Survey & Implementation Specialist

About the Role

We are a research organization that conducts high-quality surveys, field research, and data-driven implementation work. Our systems rely heavily on digital data collection, strict protocols, automated checks, and increasingly advanced algorithm- and AI-supported processes. We are looking for a Survey & implementation specialist to lead survey teams and oversee selected implementation teams operating in similarly rigorous, data-intensive environments.

This is a managerial role for someone who is highly organized, operationally strong, and fully comfortable working with digital systems, structured protocols, and real-time data quality processes.

What You Will Do

• Lead implementation of surveys and research-based programs end-to-end, across multiple field sites
• Build and manage multi-level field teams — coordinators, supervisors, enumerators, and frontline staff
• Operate the digital backbone: SurveyCTO, ODK, Kobo, custom applications, and the workflows and data pipelines behind them
• Own the full data quality stack; pilot testing, high-frequency checks, backchecks, spot checks, protocol adherence tracking, and resolution cycles
• Translate research protocols into SOPs and field workflows that hold up under real conditions
• Use dashboards and AI-supported workflows for quality assurance, data cleaning, transcript review, and reporting
• Work directly with research teams on study integrity and with technology teams on platform improvements
• Coordinate with government counterparts, partners, and donors where the work requires it

Who This Is For

This role is suited to a professional who has developed substantial experience in surveys and research-based programming and understands the discipline that field implementation requires. The ideal candidate is someone who approaches implementation as a craft; grounded in preparation, clear systems, well-trained teams, use of technology to enhance and ensure quality, and considered leadership — and who recognizes that the quality of execution directly shapes the quality of evidence a program produces.

We are looking for someone who has also kept pace with how this field is evolving. AI-supported tools are now part of day-to-day practice at RADS, integrated into quality assurance, data processing, documentation, and reporting. The right candidate treats field operations, digital data systems, and AI-enabled workflows as a single integrated practice rather than separate functions and brings the judgement to apply each appropriately to the demands of research-based work.

Above all, this is a role for someone who takes implementation seriously as the bridge between research and impact, and who wants to lead that bridge at an organization where both sides of it are taken equally seriously.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in public health, economics, social sciences, statistics, management, development studies, or a related field. Exceptional bachelor's candidates will be considered
• At least 5 years leading field implementation, survey operations, or program delivery in a research or evaluation setting
• Demonstrated experience running multi-site, multi-team field operations end-to-end
• Strong command of digital data collection platforms and core data quality processes (HFCs, backchecks, spot checks)
• Working proficiency with AI tools in operational workflows
• A track record of building and sustaining high standards of protocol adherence and data quality in the field

Why RADS

At RADS, the strength of delivery shapes the strength of the evidence we produce. This role sits at the point where field leadership, research rigour, and modern tooling come together, and where strong implementation translates directly into programs and policies that work.