SayPro Ethics Compliance Certification

Job Title: Monthly Research Data Collection Lead
Department: SayPro Economic Impact Studies Research Office
Reporting To: Head of Research

Job Overview

The Monthly Research Data Collection Lead is responsible for overseeing the systematic, ethical, and goal-aligned gathering of data for SayPro’s Economic Impact Studies. This role requires close collaboration with SayPro departments and external partners to ensure efficient and accurate data collection every month.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and Plan Data Collection Strategy:
  Develop and document a clear Data Collection Strategy Document, which outlines the data collection process, including:
  • Methodology: Define the research approach, including qualitative and quantitative methods.
  • Objectives: Specify the purpose and goals of the data collection.
  • Sampling Techniques: Outline how participants or data points will be selected, including criteria and sample sizes.
  • Tools Used: List the data collection tools (e.g., surveys, interviews, data entry forms) and explain their relevance to the research.
    Ensure the methodology aligns with the research goals and is scientifically rigorous.
• Define Data Collection Tools:
  Develop and implement data collection tools, including surveys, interviews, questionnaires, and data entry forms.
  Survey and Interview Templates: Create templates for the surveys, questionnaires, and interview guides that will be used for data collection, ensuring they are user-friendly, concise, and effective for capturing relevant data.
  Ensure that tools are tailored to capture the needed data types for economic impact studies.
• Coordinate Data Collection:
  Lead or coordinate teams executing data collection activities.
  Collaborate with field teams, external agencies, and stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate data gathering.
  Ensure that data collection processes are completed on time and follow best practices for accuracy.
• Monitor Data Quality and Integrity:
  Conduct regular checks on collected data, resolve discrepancies, and ensure all data meets research standards.
  Address any discrepancies, missing data, or errors that may arise during the collection process.
• Quality Assurance:
  Perform quality checks on data to ensure consistency, reliability, and alignment with expected outcomes.
  Data Quality Assurance Report: Prepare a Data Quality Assurance Report that documents all the measures taken to ensure the accuracy and quality of the data. This report should include:
  • A description of the data validation process and any methods used for quality checks (e.g., double entry, automated validation checks, spot checks).
  • Any issues identified during the data collection phase, including discrepancies or missing data.
  • Actions taken to address discrepancies, errors, or inconsistencies, and their resolution.
  • Steps taken to ensure the final dataset meets the expected standards for accuracy and reliability.
• Stakeholder Communication:
  Maintain regular communication with stakeholders, including policymakers, data providers, and participants, to ensure that data collection aligns with their needs and expectations.
  Stakeholder Communication Records: Document all communications with stakeholders involved in the data collection process. This includes emails, meeting notes, phone calls, and any other communication methods used. Ensure transparency and accountability by:
  • Maintaining detailed records of communication regarding data collection progress, challenges, and changes to the strategy.
  • Keeping stakeholders informed about key milestones, delays, or issues.
  • Ensuring that stakeholder feedback is recorded and considered in subsequent stages of data collection.
• Provide Updates on Data Collection Progress:
  Regularly update stakeholders and team members on the status of data collection, highlighting key milestones, any delays, or challenges faced during the process.
• Ethical Compliance:
  Ensure that data collection follows ethical guidelines, including obtaining participant consent and ensuring data privacy.
  Consent Forms: Create and implement consent forms that ensure participants are fully informed about the study, its purpose, their involvement, and any risks.
  The forms should outline how participants’ data will be used, stored, and protected. Ensure all participants sign consent forms before data collection begins, respecting privacy and ethical standards.
  Ethics Compliance Certification:
  • Develop an Ethics Compliance Certification or checklist to ensure that all aspects of the data collection process comply with ethical standards and research regulations.
  • The certification should include:
    • Confirmation that participants’ informed consent has been obtained.
    • A review of the ethical approval process and documentation.
    • Assurance that participant confidentiality and data privacy are maintained.
    • A statement confirming that the data collection follows all relevant institutional, national, and international regulations.
    • Documentation of any ethical considerations or challenges encountered during data collection, and how they were addressed.
• Compliance with Regulatory and Institutional Standards:
  Ensure that all data collection activities comply with regulatory and institutional standards for ethical research practices.
  Maintain adherence to industry best practices, regulatory guidelines, and institutional policies related to research ethics.
• Data Analysis Preparation:
  Prepare the collected data for analysis by ensuring it is cleaned, categorized, and ready for use in subsequent stages of research.
  Verify that data is consistent and accurately formatted for easy analysis by research teams.
• Reporting:
  Assist in preparing reports that summarize the data collection process, key findings, and any issues encountered during the collection phase.
  Provide insights into how data collection could be improved in future studies.
• Highlight Notable Trends or Anomalies in the Data:
  Identify and highlight any trends or anomalies in the collected data that could impact the analysis.
  Flag unusual patterns or data points that may require further investigation or clarification.
• Collaborate Across Teams:
  Liaise with internal analysts and external partners to align data collection with current research needs.
• Report and Document Monthly Activities:
  Compile data summaries, write progress reports, and contribute insights to SayPro’s research output.

Requirements

• Degree in Social Sciences, Economics, Statistics, Development Studies, or related field
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in field research or data collection
• Proficiency in digital data collection tools (KoboToolbox, ODK, SurveyCTO)
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Knowledge of ethical research practices and data protection laws