, or emerging risks.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of operations by offering grounded, practical feedback during debrief and brainstorming sessions.

Community Relations and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain respectful relationships with local leaders and community members.
• Support smooth program rollouts by conducting community mobilization and sensitization (barazas).
• Report community concerns, rumors, or risk indicators to field leadership promptly and appropriately.

Logistics and Resource Stewardship

• Safeguard GD assets including data collection devices, protective gear, and recipient phones.
• Report logistical or equipment issues promptly for repairs or replacements.
• Adhere to team schedules, travel protocols, and safety guidelines while in the field.

Content Generation

• Identify, collect, and document authentic, emotionally engaging recipients’ stories that are aligned with the organization’s mission and values to support fundraising efforts.
• Collaborate with the content team to tailor stories for different campaigns and donor audiences.
• Maintain a database of stories for easy access and future use

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field.
• Fresh graduates from Turkana are highly encouraged to apply.
• MUST be a resident of Turkana County.
• Proficiency in Turkana language is a MUST.
• Fluency in Kiswahili; proficiency in English is preferred.
• Demonstrate maturity when dealing with and communicating community challenges and concerns with recipients and their leaders.
• Physical fitness and ability to cope with difficult field conditions.
• Empathy, honesty, and the highest standards of integrity, including positive attitude, strong work ethic, strong follow-through mindset, and team-player mentality.
• Strong ethics and commitment to integrity, especially in handling sensitive data and recipient information.
• Comfortable working in rural, remote, or challenging environments.
• Tech-savvy and comfortable using smartphones or tablets for data collection.