SayPro Coordinate Data Collection Efforts

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.
• Preparation of Data Collection Tools:
  Finalize and Approve Data Collection Instruments:
  • Finalize the design of the data collection instruments, including surveys, interviews, and questionnaires, ensuring they are fully aligned with the research objectives and methodological approach.
  • Review and approve all instruments to ensure clarity, relevance, and comprehensiveness.
  • Ensure the tools are piloted where appropriate, and revise based on feedback from the pilot phase to guarantee reliability and effectiveness in the full-scale data collection process.
  • Obtain final approval from stakeholders and relevant parties before data collection commences.
• Coordinate Data Collection Efforts:
  • Implement the data collection process by coordinating with internal teams (e.g., research, marketing, and operations) and external teams (e.g., field teams, data collectors, external agencies).
  • Establish clear communication channels with all stakeholders involved in the data collection process to ensure alignment and timely execution.
  • Develop and share a detailed data collection schedule that includes timelines, milestones, and responsibilities for each team member.
  • Monitor the progress of data collection to ensure all steps are followed correctly, within the specified timeframe, and according to agreed-upon standards.
  • Coordinate logistics, including travel arrangements, training sessions, and provision of necessary resources for field teams.
  • Ensure teams are well-equipped and properly trained on the data collection instruments and methods.
• 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

Key Responsibility: Ensure Timely Collection of Data from Relevant Participants

• Develop Data Collection Timeline:
  Create a detailed timeline for data collection, ensuring all stages, including recruitment, data gathering, and follow-ups, have clear deadlines to ensure timeliness.
  • Set specific milestones for each phase of data collection to ensure tasks are completed within the timeframes allocated.
• Timely Participant Engagement:
  • Reach out to relevant participants at the start of the data collection phase, ensuring they are informed and engaged in the process from the beginning.
  • Send timely reminder communications to participants regarding upcoming surveys, interviews, or data submissions.
• Regular Follow-ups:
  • Implement automated and manual follow-ups to remind participants to complete the required data collection tasks within the given time.
  • Establish a system for tracking participation and follow up directly with any participants who have missed deadlines.
• Monitor Data Collection Progress:
  • Use tools to track real-time progress in data collection, checking if participants are adhering to the schedule.
  • If any delays occur, investigate promptly and work with relevant parties to re-align the timeline to avoid disruptions to the overall process.
• Ensure Participant Availability:
  • Coordinate with participants and confirm their availability for interviews or surveys within the given timeline, accommodating any scheduling conflicts.
  • Proactively manage logistics for remote or in-person sessions, ensuring timely access to necessary resources (e.g., technology, venues).
• Escalate Delays Effectively:
  • Identify bottlenecks early and escalate them to appropriate stakeholders to address potential delays.
  • Take immediate corrective actions, such as reallocating resources, rescheduling, or streamlining data collection processes.
• Real-Time Reporting on Data Collection Progress:
  • Regularly update key stakeholders on data collection status, highlighting areas where data collection is on track and areas where delays are occurring.
  • Provide daily or weekly status reports summarizing the number of completed data points, ensuring everyone involved is aware of current progress and any changes to timelines.