About Friendship Bench Zimbabwe
Friendship Bench is an evidence-based mental health intervention developed in Zimbabwe to bridge the mental health treatment gap.
It aims to improve people’s quality of life through problem-solving talk therapy.
Research Coordinator – Friendship Bench Zimbabwe
Friendship Bench Zimbabwe is seeking a suitably qualified and motivated Research Coordinator to coordinate impactful research that strengthens the evidence, learnings and impact behind its model.
Job Summary
- Employer: Friendship Bench Zimbabwe
- Job Type: Contract
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Research
- Closing Date: 2026-09-11
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate day-to-day implementation of assigned research projects in line with approved protocols, workplans, timelines and budgets.
- Maintain study workplans, trackers, meeting records, action logs and essential documentation.
- Translate study protocols into operational procedures, workflows, tools, SOPs, manuals and implementation plans.
- Monitor progress against milestones, identify implementation risks and support corrective actions.
- Coordinate study start-up, site readiness, team preparation, recruitment, retention, follow-up and participant engagement.
- Support study implementation in accordance with protocols, ICH-GCP, ethics approvals and national regulatory requirements.
- Coordinate study activities across participating sites and ensure consistent implementation.
- Coordinate ethics and regulatory submissions, amendments, correspondence and informed consent documentation.
- Identify, document, escalate and support resolution of protocol deviations, adverse events and other reportable events.
- Coordinate monitoring visits, audits and inspections while promoting participant safety, confidentiality and research integrity.
- Coordinate data collection processes to ensure completeness, accuracy, consistency, confidentiality and timeliness.
- Maintain data collection tools, validation rules, data dictionaries and data workflows.
- Coordinate the development, testing and use of electronic data collection systems, including REDCap and other study platforms.
- Conduct routine data-quality checks, resolve queries and support dataset cleaning for analysis.
- Conduct or coordinate site monitoring and support continuous quality improvement.
- Provide day-to-day guidance to research assistants, nurses, data staff and other study personnel.
- Coordinate communication, meetings, deliverables and follow-up actions across internal teams and external partners.
- Prepare progress, data quality, funder, ethics, regulatory and project reports.
- Coordinate budgeting, procurement, resource planning and administrative processes.
- Contribute to abstracts, manuscripts, presentations, conference submissions, concept notes and grant applications.
- Develop and deliver capacity-building activities for Friendship Bench staff and delivery agents.
- Provide training on data collection, handling, entry, quality assurance, confidentiality and electronic data systems such as REDCap and Kobo Toolbox.
- Provide mentorship on data interpretation, research reporting, scientific writing, abstracts, manuscripts and presentations.
- Build staff capacity in research documentation, study protocols, SOPs, research ethics, GCP and data protection.
- Identify research capacity gaps and coordinate relevant training and professional development.
Requirements
- A 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 is 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 systems.
- Understanding of confidentiality, research ethics and respectful engagement with participants and lived-experience experts.
- Knowledge of GCP, research documentation, SOPs and data protection requirements is desirable.
- Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and across multiple active projects.
How to Apply
Apply by email: vacancy@friendshipbench.io
About the Company
Friendship Bench Zimbabwe is a dedicated mental health organization committed to fostering well-being across Zimbabwe. Guided by core values of empathy and connection, the company provides vital free talk therapy services to individuals. Additionally, it actively establishes and nurtures group support networks, offering safe spaces for shared experiences and healing. These critical services are delivered by trained mental health supporters within communities throughout the country, making mental health support accessible to many.
Empowering mental well-being through free talk therapy and community support in Zimbabwe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and education are typically required for a Research Coordinator role in Zimbabwe?
Candidates usually need at least a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Public Health, or Social Sciences. A Master's degree or certification in research methodology is often preferred for coordinator-level positions.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities for this position?
You will likely oversee data collection, manage field researchers, and ensure ethical compliance during study implementation. Daily tasks also include coordinating with community stakeholders and preparing progress reports.
What is the typical work culture and expectation for research roles in Zimbabwe?
Expect a blend of formal office administration and active fieldwork within local communities. There is a strong emphasis on cultural sensitivity and the ability to navigate diverse socio-economic environments.
What are the realistic career progression paths for a Research Coordinator?
Successful coordinators can advance to Senior Research Manager or Principal Investigator roles. Many also transition into specialized consultancy or academic leadership positions within the health sector.
What typical benefits can a job seeker expect in this sector?
Standard packages often include medical aid, a pension scheme, and annual leave. Some organizations also provide travel allowances or fuel stipends for field-based activities.
How should I apply, and what do Zimbabwean employers look for in a candidate?
Submit a tailored CV and cover letter highlighting your practical experience with data tools and community engagement. Employers value a proven track record of meeting deadlines and strong interpersonal skills.
