Research Assistant - Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)

We are seeking a professional Research Assistant (RA) with a strong background in Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) to join its team for a full-time position based either in our Nairobi or Tunis offices or remotely. The RA will work under Samuel Hall's Migration & Displacement Pillar, which covers a wide range of topics on durable solutions, return and reintegration, migration and development, cross-border mobility, trafficking in persons, smuggling, aspirations and migrant ecosystems, internal displacement and IDPs, refugee protection, and climate-mobility interactions. The Research Assistant will manage between one and three evaluation projects simultaneously and be increasingly involved in evaluation aspects. There is a strong potential for domestic, regional, and international travel.

Who We Are

Our research connects the voices of communities to changemakers for more inclusive societies. Samuel Hall is a social enterprise that conducts research, evaluates programmes and designs policies in contexts of migration and displacement. Our approach is ethical, academically rigorous, and based on first-hand experience of complex and fragile settings. With offices in Afghanistan, Germany, Kenya, Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates, we are based in the regions we study.

We have over ten years’ experience in 70+ countries and have become a trusted partner and leading voice in the field of migration and displacement research, working with governments, donors, multilateral organisations and NGOs, as well public and private sector entities. It’s an exciting time for Samuel Hall – we were recently selected by Stanford University as one of the Global South’s high-potential, fast-growth social enterprises. For more information, please visit www.samuelhall.org.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: We work in a fast-paced, demanding, and challenging environment – you will be expected to grow with us and carve out your own spot in the team. We look for proactive, creative individuals who find opportunities to make their mark and identify solutions to problems. We look for strong leaders and reliable team-players who can add value from the very start, expand our knowledge and help us to maximise our social impact.

Tasks & Responsibilities

Objective 1 - 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 2 - 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 3 - 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

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.

Requirements

Required

• A Master's degree in a related field (International 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

Desirable

• French, Arabic, Swahili, Dari, Pashto, or other second language skills and abilities
• Past experience specific to the East and Horn of Africa, Central/South Asia, and/or the Middle East and North Africa 

How to apply 

All applicants should send their cover letter and CV in separate PDF files; each labelled: "CL/CV – Full name of Applicant" with the email subject line clearly expressed: "Name – Research Assistant – M&E" to [email protected]

Also include:

• Three samples of relevant work
• Three references from previous employers
• Current or previous salary information