Research Coordinator

Reporting to: Research Lead. Contract: Fixed Term Contract. Location: Harare. Deadline: 11 September 2026.

About Friendship Bench

The Friendship Bench is an evidence-based mental health intervention developed in Zimbabwe to bridge the mental health treatment gap. We value mental well-being and strive to improve people's quality of life through problem-solving talk therapy.

Overall responsibility

The Research Coordinator will coordinate the effective implementation of Friendship Bench Zimbabwe research projects, translating approved protocols into practical study activities while maintaining high standards of data quality, research integrity, participant safety and ethical conduct. The role supports clinical trials, implementation research, observational studies and mixed-methods research in line with approved protocols, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), ethics approvals and applicable regulatory requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Research project coordination and implementation: coordinate day-to-day implementation of assigned projects in line with approved protocols, workplans, timelines and budgets; translate protocols into operational procedures, SOPs and implementation plans; maintain workplans, trackers and essential documentation; coordinate study start-up, recruitment, retention and supplies; and monitor progress against milestones.
• Regulatory and ethical compliance: support implementation in accordance with protocols, ICH-GCP, ethics approvals and national regulatory requirements; coordinate ethics and regulatory submissions, amendments and informed-consent documentation; identify, document and escalate protocol deviations and adverse events; and coordinate monitoring visits, audits and inspections while promoting participant safety and confidentiality.
• Data management, monitoring and quality assurance: coordinate data-collection processes for completeness, accuracy and timeliness; coordinate electronic data systems including REDCap; maintain data-collection tools, validation rules and data dictionaries; conduct routine data-quality checks and support dataset cleaning; and conduct or coordinate site monitoring.
• Team coordination, reporting and stakeholder engagement: provide day-to-day guidance to research assistants, nurses and data staff; coordinate communication, meetings and deliverables; prepare progress, data-quality, funder, ethics and project reports; contribute to abstracts, manuscripts and grant applications; and coordinate budgeting, procurement and administrative processes.
• Internal capacity building and research skills development: develop and deliver internal capacity-building on research processes; provide training on data collection, handling, entry, quality assurance and electronic data systems such as REDCap and Kobo Toolbox; build staff capacity in research documentation, SOPs, ethics, GCP and data protection; and provide mentorship on data interpretation, scientific writing and presentations.

Requirements & specifications

• Master's degree is required. A relevant background in public health, epidemiology, monitoring and evaluation, health informatics, biostatistics, data science, social science, research or a related field is advantageous.
• At least 2–3 years of relevant experience in research, community health, NGO programme coordination, mental-health implementation, monitoring and evaluation, clinical-trial support or related project coordination.
• Experience working with lay health workers, community participants, lived-experience contributors, digital tools or multi-partner studies will be an advantage.
• Strong research coordination, communication, documentation and organisational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, SharePoint/OneDrive, email and online meeting tools.
• Basic familiarity with Excel, REDCap, Kobo Toolbox/ODK or similar data-collection systems.
• Understanding of confidentiality, research ethics and respectful engagement with participants and lived-experience experts.
• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), research documentation, SOPs and data protection requirements is desirable.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, problem-solving and the ability to work under pressure across multiple active projects.

How to apply: interested and suitably qualified candidates should submit their application through the designated Research Coordinator application form, ensuring the application clearly demonstrates how their qualifications and experience meet the requirements. After completing the form, share your CV to [email protected]. Deadline: 11 September 2026. Friendship Bench is an equal opportunity employer promoting gender, equity and diversity, with zero tolerance for any form of harassment.