Data Collection Officer

1. Job Purpose The Data Collection Officer will be responsible for collecting, verifying, recording, and submitting accurate and reliable data to support research studies, customer satisfaction surveys, market research, monitoring and evaluation activities, and organizational decision-making. The successful candidate will conduct field interviews, administer questionnaires, engage respondents professionally, maintain data quality, and ensure that all collected information complies with approved research procedures, confidentiality requirements, and applicable data protection laws.

2. Key Duties and Responsibilities A. Data Collection and Fieldwork Conduct face-to-face interviews, telephone interviews, online surveys, and other approved data collection activities. Administer structured questionnaires and interview guides accurately. Collect information from households, businesses, consumers, institutions, employees, and other target respondents. Conduct market research, customer satisfaction surveys, public opinion surveys, and other assigned research activities. Visit designated locations and follow approved fieldwork schedules. Explain the purpose of research activities to respondents and obtain informed consent where required. Record responses accurately without manipulating or influencing the information provided. Meet assigned daily and weekly data collection targets while maintaining quality. B. Data Quality and Verification Review completed questionnaires for accuracy, completeness, and consistency. Identify missing responses, duplicate records, and inconsistent information. Verify submitted data and correct errors in accordance with approved procedures. Report data collection challenges and unusual findings to the supervisor. Ensure that collected information meets established quality standards. Submit completed questionnaires and datasets within agreed deadlines. C. Digital Data Management Use smartphones, tablets, computers, and approved digital tools to capture and submit information. Work with data collection platforms such as KoboToolbox, ODK, Google Forms, or other approved survey applications. Maintain accurate electronic and physical records where applicable. Upload collected information securely and follow instructions for data storage and transfer. Assist with basic data entry, coding, cleaning, and organization when required. D. Respondent and Stakeholder Engagement Communicate clearly and professionally with respondents. Maintain respectful relationships with community members, customers, business representatives, and institutional stakeholders. Handle respondent questions and concerns appropriately. Protect respondent privacy and avoid disclosing confidential information. Escalate complaints, sensitive issues, and fieldwork risks to the supervisor. E. Reporting and Coordination Prepare daily fieldwork updates and progress reports. Report completed interviews, pending assignments, refusals, and field challenges. Attend team briefings, training sessions, and project review meetings. Coordinate with research supervisors, enumerators, analysts, and project officers. Follow approved fieldwork instructions, timelines, and research protocols. Perform other relevant duties assigned by the supervisor. 3. Academic Qualifications Minimum Academic Requirements Applicants must possess: A Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Research Methods, Social Sciences, Economics, Sociology, Psychology, Development Studies, Public Health, Community Development, Business Administration, Monitoring and Evaluation, or another relevant field from a recognized institution. A KCSE certificate or equivalent secondary school qualification as part of their academic background. Basic knowledge of data collection methods, questionnaire administration, record keeping, and data quality assurance. For entry-level positions: Candidates with a relevant certificate or diploma and demonstrated data collection skills may be considered where the employer permits. Additional Academic and Professional Qualifications The following will be an added advantage: A bachelor's degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant research or analytical discipline. Training or certification in research methodology, monitoring and evaluation, statistics, or data management. Training in quantitative and qualitative data collection. Certification or practical training in KoboToolbox, ODK, SPSS, Microsoft Excel, or similar tools. Training in research ethics, informed consent, confidentiality, and personal data protection. Academic Documents Shortlisted candidates may be asked to provide: Copies of relevant academic certificates. Academic transcripts where applicable. Copies of relevant professional certificates. Evidence of recognition or equation of foreign qualifications where required by the relevant Kenyan authority. 4. Professional Experience Experience in data collection, field research, surveys, market research, customer feedback, or monitoring and evaluation is desirable. For experienced positions, at least one year of relevant experience is recommended. Experience administering questionnaires or conducting structured interviews is an advantage. Experience using digital survey tools and mobile data collection applications is desirable. Experience working with research organizations, NGOs, consulting firms, market research agencies, or development projects is beneficial. Candidates with relevant internship, attachment, volunteer, or academic fieldwork experience may be considered for entry-level roles. 5. Technical Skills and Competencies The ideal candidate should have: Strong interviewing and questionnaire administration skills. Basic data entry and data verification skills. Computer literacy and proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel. Ability to use smartphones and tablets for digital data collection. Familiarity with online survey platforms and electronic forms. Good written and verbal communication skills. Strong attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to follow instructions and meet deadlines. Basic numerical and analytical skills. Good record-keeping and reporting skills. Ability to identify inconsistencies and report data quality concerns. 6. Personal Attributes Candidates should demonstrate: Honesty and integrity. Professionalism and respect for respondents. Confidentiality and responsible handling of information. Reliability and punctuality. Good interpersonal and listening skills. Patience and cultural sensitivity. Ability to work independently and in a team. Flexibility to travel or conduct fieldwork where required. Commitment to accurate and unbiased data collection. 7. Employment and Compliance Requirements The successful candidate may be required to satisfy the following, depending on the employer and nature of the assignment: Verification of identity and eligibility to work in Kenya. Verification of academic and professional qualifications. Reference checks and relevant employment history verification. A valid work permit for foreign nationals where applicable. Completion of mandatory project training and research ethics orientation. Compliance with the employer's code of conduct and safeguarding policies. Compliance with applicable data protection laws, including the Data Protection Act, 2019, where relevant. Compliance with occupational health and safety requirements for field assignments. A Certificate of Good Conduct, medical examination, or other clearance should only be requested where lawful, relevant, and proportionate to the position. 8. Working Conditions The position may involve: Field visits to assigned counties, towns, communities, businesses, or institutions. Office-based, telephone-based, or online data collection. Use of smartphones, tablets, computers, and internet-enabled survey applications. Occasional travel and work outside normal office hours, where disclosed and required by the project. Fixed-term assignments tied to specific surveys or research projects. The employer should clearly communicate the duty station, contract duration, working hours, travel expectations, remuneration, and any approved field allowances. 9. Key Performance Indicators Performance may be assessed based on: Number of completed interviews or questionnaires. Accuracy, completeness, and consistency of submitted data. Adherence to approved data collection procedures. Timeliness of data submission and reporting. Compliance with respondent consent and confidentiality requirements. Ability to meet agreed fieldwork targets without compromising data quality. Professional conduct and feedback from supervisors. Proper use and safeguarding of data collection equipment. 10. Required Application Documents Interested applicants should prepare: An updated CV showing academic qualifications, relevant experience, and technical skills. A cover letter explaining their suitability for the position. Copies of relevant academic certificates. Copies of relevant professional or technical training certificates, if available. Contact details for two professional referees, if requested. Evidence of previous data collection, survey, or research work, where available and requested. Applicants should not submit original academic certificates or unnecessary sensitive personal information during the initial application stage. 11. How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should submit an updated CV and cover letter through the official application email or recruitment portal specified by the employer. Applications should indicate “Application for Data Collection Officer” in the subject line where email applications are accepted. Only shortlisted candidates may be contacted for interviews, practical assessments, or further verification. Application Deadline: To be announced Application: Visit jobs.helaworks.co.ke and create an account, browse jobs and apply online after submitting your CV