Volunteer Research Coordinator – Community‑Based SRHR Study

The study seeks to document the prevalence and nature of violence affecting young people aged 15–24 and to assess knowledge, attitudes and access to SRHR services in Fako Division. Findings will inform future interventions to reduce violence and improve SRHR outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate field activities: Assist the research team in preparing and executing the study protocol; develop operating procedures; and ensure adherence to ethical and regulatory requirements.
• Volunteer recruitment and training: Identify, recruit and orient community volunteers/enumerators; provide training on research ethics, gender‑sensitive interviewing, and tablet data collection.
• Logistics and scheduling: Prepare detailed schedules for data collection, organise transport and field supplies, and assign volunteers to households/communities.
• Community engagement: Liaise with local authorities, health facilities and youth groups to secure community entry, support recruitment of participants and promote trust in the study.
• Data management: Monitor daily data submissions for completeness and accuracy; coordinate troubleshooting; maintain a secure database of records and volunteer hours.
• Ethics and participant safety: Ensure informed consent/assent procedures are followed; uphold confidentiality and safeguarding protocols; support referral of participants to local services where necessary.
• Record keeping and reporting: Maintain records of study activities; prepare progress reports for the principal investigator and funding partners; assist with research ethics board documentation.
• Event coordination: Support planning and delivery of community outreach activities, workshops or dissemination events; manage logistics, venues, materials and volunteer assignments.
• Team support: Provide administrative and coordination support to the research team; help resolve field issues; participate in regular debriefings and quality assurance meetings.

Essential Qualifications and Skills

• At least a bachelor’s degree in public health, sociology, anthropology or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Previous experience in research coordination or community‑based projects; familiarity with SRHR or gender‑based violence issues is an asset.
• Strong organisational and problem‑solving skills; ability to plan, prioritise and manage multiple tasks.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work sensitively with diverse communities, particularly young people.
• Competence in managing volunteers, including recruiting, training and supervising them.
• Comfortable using digital tools (tablets, smartphones) for data collection; proficiency in Microsoft Office and willingness to learn KoBoToolbox or similar systems.
• Fluency in English; working knowledge of French, Pidgin English or local languages is desirable.

Benefits

• Opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in public health research and community engagement.
• Mentorship from experienced researchers and exposure to data collection and analysis methods.
• Reimbursement of approved project‑related travel and communication expenses.
• Recognition of volunteer service (certificates, recommendation letters).