Director of Field Operations – Field Operations Unit

Samuel Hall is seeking a highly motivated individual to join our team for a full-time position as a Director of Field Operations. She/ he will closely work with three other Unit Directors and report to the Executive Directors. She/ he will oversee all ongoing research projects, advise on resource and staff allocation, and ensure processes and quality control are aligned across Asia, Africa, and Europe.

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 – Strategy Execution

• Oversee and facilitate local implementation of research projects in established and new localities
• Responsible for overall field operations unit management and tracking of metrics
• Responsible for coordination, field team structures and field timelines
• Oversee and implement capacity building plans for the field operations unit through coaching and performance building

Objective 2 – Field Operations and Partner Engagement

• Oversee and implement quality control mechanisms
• Advice on feasibility and ensure added value of projects to area strategies
• Lead on planning in new areas of field operations
• Consult with internal and external stakeholders
• Lead on the development of resources and templates for the field operations unit
• Network with stakeholders to expand the field operations networks
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders

Objective 3 – Safety and Security

• Responsible for staff security and security management in designated areas
• Gather relevant information with regards to security and inform the management
• Assess risk and determine areas for improvement of field operations

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. We commit to helping you to:

• Grow within the organisation, with gradual increases in responsibility and accountability
• Grow to become a sought-after focal point for academia, development and humanitarian actors
• Grow your personal and professional network as we expand our list of partners.

The Field Operations Unit is a new and expanding team within Samuel Hall that rewards ambition. Whatever your personal career goals, there is a real opportunity to help shape the strategic direction of the organisation and to contribute directly to our continued growth.

Vacancy Requirements

Required

• Excellent spoken and written skills in English and French (Arabic and/or additional languages a plus).
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience (e.g., coordinating teams, planning operational footprint, crisis management, designing processes, relationship and stakeholder management, security and access focal point, etc.)
• Strong presentation and speaking skills, with the ability to build strong professional relationships
• Keen attention to detail
• Demonstrated experience managing large teams and remotely
• Ability to be patient and to work well within a global team
• Ability to cope well under pressure, work occasionally irregular hours and meet tight deadlines
• Demonstrated interest in data standards and research in humanitarian and development work
• A Master’s degree in a relevant field

Desirable

• Prior knowledge of research in contexts of migration, displacement, and international development.
• Past experience specific to the Middle East and North Africa, Central/South Asia and/or the East and Horn of Africa
• Knowledge of key donors, institutional frameworks and stakeholders