Research Assistant – Research & Policy Pillar (P1)
We are seeking a Research Assistant for an internship position in our Research & Policy pillar (P1) for a full-time position, which
can be either based in Samuel Hall’s offices in Nairobi, Kenya, or remotely. The Research & Policy pillar features analysis and
stories to change dominant narratives and provide a new lens to support governments, organisations, and communities, to foster
more equitable systems and expand spaces for all voices to be heard.
This pillar is the backbone of Samuel Hall’s work in advancing the rights of migrants globally: the team produces evidence of the
lives and aspirations of migrants and displaced persons. More broadly, P1’s work builds on the belief that for global, regional, and
national policies and programmes to be truly impactful, they must resonate with local realities. This dual commitment – to rigorous
evidence and grounded policy – drives a fundamental mission to shift perceptions.
Who we are
Samuel Hall is a social enterprise that conducts research, evaluates programs, and designs policies in contexts of migration and
displacement. Our research connects the voices of communities to changemakers for more inclusive societies. Our approach is
ethical, academically rigorous, and based on first-hand experience in complex and fragile settings. With offices in Afghanistan,
Germany, Kenya, the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates, we are based in the regions we study.
We have over ten years of 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 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 maximise our social impact.
Tasks & Responsibilities
Objective 1 – Research
● Assume responsibilities of the project cycle from A to Z.
● Support the design or design research tools and research methodology.
● Conduct secondary research and desk reviews.
● Review translation and documents from colleagues, and occasionally translate tools and / or documents.
● Transcribe interview notes, write field reports, prepare and contribute to draft/final deliverables in a timely manner with
strong analysis and recommendations in line with policy and academic standards.
● Provide the above in English and/or French, as required.
● Liaise with supervisors to improve the quality of outputs.
Objective 2 – Fieldwork
● Undertake socio-economic research including fieldwork and primary data collection, putting fieldwork at the centre of the
mission.
● Plan and supervise project fieldwork, and adequate resource management with field coordinators.
● Support and monitor field team’s work, provide input to improve the quality of the field team’s interview notes,
transcripts, and outputs.
● Problem solve in the field.
Objective 3 – Organisational support
● Train field teams and colleagues as required on components of the project cycle and research standards.
● Effectively communicate with supervisors on progress with daily updates.
● Ensure all project-related information is stored correctly.
● Direct reporting and support to the research team.
● Support to widen Samuel Hall’s network including through proposal development.
Opportunities for growth
Working at Samuel Hall means 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 social sciences, political sciences, statistics, international economics, international development
studies, migration studies or a related field.
● A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in the humanitarian, development, research or policy spaces; or monitoring,
evaluation accountability and learning (MEAL), result-based management or a related field.
● Experience with data collection, management, monitoring activities, analysis and reporting.
● Proven experience in qualitative data analysis.
● Excellent writing skills, conveying technical findings to different audiences in an accessible way.
● Previous relevant experience of research of contexts of migration and international development, in particular, specific to
vulnerable groups.
● Strong presentation skills, and ability to build professional relationships.
● Outstanding verbal and written skills in English and one other language (see below for languages preferred).
● 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.
● Willing and available to undertake periodic work travel.
● Have the legal right to work in the location where you are applying
Desired
● Experience in project management
● Proficiency in French, Arabic, Dari, Pashto, Kurdish, Urdu, Kiswahili, Spanish, or any other language relevant to Samuel
Hall’s geographical areas of operation.
● Proficiency in quantitative, qualitative or statistical analysis software (SPSS, Stata, R, NVIVO) and data visualisation tools.
