Study Coordinator

Z ambart Research and Development to Improve Health for All JOB OPPORTUNITIES Zambart is an independent research organisation based at the University of Zambia’s Ridgeway Campus in Lusaka. Through multidisciplinary health research and research training, Zambart generates evidence to improve health policy and practice in Zambia and beyond. Study summary: The Study Coordinator will be responsible for the day-to-day coordination of Smart-Link research activities in Chipangali District. Smart-Link focuses on adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH), including connections between schools, communities and appropriate services in health facilities. Working under the supervision of the Study Manager, the successful candidate will coordinate field implementation, supervise study staff, maintain effective relationships with local stakeholders, and ensure that activities meet the study’s ethical, quality and reporting requirements. Zambart invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates for the following position: Position: Study Coordinator – Smart-Link Study (1 position)- Full Time Location: Chipangali/Chipata, Eastern Province, with regular travel to study communities and health facilities in Chipangali District Reporting to: Study Manager Contract duration: 1 year Key responsibilities Prepare and implement fieldwork plans, schedules and logistical arrangements in consultation with the Study Manager. Coordinate participant recruitment, consent and assent procedures and data collection in accordance with the approved study protocol. Train, mentor and supervise field staff, ensuring consistent implementation of study procedures. Coordinate study activities with district health authorities, health facilities, schools, community leaders, youth representatives and implementing partners. Support adolescent and community engagement, ensuring that activities are inclusive, respectful and responsive to participants’ needs. Coordinate implementation and monitoring of study interventions and referral activities, working closely with service providers and partner organisations. Monitor recruitment, participation, data completeness and implementation progress; identify challenges and coordinate timely corrective action. Conduct routine data-quality checks and support the secure handling, storage and transfer of study data. Uphold participant confidentiality and adolescent safeguarding procedures, promptly escalating concerns, incidents and protocol deviations through the appropriate channels. Maintain accurate study records and prepare regular progress reports for the Study Manager and Principal Investigator. Coordinate field resources, supplies and expenditure documentation in line with approved budgets and organisational procedures. Support monitoring visits, stakeholder meetings and dissemination of study findings. Essential qualifications and experience A bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Nursing, Clinical Sciences, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Demography, Development Studies or another relevant health or social science discipline from a recognised institution. At least three years of relevant experience in health research or public health programme implementation, including at least one year coordinating field activities or supervising a team. Demonstrated experience working with adolescents and young people on SRH, such as HIV/STI prevention, adolescent pregnancy prevention, adolescent-friendly services or linkage to care. Previous involvement in research involving human participants, with an understanding of informed consent, assent, confidentiality and ethical research practice. Experience engaging health facilities, community structures and government or implementing partners. Experience collecting or supervising quantitative and/or qualitative data, including use of electronic data-collection tools. Understanding of adolescent safeguarding, gender-sensitive engagement and appropriate referral of participants requiring additional support. Strong planning, supervision, problem-solving and report-writing skills. Good written and spoken English and ability to communicate effectively in Chichewa/Nyanja. Ideally a known resident of Chipangali/Chipata willing to undertake frequent field travel within Chipangali District. Desirable qualifications and experience Experience in implementation research or studies combining quantitative and qualitative methods. Experience conducting or supervising interviews, focus group discussions and community surveys. Familiarity with digital health tools, electronic referral systems or platforms such as ODK, REDCap or KoboToolbox. Experience working in rural communities, particularly in Eastern Province, and familiarity with local health and community structures. Experience managing field logistics, activity budgets and financial accountability.

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