Regional Research & Data Collection Officer (Africa) – Full-Time

Location: Accra, Ghana
Organization: Cocoa360
Application Deadline: 10 July 2026

About Cocoa360

Cocoa360 is an innovative nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming rural communities through sustainable solutions in education, healthcare, and economic development. By leveraging community-driven models and evidence-based interventions, Cocoa360 works to create lasting impact across underserved communities in Africa.

As our programs continue to expand, we are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Regional Research & Data Collection Officer (Africa) to support the implementation of high-quality research and data collection activities across multiple African countries. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful international research initiatives that inform policy, improve programs, and drive measurable social change.

Position Summary

The Regional Research & Data Collection Officer (Africa) will lead the coordination and oversight of field research and data collection activities across assigned countries within Africa. The successful candidate will ensure research activities are implemented efficiently, ethically, and in compliance with international standards while maintaining the highest levels of data quality and stakeholder engagement.

This position requires extensive coordination with field teams, government agencies, research institutions, healthcare facilities, and community stakeholders to support the successful execution of research projects and evaluations.

Key Responsibilities

Research Coordination & Field Operations

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee research and data collection activities across multiple African countries.
• Develop field implementation plans and ensure timely execution of project activities.
• Travel to project sites to supervise field research operations and provide on-the-ground support.
• Coordinate research timelines, field schedules, and operational requirements to ensure project milestones are achieved.
• Support the implementation of research studies, surveys, assessments, and evaluations across diverse geographic locations.

Data Collection & Quality Assurance

• Supervise local data collectors, research assistants, field coordinators, and partner organizations.
• Monitor data collection activities to ensure adherence to approved research protocols and methodologies.
• Conduct spot checks, validation exercises, quality assurance reviews, and verification processes to maintain data integrity.
• Identify and resolve data quality issues promptly and effectively.
• Ensure the secure handling, storage, protection, and management of research data throughout the project lifecycle.

Ethics & Regulatory Compliance

• Coordinate Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions and ethics approval processes with relevant regulatory authorities.
• Liaise with ethics committees, government ministries, research institutions, and regulatory agencies to secure necessary approvals.
• Ensure full compliance with research ethics standards, informed consent requirements, and local regulatory frameworks.
• Monitor field activities to ensure adherence to approved protocols and participant protection measures.

Training & Capacity Building

• Train and mentor field teams on research methodologies, data collection tools, informed consent procedures, confidentiality standards, and quality assurance practices.
• Build the capacity of local research teams to strengthen field performance and data reliability.
• Provide ongoing coaching, technical support, and performance feedback to field personnel.

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, research partners, and community leaders.
• Facilitate collaboration among project stakeholders to support successful research implementation.
• Represent Cocoa360 in meetings, consultations, and stakeholder engagement activities when required.
• Promote effective communication and coordination between field teams and project leadership.

Reporting & Documentation

• Prepare field reports, monitoring reports, progress updates, and research documentation.
• Maintain accurate records of project activities, approvals, field operations, and stakeholder engagements.
• Support the preparation of technical reports, presentations, and research deliverables.
• Contribute to project learning, knowledge management, and continuous improvement initiatives.

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 a strong advantage.

Experience

• Demonstrated experience coordinating field research, monitoring, evaluation, or data collection projects across multiple locations.
• Proven experience managing research teams and overseeing field operations.
• Experience coordinating research ethics approval processes and working with regulatory authorities in international or multi-country settings.
• Strong track record of maintaining high standards of research quality, compliance, and data integrity.
• Experience working within development, public health, education, or social impact programs will be an advantage.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong project coordination and field management skills.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management capabilities.
• Advanced analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Additional proficiency in African languages will be an advantage.
• Strong report writing and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• High attention to detail and commitment to research excellence.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and digital data collection platforms.
• Strong understanding of research ethics, monitoring frameworks, and quality assurance processes.

What It Takes to Succeed

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong leadership and team supervision capabilities.
• Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of research ethics and data quality.
• Excellent cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills.
• Adaptability, resilience, and professionalism in field-based environments.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
• A proactive and solutions-oriented mindset.
• Ability to thrive in dynamic, challenging, and multi-country research settings.
• Passion for evidence generation and using data to drive meaningful social impact.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to contribute to impactful international research and development initiatives.
• Exposure to multi-country projects and diverse stakeholder environments across Africa.
• Professional development and career growth opportunities.
• Collaborative and mission-driven organizational culture.
• Meaningful work that supports evidence-based solutions for community transformation.
• Competitive remuneration package commensurate with qualifications and experience.

How to Apply

Apply online by clicking on the application button.