Learning Research Hub Coordinator

Duration: 1 year (renewable upon satisfactory performance)

Organization Overview

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is a global non-profit organization that operates within Anabaptist churches worldwide. Dedicated to sharing God’s love through relief, development, and peace efforts, MCC prioritizes building meaningful relationships with local partners and churches. Guided by Anabaptist principles, MCC strives to integrate peacebuilding into all its endeavors.

Position Overview

The Learning Hub Coordinator for the “Locally Led Indigenous Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Change Adaptation in Zimbabwe” LINCZ project will play a pivotal role in coordinating research efforts among diverse technical partners. The Learning Hub Coordinator will oversee the research coordination, knowledge dissemination, and learning initiatives within the project. He/ She will collaborate with prominent partners such as the Biodiversity Information Forum (GBIF) Zimbabwe chapter, Canadian Mennonite University, Climate Change Department of Zimbabwe, National University of Science and Technology, and project implementing partners CDS, KMTC and Score Against Poverty. The coordinator will ensure that research projects are well-coordinated, knowledge is shared effectively, Learning Hub meetings are organized and chaired, and fieldwork is facilitated for technical partners. Moreover, the hub coordinator will be responsible for gathering potential research topics related to indigenous knowledge systems, nature conservation, biodiversity promotion, peacebuilding, and climate change adaptation.

Role and responsibilities:

Research Coordination and Collaboration:

• Serve as the primary administrative point of contact for all research partners and as the principal operational liaison on the ground.
• Coordinate the initiation of research study protocols, including the establishment of operating policies and procedures tailored to the project’s context.
• Coordinate the collection and analysis of research data in collaboration with research and implementing partners, ensuring the smooth and efficient day-to-day operation of research and data collection activities.

Recruitment and Support:

• Support the recruitment, instruction, and coordination of research subjects and volunteers, aligning their involvement with the specific study objectives and scope and needs of the research partners.
• Ensure that all participants are well-informed about the research objectives and their roles within the project.

Progress Monitoring and Reporting:

• Monitor the progress of research activities, tracking milestones and outcomes.
• Collaborate with technical research partners to plan, implement, and maintain data collection and analysis systems that support research protocol.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive records of research activities and outcomes, preparing regular and ad hoc reports as required by investigators, administrators, research technical partners, or MCC.
• Collaborate with MEAL Officer in the integration of research outcomes and outputs into MEAL system, including monitoring and capturing research results and progress towards research objectives.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:

• Collaborate closely with implementing partners, technical research experts, and stakeholders to align research efforts and objectives.
• Facilitate effective communication and coordination among research partners to ensure that all stakeholders are well-informed and engaged.

Potential Research Topic Identification:

• Collaborate with technical partners, local communities, and project stakeholders to identify potential research topics related to indigenous knowledge systems, nature conservation, biodiversity promotion, peacebuilding, and climate change adaptation.

Fieldwork and Data Management:

• Collaborate with the Program Manager and Country Representatives to organize trips, visits, and fieldwork for research technical partners.
• Oversee data storage and management, ensuring that research data is stored securely and accessible for analysis.

Learning Hub Meetings and Activities:

• Organize and schedule Learning Hub meetings, ensuring that they are productive and impactful.
• Chair Learning Hub meetings to facilitate productive discussions, knowledge exchange, and collaboration.

Knowledge Sharing and Dissemination:

• Facilitate effective sharing and reflection on research findings, project insights and lessons learned among all project stakeholders and strategic partners to foster a culture of active and adaptive learning.
• Coordinate the dissemination of research deliverables through various channels in collaboration with learning hub coordinator in Canada, including online and through meetings, presentations, and conferences.

Qualifications and skills:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field such as project management, environmental science, statistics, natural resource management, sustainable development, or related disciplines.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in research coordination, knowledge dissemination, or similar roles.
• Strong understanding of project management, research methodologies, and knowledge sharing techniques.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to facilitate productive meetings and discussions.
• Experience in coordinating collaborations among diverse partners and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in data management, storage, and analysis.
• Knowledge of indigenous knowledge systems, nature conservation, biodiversity promotion, peacebuilding, and climate change adaptation topics is advantageous.