Role Overview
The Director of Research & Learning leads Shamiri’s research, evidence generation, and organizational learning agenda. The role ensures that Shamiri’s programs, interventions, and innovations are grounded in rigorous scientific evidence, continuously improved through learning, and translated into real-world impact at scale. As Shamiri enters its next growth chapter, the organization is moving from proving the model works to achieving impact at scale. This transition requires a fundamental rethinking of how research and learning function—shifting from validation alone to a dual learning engine that combines high-certainty evidence generation with rapid, applied optimization.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership of the Research & Learning Agenda & Team: Provide strategic vision and operational oversight for all research and learning activities. Manage and mentor senior research associates, data science staff, and other personnel.
- Dual-Engine Learning System: Operationalize the “Learning While Scaling” framework. Lead the Evidence Engine (RCTs, cluster trials) and the Optimization Engine (A/B tests, implementation pilots) to ensure both operate as a coordinated system.
- Model Decomposition & Zone Classification: Complete decomposition of Shamiri’s intervention model into constituent components and assign them to certainty zones (Zone A, B, and C) based on evidence.
- Research Governance & Adaptation Review: Convene the Adaptation Review Board (ARB) for decision-making on approvals and resource allocation. Coordinate with the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) for external scientific guidance.
- Research Strategy & Study Design: Lead development of the annual research agenda. Design RCTs, pragmatic trials, and hybrid effectiveness-implementation designs. Guide sampling strategies and power analyses.
- Research Implementation & Quality Assurance: Oversee day-to-day execution of studies, ensuring ethical and high-quality data collection and monitoring study fidelity.
- Data Systems, Measurement & Analysis: Oversee measurement frameworks and analytical approaches. Guide advanced statistical analysis (R, Python). Collaborate with the Technology team on data integration.
- Organizational Learning & Decision Support: Build systems to translate findings into practical insights for service delivery, tech, and clinical teams. Support rapid experimentation and iterative improvement.
- Publications & Thought Leadership: Lead development of academic manuscripts, conference presentations, and policy briefs. Contribute to Shamiri’s communications strategy through research-backed content.
- Partnerships & External Engagement: Build and maintain partnerships with universities and research institutions. Represent Shamiri in research networks.
- Ethics, Compliance & Risk Management: Oversee IRB submissions, renewals, and compliance. Ensure staff follow ethical standards in participant protection.
Requirements and Qualifications
- Master’s or equivalent advanced degree in psychology, economics, public health, behavioral science, education, epidemiology, or a related field (PhD preferred).
- At least 5 years of experience in research management or applied research settings.
- Demonstrated experience leading research teams and managing complex studies.
- Strong record of authorship in peer-reviewed publications.
- Experience in program evaluation, implementation science, or mental health research preferred.
- Experience designing and running rapid-cycle experiments or operational research is a strong advantage.
- Proficiency in quantitative analysis (R, Python, or equivalent) is required (Note: Shamiri does not use STATA or SPSS).
- Experience with field-based data collection in low-resource, school-based, or community settings is preferred.
- Experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa or similar contexts is strongly preferred.
- Excellent written communication and scientific writing skills.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply through the Shamiri Institute recruitment portal at people.shamiri.co. Alternatively, you can apply directly via the application page at https://www.myjobmag.co.ke/apply-now/1190488.
