Research Assistant - Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) at Samuel Hall

• 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).