Regional Research & Data Collection Officer (Africa) – Cocoa360

Job Description

Position Title: Regional Research & Data Collection Officer (Africa)
Reporting To: Research Manager / Head of Research
Location: Based in Ghana, with frequent travel across Africa.

About Cocoa360

At Cocoa360, we are pioneering a self-sustaining model of rural development that leverages existing community resources to improve access to education and healthcare for Ghana’s 1.6 million+ cocoa farmers without long-term reliance on foreign aid.

Our Farm-for-Impact model places cocoa farmers at the center of sustainable development by partnering with rural communities to invest community-generated revenue into critical education and healthcare improvements.

Position Summary

The Regional Research & Data Collection Officer will lead and coordinate field data collection activities across multiple African countries in support of Cocoa360’s research, monitoring, evaluation, and impact assessment initiatives.

The role requires extensive travel and close collaboration with local research partners, enumerators, government agencies, healthcare facilities, schools, and community stakeholders to ensure all activities comply with approved protocols, ethical standards, and applicable local regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate data collection activities across assigned African countries.
• Travel to project locations to oversee field research and data collection operations.
• Supervise local data collectors, research assistants, and partner organizations.
• Coordinate Institutional Review Board (IRB) and ethics approval processes with relevant committees, ministries, and regulatory bodies.
• Train and mentor field teams on research methodologies, informed consent procedures, and confidentiality requirements.
• Monitor data quality through spot checks, validation exercises, and verification processes.
• Prepare field reports, progress updates, and research documentation.
• Coordinate logistics and ensure the secure handling, storage, and management of research data.
• Build and maintain relationships with government agencies, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and community leaders.
• Ensure compliance with research protocols, ethical guidelines, and local regulations throughout project implementation.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in:
  • Public Health
  • Statistics
  • Development Studies
  • Social Sciences
  • Economics
  • Research Methods
  • Or a related discipline
• A Master’s Degree in a relevant field will be an added advantage.

Experience

• Demonstrated experience coordinating field research or data collection projects across multiple locations.
• Experience managing research teams and field operations.
• Familiarity with research ethics processes and obtaining approvals in international settings.
• Proven ability to supervise field teams and maintain high standards of data quality.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong project coordination and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Additional African language proficiency will be an advantage.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to research excellence.

What It Takes to Succeed

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

• Leadership and team supervision capabilities.
• Strong cross-cultural collaboration skills.
• Commitment to research ethics and data quality.
• Adaptability and resilience in field-based environments.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to thrive in challenging and dynamic research settings.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• A Cover Letter

Applications should be sent to: apply@cocoa360.org

Subject Line: Regional Research & Data Collection Officer

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.