The International Centre for Reproductive Health Kenya (ICRHK) is a Kenya-based non-governmental organization dedicated to advancing sexual and reproductive health through research, innovation, and program implementation. Established to address critical public health concerns, ICRHK has built a reputation for evidence-based interventions that strengthen healthcare delivery and promote community well-being.
The organization conducts research and intervention projects in several areas, including HIV and STI prevention and treatment, maternal and child health, family planning, sexual and gender-based violence (GBV) response, and adolescent reproductive health. ICRHK works with multiple partners, government institutions, and communities to ensure that health interventions are relevant, culturally sensitive, and sustainable.
As part of its current initiatives, ICRHK is implementing the What Works Project, which focuses on improving evidence, strategies, and community-level practices that address sexual and reproductive health needs in Kenya. In support of this project, ICRHK invites applications for the position of County Field Supervisor. There are two available positions, one based in Meru County and the other in Tharaka-Nithi County.
This role is particularly significant because it directly influences how research is conducted in the field, how data is collected and managed, and how the organization’s work is represented at the county level. The County Field Supervisor will ensure that research activities are conducted to the highest standards while maintaining a strong relationship with community stakeholders and supporting the overall goals of the project.
Position: County Field Supervisor
Number of Positions: 2
Duty Stations: Meru County and Tharaka-Nithi County
Job Summary
The County Field Supervisor will be responsible for overseeing the field operations of the What Works Project in the assigned county. This position involves coordinating data collection, supervising field teams, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of data, and facilitating smooth implementation of all field activities. The supervisor will also represent ICRHK to relevant stakeholders at the county level, ensuring alignment with community needs and project objectives.
The role requires a professional with strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills, capable of managing both people and processes in dynamic field settings. It demands flexibility, cultural awareness, and the ability to adapt to the challenges of fieldwork while ensuring compliance with organizational procedures and donor requirements.
Detailed Job Description
The responsibilities of the County Field Supervisor encompass several key areas, including research management, team supervision, stakeholder engagement, operations coordination, and reporting.
1. Oversight of Data Collection Activities
The County Field Supervisor will take charge of all data collection processes within the assigned county. This responsibility includes planning, scheduling, and monitoring the daily activities of field enumerators and other research assistants. The supervisor will ensure that data is collected accurately, consistently, and in line with the established research protocols.
Tasks include:
- Ensuring enumerators understand the study objectives and tools before data collection begins.
- Conducting regular field visits to monitor the quality of data being collected.
- Troubleshooting issues encountered by enumerators in real time.
- Coordinating with the central project team to address any emerging challenges in the data collection process.
- Ensuring that electronic and paper-based data collection tools are functioning properly and securely handled.
This aspect of the role is critical because reliable data is the foundation upon which the project’s findings and recommendations will be built.
2. Supervision and Leadership of Field Teams
A central responsibility of the County Field Supervisor is managing and guiding the team of fieldworkers. The supervisor will recruit, train, and supervise enumerators, ensuring that they conduct themselves professionally and adhere to ethical standards of research.
Key duties include:
- Providing ongoing coaching and mentorship to enumerators to enhance their performance.
- Assigning tasks to field teams in a way that optimizes coverage and efficiency.
- Addressing interpersonal conflicts or challenges within the team promptly and constructively.
- Monitoring attendance, punctuality, and overall discipline among team members.
- Supporting the professional development of enumerators by encouraging adherence to best practices.
Strong leadership will help foster a motivated, accountable, and results-oriented team capable of meeting the project’s objectives within set timelines.
3. Community and Stakeholder Engagement
The County Field Supervisor will represent ICRHK at the county level, establishing and maintaining relationships with local authorities, community leaders, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders. Building trust with communities is essential for the success of the project, as it facilitates access to participants and ensures acceptance of the research.
This component of the role involves:
- Introducing the project to county and sub-county officials, community representatives, and other relevant bodies.
- Ensuring transparency and open communication about the objectives and activities of the What Works Project.
- Addressing any community concerns related to the research activities.
- Collaborating with local organizations or service providers where necessary.
By engaging stakeholders effectively, the supervisor ensures that project activities are well-received and sustainable within the county context.
4. Operations, Logistics, and Administration
The supervisor will also play a significant role in managing the logistical and administrative aspects of the project’s field activities. Smooth operations are crucial to avoid delays and disruptions during data collection.
Responsibilities under this function include:
- Planning transportation routes and ensuring enumerators can access the required field sites.
- Managing supplies such as questionnaires, electronic devices, and other materials needed for fieldwork.
- Maintaining records of field expenses and ensuring financial accountability.
- Ensuring compliance with human resource and administrative policies at the county level.
- Coordinating with the central ICRHK office on logistical needs or challenges that may arise.
A proactive approach to operations ensures that the team remains focused on the research itself, rather than logistical obstacles.
5. Quality Assurance and Problem Solving
Data quality is paramount in any research endeavor. The County Field Supervisor is responsible for ensuring that all information collected adheres to established standards of accuracy, confidentiality, and ethical conduct.
To achieve this, the supervisor will:
- Regularly review completed questionnaires or electronic entries for completeness and consistency.
- Identify errors or irregularities in the data and guide enumerators on how to correct them.
- Ensure that all research activities adhere to ethical guidelines, particularly with regard to informed consent and participant confidentiality.
- Address technical or operational challenges as they arise, providing solutions that allow data collection to continue without major disruption.
Problem-solving skills are crucial for this function, as unexpected challenges are a common feature of fieldwork.
6. Reporting and Communication
Finally, the County Field Supervisor will be responsible for maintaining clear and timely communication with the central project management team. Regular reporting ensures that project managers are updated on progress, challenges, and opportunities at the county level.
This involves:
- Preparing daily, weekly, or monthly reports as required.
- Providing accurate updates on data collection progress against targets.
- Highlighting challenges that need higher-level intervention.
- Documenting lessons learned and best practices from the field.
Effective communication supports evidence-based decision-making and helps the organization remain adaptive and responsive to field realities.
Requirements
Applicants for this position must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Social Sciences, Statistics, or a related field.
- Demonstrated prior experience in research, data collection, or fieldwork management.
- Possess strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively manage a team in a field setting.
- Show excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities, with close attention to detail.
- Be proficient in computer applications such as Microsoft Excel, Word, and REDCap.
- Have knowledge of community engagement strategies and cultural sensitivity.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills in both written and verbal formats.
- Be flexible to work irregular hours and travel to various locations as required.
- Hold a valid driving licence.
- Familiarity with the study setting will be considered an added advantage.
Applicants must also be residents of Meru or Tharaka-Nithi Counties. Please note that there is no relocation or settling-in cost provided for these positions.
Application Procedure
Applicants should submit their application in a single email to [email protected] by 27th August 2025. The email should include all necessary documents as per the instructions provided in the job description.
The International Centre for Reproductive Health Kenya is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from suitably qualified individuals from all sections of the community. ICRHK does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
