SUMMARY

Africa's Voices is seeking an experienced Field Researcher to oversee the implementation of research activities and media engagement across Somalia. This role sits at the heart of AVF's mission, turning community voice into evidence that shapes decisions.

Working under the supervision of the Research Manager, the Field Researcher will provide day-to-day coordination of field research activities, supervise Research Assistants across multiple districts, support media activities, ensure high-quality data collection, and support the successful delivery of qualitative and quantitative research projects.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring high-quality research implementation by maintaining research quality, ensuring adherence to protocols and timelines, serving as the primary link between the field teams and the research team, and representing Africa's Voices in Somalia.

SUMMARY OF KEY FUNCTIONS

Under the supervision of the Research Manager, the Field Researcher will:

Coordinate and supervise Research Assistants across assigned districts to ensure the successful implementation of research activities.
Develop detailed field implementation plans in collaboration with the Research Manager and project teams.
Provide technical guidance and ongoing support to Research Assistants throughout the research process.
Monitor field activities to ensure compliance with research protocols, ethical standards, safeguarding requirements, and quality assurance procedures.
Conduct quality checks on completed interviews, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and survey data.
Review incoming data submissions and provide timely feedback to improve data quality and completeness.
Coordinate logistics for field activities, including scheduling, participant mobilisation, and communication with field teams.
Maintain regular communication with the Research Manager, providing progress updates, identifying implementation challenges, and recommending solutions.
Work closely with the Research Manager, programme management team, and other AVF technical teams to ensure effective coordination, information sharing, and alignment of research activities with broader programme objectives and implementation priorities in Somalia.
Prepare field progress reports, quality assurance reports, and activity summaries.
Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of Research Assistants when required.
Liaise with local stakeholders to facilitate smooth implementation of research activities.
Undertake any other field research responsibilities assigned by the Research Manager.
Closely coordinate and support the media engagement activities of AVF in the field during the research activities.

KEY SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Excellent spoken and written Somali and English.
Strong leadership and team supervision skills.
Demonstrated experience coordinating field research teams.
Excellent understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
Experience using digital data collection platforms such as Kobo Collect, ODK, or similar tools.
Strong quality assurance and data verification skills.
Excellent organisational, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to manage multiple field teams simultaneously across different locations in Somalia.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently while coordinating remotely with multidisciplinary teams.
High level of integrity, accountability, and attention to detail.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Statistics, Community Development, Research Methods, or a related field.
Minimum of 5 years' experience coordinating research or field implementation activities.
Previous experience supervising field teams or research assistants.
Experience implementing donor-funded research or development programmes.
Demonstrated experience managing qualitative and quantitative data collection activities.
Experience working in Somalia.
Access to a reliable laptop, stable internet connection, and mobile phone.

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter. Your application must also include the names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of referees who can speak to your experience on similar assignments.