Director of Research & Learning at Shamiri Institute

• The Director of Research & Learning leads Shamiri's research, evidence generation, and organizational learning agenda.
• The role ensures that Shamiri's programs, interventions, and innovations are grounded in rigorous scientific evidence, continuously improved through learning, and translated into real-world impact at scale. As Shamiri enters its next growth chapter, the organization is moving from proving the model works to achieving impact at scale.
• This transition requires a fundamental rethinking of how research and learning function-shifting from validation alone to a dual learning engine that combines high-certainty evidence generation with rapid, applied optimization.

• Operate a dual-engine learning system: an Evidence Engine for high-certainty knowledge generation (RCTs, causal inference) and an Optimization Engine for rapid, applied learning (A/B tests, implementation experiments)
• Lead the decomposition and zone classification of intervention components-distinguishing what is fixed (Zone A), adaptable with evidence (Zone B), and operational (Zone C)
• Conduct randomized and quasi-experimental evaluations that answer questions critical to government adoption and scale
• Generate evidence that informs delivery decisions, model simplification, cost reduction, and technology development
• Integrate research findings into real-time learning cycles for service delivery, tech, and clinical teams
• Maintain partnerships with universities, research collaborators, and scientific advisors
• Support Shamiri's thought leadership through publications, policy briefs, and field-building communications
• A senior leader is needed to ensure methodological rigor, govern adaptation decisions through explicit frameworks, and create clear pathways for evidence to inform practice at scale.

• Provide strategic vision and operational oversight for all research and learning activities.
• Manage and mentor senior research associates, learning & optimization associates, data science staff, and other research personnel.
• Oversee resource allocation, staffing, timelines, and workflows across the division.
• Create a cohesive, collaborative, and high-performing team culture oriented toward learning and impact.

• Operationalize Shamiri's “Learning While Scaling” framework as a core organizational system.
• Lead the Evidence Engine: design and execute high-certainty studies (RCTs, cluster trials, pragmatic trials) answering whether interventions work, for whom, through what mechanisms, and at what cost.
• Lead the Optimization Engine: establish infrastructure for rapid experimentation (A/B tests, factorial designs, implementation pilots) to improve delivery, reduce costs, and enhance implementation.
• Ensure both engines operate as a coordinated system with shared data infrastructure, documentation, and governance.

• Complete decomposition of Shamiri's intervention model into constituent components (theory of change, behavior-driver mapping, component inventory).
• Assign components to certainty zones: Zone A (core mechanisms requiring RCT before modification), Zone B (directionally validated requiring systematic evaluation), Zone C (operational details requiring monitoring).
• Establish escalation and de-escalation triggers governing when components move between zones based on accumulating evidence.
• Ensure zone classification logic is understood and used organization-wide, not just within research.

• Convene and staff the Adaptation Review Board (ARB)-the decision-making body for adaptation approvals, zone reclassifications, and resource allocation across learning engines.
• Coordinate with the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) for external scientific guidance on Evidence Engine studies and results interpretation.
• Ensure all adaptation decisions are documented, transparent, and governed by pre-specified criteria rather than ad hoc judgment.

• Lead development of the organization's annual research agenda, reconciling prior trials, ongoing research, and strategic priorities.
• Design randomized controlled trials, cluster trials, pragmatic trials, and hybrid effectiveness-implementation designs.
• Guide sampling strategies, power analyses, study protocols, and pre-registration.
• Ensure all studies meet high standards of methodological rigor and ethical protection.
• Provide direction on qualitative, mixed-methods, and mechanism research where needed.

• Oversee day-to-day execution of research studies across sites and delivery models.
• Ensure accurate, ethical, and high-quality data collection practices.
• Build systems for monitoring study fidelity, adherence to protocols, and research integrity.
• Troubleshoot study issues and support teams to ensure timelines are met.

• Oversee development of measurement frameworks, assessment tools, and analytical approaches.
• Ensure data is managed securely and in line with ethical standards.
• Guide advanced statistical analysis and interpretation.
• Collaborate with Technology team on data integration between research systems, shamiriOS, and shamiriAI.
• Lead development of dashboards, learning cycles, and reporting tools for internal use.

• Build systems to translate research findings into practical insights for service delivery, tech, and clinical teams.
• Establish regular cross-team learning reviews where Optimization Engine and Evidence Engine share findings.
• Translate findings into updates to playbooks, training materials, and supervision protocols.
• Support rapid experimentation and iterative improvement of interventions within Zone B and Zone C boundaries.
• Provide evidence-informed recommendations to senior leadership.

• Lead development of academic manuscripts, conference presentations, policy briefs, and internal knowledge products.
• Support team members in writing, editing, and submitting publications.
• Contribute to Shamiri's communications strategy through research-backed thought leadership content.
• Maintain organized internal archives of research protocols, datasets, and findings.

• Build and maintain partnerships with universities, research institutions, and collaborators.
• Represent Shamiri in research networks, conferences, working groups, and advisory bodies.
• Support grant writing and reporting related to research activities.
• Ensure alignment between research partners and programmatic priorities.

• Oversee IRB submissions, renewals, and compliance.
• Ensure staff follow ethical standards in data collection, participant protection, and data use.
• Manage research risk and safeguarding procedures across all study activities.

• Master's or equivalent advanced degree in psychology, economics, public health, behavioral science, education, epidemiology, or related field. PhD preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in research management or applied research settings, with demonstrated experience leading research teams and managing complex studies.
• Strong record of authorship in peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience in program evaluation, implementation science, or mental health research preferred.
• Experience designing and running rapid-cycle experiments or operational research is a strong advantage.
• Proficiency in quantitative analysis (R, Python, or equivalent) required. Note: We do not use STATA, SPSS, or similar paid analytical tools. Qualitative methods experience is an advantage.
• Experience with field-based data collection in low-resource, school-based, or community settings is preferred.
• Experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa or similar contexts is strongly preferred.

• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Deep expertise in research design, implementation, and analysis
• Strong understanding of randomized trials, experimental methods, quasi-experimental designs, and mixed-methods approaches
• Ability to design and operate rapid learning systems alongside rigorous evidence generation
• Excellent analytical judgment and ability to translate findings into actionable recommendations
• Advanced knowledge of measurement, psychometrics, and youth mental health outcomes
• Excellent written communication and scientific writing skills
• Strong project management capability
• High ethical standards and commitment to research integrity
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse internal and external partners
• Comfort operating at the intersection of research rigor and operational realities of scale

Jobs in Kenya