POSITION Research Coordinator

LOCATION Freetown 

START DATE July 2025

DURATION 5 months – with the possibility of an extension

APPLICATION DEADLINE 20th June 2025 (only shortlisted candidates will be contacted)  

BACKGROUND

Welbodi Partnership (WP) is a UK-registered charity working to reduce maternal and child mortality and morbidity in Sierra Leone. Since 2008, Welbodi Partnership has collaborated with hospital management, health facility staff, and the Ministry of Health to enhance maternal and child health outcomes. Our work spans health systems strengthening, healthcare worker training, hospital improvement, research, and community engagement through bold, innovative partnership models.

Our vision is that all women and children in Sierra Leone will have access to effective essential healthcare services characterised by respect and dignity for all. Our mission is to build the capacity and effectiveness of the health system in Sierra Leone using evidence-based practice to reduce the number of women and children who are sick, suffer, or die unnecessarily.

Vision: All women and children in Sierra Leone will have access to effective essential healthcare services characterised by respect and dignity for all.

Mission: The mission is to build the capacity and effectiveness of the health system in Sierra Leone using evidence-based practice to reduce the number of women and children who are sick, suffer, or die unnecessarily.

Guiding Principles:

1. Deliver Lasting Results
2. Working in Partnership
3. Quality improvement and patient safety
4. Valuing People

Evidence-Based Approach. For further information,

please see:www.welbodipartnership.org   

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Research Coordinator will play a central role in the planning, implementation, supervision, and reporting of Welbodi Partnership’s research activities under the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)-funded projects in Sierra Leone. Working under the supervision of the Head of Programs, the post-holder will lead activities across hospitals and Peripheral Health Units (PHUs) in coordination with District Health Management Teams (DHMTs). They will directly supervise Data Collectors and work closely with health professionals and stakeholders at the district, facility, and community levels.

The Research Coordinator will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of the INTEGRATE and FPSHARE studies, which assess the implementation effectiveness of interventions across rural districts. This includes supporting mixed-methods research design and execution, facilitating focus group discussions, conducting observational data collection, and contributing to analysis and reporting.

The role also involves active representation of Welbodi Partnership at the district level—engaging respectfully and professionally with DHMTs, hospital and PHU staff, local authorities, community leaders, and pregnant women. Given the nature of the role, frequent travel is required to PHUs in remote Chiefdoms, including during the rainy season.

A strong understanding of Sierra Leone’s healthcare system—including community dynamics and key stakeholders—is essential. The position is full-time and based in Freetown, with regular (monthly) travel to rural implementation sites.

This is a full-time position based in Freetown, with frequent (monthly) up-country travel.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:

• District Health Management Team (DHMT)

• PHU and Hospital Staff • Local Authorities and Community Chiefs

• Health-led services and pregnant women

• Pregnant Women and Community Members

• Welbodi Program and MEL Teams

• Consortium Partners

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Research Coordinator will be responsible for the day-to-day coordination and delivery of the INTEGRATE and FPSHARE studies under the UNFPA-funded projects. Supported by the Welbodi Partnership implementation team, the coordinator will ensure high-quality and timely execution of project activities using a mixed-methods research approach. The role combines technical research tasks, team supervision, stakeholder engagement, and financial oversight.

Project Implementation and Research Delivery

• Lead the planning, coordination, and implementation of project activities in alignment with study protocols and donor expectations.

• Conduct observational data collection on patient vital signs and caregiver actions in clinical settings across target districts (Western Area, Koinadugu, and Pujehun).

• Facilitate focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews to explore community perspectives on barriers and enablers to quality healthcare.

• Input and manage data using secure platforms; support data validation, monitoring, and ensure data integrity and confidentiality.

• Contribute to the preparation of project reports, analysis, and dissemination of findings.

Team Leadership and Supervision

• Line-manage district-based Data Collectors and Data Officers, ensuring adherence to study protocols and data quality standards.

• Develop and oversee monthly work plans, coordinating closely with the Head of Programs and aligning with DHMT operational calendars.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Establish and maintain productive working relationships with District Health Management Teams, hospital superintendents, PHU staff, and the Ministry of Health.

• Engage respectfully with community leaders, local authorities, and pregnant women to support project implementation and community buy-in.

• Represent Welbodi Partnership in district-level activities, consortium meetings, and other key forums as required.

Financial Oversight:

• Monitor project expenditure against budgets and support the Head of Programs and Finance Manager in ensuring financial accountability.

• Contribute to the preparation of timely and high-quality donor financial reports.

Other Duties

• Support the delivery of any additional project-related tasks necessary for the success of the studies, as reasonably requested by the Head of Programs.

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post. 

REPRESENTATION

• Maintain good relations with the DHMT, local authorities, and Community Chiefs

• Represent Welbodi Partnership at the district and community level

• Represent Welbodi Partnership in consortium meetings at the district level.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Strong teamwork and commitment to a "One Welbodi" approach.

• Leadership in technical discussions on clinical care quality. • Extensive experience in health research management.

• Proficiency in data analysis and IT tools.

• Excellent written and verbal communication.

• Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability.

• Ability to influence across cross-cultural teams.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Experienced Team Manager: Proven experience in managing data collection teams and processes, with a focus on quality, supervision, and mentoring.

• Integrity and Ethical Standards: Demonstrates high personal integrity, incorruptibility, and adherence to ethical principles in all professional duties.

• Motivated and Accountable: Self-driven, dependable, and able to work independently while maintaining a strong sense of accountability and meeting tight deadlines.

• Passion for Health Equity: Deep commitment to improving maternal and child health outcomes in Sierra Leone, with a strong interest in community engagement and nurse education. •

Adaptable and Resilient: Comfortable working in basic conditions and able to travel frequently, including to remote and hard-to-reach areas during challenging weather conditions.

• Commitment to Organisational Values: Fully aligned with Welbodi Partnership’s mission, vision, and principles, including a collaborative "One Welbodi" team culture.

• Open and Reflective Learner: Demonstrates a willingness to learn, relearn, and unlearn; open to feedback and continuous improvement.

• Effective Communicator and Collaborator: Able to work cross-culturally with diverse teams and communities; clear in written and spoken communication.

• Organised and Detail-Oriented: Maintains thoroughness in documentation, data handling, and task execution.

• Emotionally Intelligent: Exercises diplomacy, cultural sensitivity, and empathy in professional interactions with stakeholders, communities, and colleagues.

• Clear and confident communicator in both written and spoken English, with the ability to adapt messaging to different audiences 

SELECTION CRITERIA

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Nursing, Public Health, Project Management, Biomedical Sciences, or related fields.

• Additional postgraduate certification in project management is an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years in a similar research-focused role in NGOs

• Proven experience in managing and reporting on donor-funded projects.

• Familiarity with Sierra Leone’s development or humanitarian context.

• Experience collaborating with partners such as KCL, UNICEF, UNFPA, WHO, Concern, etc.

• Track record of securing donor funding.

Other

• Fluent in English and Krio; regional languages are an advantage.

• Diplomatic and confident in engaging with senior stakeholders.

• Adaptability, responsiveness, and proactivity.

VALUES

• Integrity and Honesty: Demonstrates a high level of integrity, does not fabricate responses, and represents the organisation truthfully at all times.

• Effective Communication: Expresses themselves clearly and confidently; able to ask relevant questions and ensure mutual understanding in professional interactions.

• Relationship Building: Builds trust with colleagues, stakeholders, and community members while maintaining discretion and confidentiality. 

• Attention to Accuracy: Maintains a high standard of accuracy in all documentation and data-related tasks.

• Endurance and Commitment: Willing and able to work full days in basic conditions, including travel to remote locations and across different offices or facilities.

• Proactiveness: Takes initiative and handles duties independently without needing close supervision.

• Adaptability: Responds flexibly and effectively to a broad range of tasks and changing priorities.

• Responsiveness: Demonstrates timely and respectful responsiveness to line managers, team members, and external stakeholders.

GENERAL POLICIES

All staff are expected to comply with Welbodi Partnership’s policies, including:

Safeguarding: We are committed to protecting women, children, and vulnerable adults. Staff must complete mandatory safeguarding training and sign our safeguarding policy. Successful applicants must undergo a Police check. 

Data Protection: Welbodi Partnership adheres to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications close on 20th June 2025 – early submissions encouraged. Please email your CV (max 3 pages), cover letter, and contact details for 3 referees to jobs@welbodipartnership.org with the subject: Application – Research Coordinator.

For queries, contact: jobs@welbodipartnership.org. 

WOMEN ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY