Head of Research Projects

We're looking for a dynamic leader whose expertise is translating research insights into product decisions while balancing technical rigor with rapid innovation. You'll lead a fast-paced research team focused primarily on product research that informs design and development cycles, with some rigorous implementation research. If you're energized by research that directly shapes products and moves at the speed of innovation - not traditional academic timelines - this role is for you.

About Jacaranda Health

Jacaranda Health’s mission is to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes in the public health system. Through innovative AI-driven technology and human-centered solutions, we partner with governments to scale impactful, data-driven interventions. These solutions include PROMPTS, an AI-enabled platform for mothers, and MENTORS, a facility-based training program equipping frontline nurses with lifesaving skills and knowledge. Our innovations and partnerships have reached over 3 million women across 1,100+ health facilities.

Jacaranda Health is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from qualified candidates regardless of race, ethnicity, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. for you.

About the team

You'll lead the Research Projects department within our Research, Design & Evaluation division. Your team includes Research Managers (General Research and Product Research), Senior Research Analysts, and Research Analysts - a dynamic mix of quantitative, product, and implementation researchers.

This team generates the evidence that strengthens our programs, drives product innovation, and positions Jacaranda as a global thought leader. You'll work at the intersection of rigorous research and fast-paced product development, balancing methodological excellence with rapid learning cycles.

About the role

The Head of Research Projects provides strategic leadership and execution accountability for all Kenya programs, ensuring innovations are adopted, programs achieve measurable impact, and relationships with government, donors, and partners are strengthened. The Head plays a pivotal role in leading interdepartmental collaboration and managing cross-cutting workstreams.

Location: Nairobi

Reports to: Director, Research, Design & Evaluation

Direct reports: Research Manager (General Research), Research Manager (Product Research)

Terms of engagement: One-year contract, renewable.

Work authorization: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Kenya. Work permit or visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

What You'll do:

Drive Research Excellence & Strategic Alignment

• Translate organizational priorities into research plans; set and enforce quality standards for all outputs

• Integrate product research (UX/UI, HCD) into product development lifecycles; ensure insights translate directly into product decisions

• Design and execute more traditional research methodologies, such as RCTs and implementation research, applying them to tech innovations that are operating at scale

• Maintain high speed of learning by optimizing research processes; balance methodological rigor with rapid innovation

Lead Knowledge Generation & Influence

• Oversee production of strategic knowledge products that position Jacaranda as a research leader

• Represent Jacaranda at national and international forums; influence policy and practice through evidence

• Build strategic partnerships with academic institutions, donors and government stakeholders

Build Team Capability & Drive Performance

• Coach Research Managers and other team members to deliver consistently high-quality technical outputs and strategic thinking

• Set clear performance expectations; hold team accountable; address performance gaps decisively

• Foster a performance-driven culture that values rigor, innovation, speed, and accountability

Manage Research Operations & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Manage departmental budgets, timelines, and resource allocation; ensure projects delivered on time, within budget, to scope

• Collaborate with Programs, Product, Data & Analytics teams to integrate research into organizational planning cycles

• Implement structured planning tools that enable cross-departmental coordination

Who you are:

What you bring

• 9-10 years research experience; 5+ years in senior research or leadership roles managing teams and complex portfolios

• Master's degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Statistics, Social Sciences, or related field 

• Deep technical expertise in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research; proficiency in Stata, R, SPSS, SAS, NVivo, or similar

• Strong understanding of product-focused research (UX/UI, human-centered design) and product development lifecycles

• Track record publishing research outputs and presenting at global forums; experience leading donor, government, and academic partnerships

• Strong management and accountability 

Skills and Competencies:

• Technical Expertise: Research design and methodology (quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods), product research (UX/UI, HCD), statistical analysis (Stata, R, SPSS, SAS, NVivo), research project management, budget oversight, donor reporting, data ethics and research integrity

• Leadership Capabilities: Strategic execution, quality control and performance management, cross-functional collaboration, stakeholder influence, decisiveness, accountability, clear strategic communication, ability to balance rigor with speed

Why join us?

• Mission-driven work: Impact the lives of millions of mothers and babies.

• Innovation-forward thinking: Lead cutting-edge solutions in maternal and newborn health.

• High-growth organization: Shape national-scale programs with global reach.

• People-centric culture: Collaborate with an ambitious, passionate, and supportive team.

To Apply:

Interested candidates should submit applications through this link – Head of Research Projects. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission is encouraged. No hard copies required or accepted. Application Deadline: 17th March 2026.