Research Manager – Migration & Displacement Pillar

We are seeking an experienced and professional Migration & Displacement (Pillar 1) Research Manager (RM) to join its team for a full-time position based in our Nairobi office. Samuel Hall’s Migration & Displacement Pillar 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, and refugee protection.
The RM holds the overall responsibility for research projects, and is responsible for producing high-quality research plans, methodologies, tools, and deliverables/outputs for a given project. Their role is essential to maintaining Samuel Hall research standards – from conceptualisation to delivery – on key priority themes for the pillar. The RM sets the vision for the project with the Director of Research, and then ensures it is communicated at all levels. 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 as 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 – Research Management and Coordination
− Setting the vision of the project with the Director of Research
− Guide Project Leads and Research Assistants to understand and implement the vision for the research
− Manage and train teams
− Focus on specific thematic area of research and develop in-house expertise
Objective 2 – Client Management and Communications
− Liaise with stakeholders at all levels – including donors and government representatives – presenting Samuel Hall and its
research partners in a clear and professional manner
− Prepare presentations for stakeholders (internal and external)
− Coordinate activities with relevant partners in close collaboration with the Director of Research
Objective 3 – Research
− Lead on methodology and tool design as per industry, academic, and SH standards
− Provide strong analysis of qualitative and quantitative data, and recommendations
− Lead the development and authoring of research papers, concept notes, draft and final reports, and other documentation as
required during the ongoing projects
− Manage and conduct fieldwork in multiple countries, which entails qualitative and quantitative research
− Conduct secondary research, literature reviews, and key informant interviews
− Review and evaluation of data quality
− Contribute to dissemination strategies and activities as agreed with the Director of Research and Development Unit
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.
Vacancy Requirements
Required
− A Master’s degree in International Relations, International Development, Political Science, or a related field
− A minimum of 6 years of relevant experience of research in the migration and displacement field
− Past experience specific to the East and Horn of Africa, Central/South Asia, and/or the Middle East and North Africa
− 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)
− Knowledge of key institutional frameworks and stakeholders
− Strong presentation skills and ability to build professional relationships
− 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
− A PhD degree in a relevant field
− Published articles/papers (peer-reviewed)
− French, Arabic, Dari, Pashto and/or additional languages
Location Nairobi
Contract duration: 24 months, renewable, with a trial period
Vacancy closure” Open until filled