Research Coordinator
Healthcare, Pharmacy, Doctors Jobs
- Friendship Bench
- Expires 11 Sep 2026
- Harare
- Full Time
Job Description
Job Title : Research Coordinator
Reporting to : Research Lead
Contract : Fixed Term Contract
Location : Harare
Deadline : 11 September 2026
About Friendship Bench
The Friendship Bench is 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. You can visit the website for
more information. Friendship Bench is looking for suitably qualified and motivated
individuals to fill the post of Research Coordinator
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.
Duties and Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
Research Project Coordination and Implementation
• Coordinate day-to-day implementation of assigned research projects in line with
approved protocols, workplans, timelines and budgets.
• Translate study protocols into operational procedures, workflows, tools, SOPs,
manuals and implementation plans.
• Maintain study workplans, trackers, meeting records, action logs and essential
documentation for monitoring, audit and inspection readiness.
• Coordinate study start-up, site readiness, team preparation, recruitment, retention,
follow-up, participant engagement and study supplies.
• Monitor progress against milestones, identify implementation risks or barriers, and
support corrective actions.
Regulatory and Ethical Compliance
• Support study implementation in accordance with protocols, ICH-GCP, ethics
approvals, Friendship Bench procedures and national regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate study activities across participating sites and ensure consistent
implementation of study procedures.
• Coordinate ethics and regulatory submissions, amendments, correspondence,
informed consent documentation and maintenance of essential documents, under the
oversight of the Research Lead.
• Identify, document, escalate and support resolution of protocol deviations, adverse
events, serious adverse events and other reportable events.
• Coordinate monitoring visits, audits and inspections while promoting participant
safety, confidentiality and research integrity.
Data Management, Monitoring and Quality Assurance
• Coordinate data collection processes to ensure completeness, accuracy, consistency,
confidentiality and timeliness.
• Coordinate the development, testing and use of electronic data collection systems,
including REDCap and other study platforms.
• Maintain data collection tools, validation rules, data dictionaries, data workflows and
documentation of database changes.
• Conduct routine data-quality checks, resolve queries with study teams, monitor data-
entry timelines and support dataset cleaning for analysis.
• Conduct or coordinate site monitoring, review study records where appropriate,
document findings and support continuous quality improvement.
Team Coordination, Reporting and Stakeholder Engagement
• Provide day-to-day guidance to research assistants, nurses, data staff and other study
personnel, including orientation, training, supervision and feedback.
• Coordinate communication, meetings, deliverables and follow-up actions across
internal teams and external partners.
• Prepare routine progress, data quality, funder, ethics, regulatory and project reports.
• Contribute to abstracts, manuscripts, presentations, conference submissions, concept
notes, grant applications and other research outputs.
• Coordinate budgeting, procurement, resource planning and administrative processes
in collaboration with relevant teams.
Internal Capacity Building and Research Skills Development
• Develop and deliver internal capacity-building activities for Friendship Bench staff
and delivery agents on research processes and skills.
• Provide training and support on data collection, handling, entry, quality assurance,
confidentiality and electronic data systems such as REDCap and Kobo Toolbox.
• Build staff capacity in research documentation, study protocols, SOPs, research ethics,
GCP and data protection requirements.
• Provide mentorship and guidance on data interpretation, research reporting,
scientific writing, abstracts, manuscripts and presentations.
• Identify research capacity gaps and coordinate relevant training, mentorship and
continuous professional development.
Qualifications and Experience
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
and research 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
effectively under pressure and across multiple active projects.
What We Value
Friendship Bench is an equal opportunity employer promoting gender, equity and diversity.
The organisation has zero tolerance for any form of harassment. All staff are expected to
uphold our organisational values and core competencies, including diversity and inclusion,
empathy, integrity, commitment and respect for others. Our selection process reflects our
commitment to safeguarding employees, research participants and communities from sexual
harassment, exploitation and abuse.
How to Apply
How to Apply
Interested and suitably qualified candidates should submit their application through the
designated application link . Research Coordinator application.
Please ensure that your application clearly demonstrates how your qualifications and
experience meet the requirements of the Research Coordinator role.
After completion of the form, please share your CV to vacancy@friendshipbench.io.
Deadline: 11September 2026
Friendship Bench is an equal opportunity employer promoting gender, equity, and diversity. The
organization has zero tolerance for any form of harassment and staff are expected to uphold
the organizational values and core competencies especially diversity and inclusion, empathy,
integrity, commitment, and respect for others as our selection process reflects our commitment
to the protection of children and safeguarding employees and communities from sexual
harassment exploitation and abuse.
