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Coordinator: Research, Development and Monitoring (RDM)
Sustainable Seas Trust
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Posted on Mar 28, 2026
Coordinator: Research, Development and Monitoring (RDM)
Gqeberha
Research
About The Position
The role supports delivery by coordinating fieldwork, data collection, research logistics, documentation, and operational research processes, ensuring that research and monitoring activities are implemented efficiently, consistently, and in line with SST’s approved methodologies and ethical standards. This position is answerable to the RDM Manager. Work is prioritised by the RDM Manager, with day-to-day coordination aligned to approved research, monitoring, and MEL plans, and in coordination with relevant programme and project managers where applicable.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities
- Support the implementation of approved research, monitoring, and learning activities as defined by RDM plans, methodologies, and guidance.
- Coordinate logistics for research fieldwork, monitoring activities, sampling campaigns, and data collection exercises once implementation decisions have been confirmed by the RDM Manager.
- Maintain accurate operational research records, including field datasheets, sampling logs, metadata, and follow-up actions.
- Support operational coordination with research partners, service providers, laboratories, and field teams.
- Act as an operational point of contact for day-to-day research coordination, escalating methodological, ethical, or resourcing issues to the RDM Manager as appropriate.
- Support data collection, collation, cleaning, and documentation for qualitative and quantitative research and monitoring activities, under RDM direction.
- Maintain and update research and monitoring databases and trackers in line with approved templates and data management protocols.
- Provide operational reporting inputs and supporting documentation to contribute to programme reporting and MEL requirements, as directed by the RDM Manager. This role does not carry accountability for MEL system design or donor reporting.
- Maintain and update operational expenditure trackers for RDM-related activities, including capturing and submitting cost information and supporting documentation, for review and approval by the RDM Manager.
- Support internal coordination by sharing research progress updates, risks, data gaps, and operational feedback with relevant managers.
- Contribute field-based insights, photographs, and updates to support organisational learning and communications, in coordination with the Strategic Stakeholder Engagement portfolio where appropriate.
- Work collaboratively within MCIP, respecting clear role boundaries between strategic research direction and oversight (RDM Manager), delivery ownership and accountability (project and programme managers), and operational coordination and support (RDM Coordinator).
- Carry out any other reasonable tasks required in support of approved programme objectives, as directed by the line manager, and within the scope of the role.
Key Organisational Responsibilities within SST’s “Operating System”
The RDM Coordinator plays a crucial role in our Operating System, by providing reliable operational coordination and support within approved plans, methodologies, and guidance.
Key organisational responsibilities include:
- Adapt and Learn: Engage in continuous learning, attend training sessions, and implement new practices to improve performance and deliver on the organisation’s core value proposition.
- Use resources effectively: Use assigned resources efficiently, keep accurate records, and flag any challenges or constraints that may affect delivery.
- Communicate upward: Provide feedback on operational challenges, suggest improvements, and report on progress and issues to senior management.
- Model desired behaviour: Demonstrate commitment to organisational values, encourage a positive work environment, and influence peers through exemplary conduct.
Key deliverables
The RDM Coordinator will be accountable for ensuring that the following deliverables are in place in support of the RDM portfolio:
- Research and monitoring activities are coordinated and operationally supported in line with approved RDM plans and timelines.
- Accurate, complete and auditable field and monitoring records and datasets, are maintained in accordance with SST’s research and data management standards.
- Research, monitoring, and data trackers are current, reliable and consistently maintained to support management oversight and reporting.
- Timely, high-quality field-level inputs and documentation are available to support programme reporting and MEL requirements under RDM direction.
- Operational expenditure tracking and supporting documentation are accurate, complete and submitted timeously for management review and approval.
- Operational research risks, data gaps, and implementation issues are identified early and escalated appropriately to the RDM Manager.
- Field-based insights are systematically captured and contributed to organisational learning and communications, as directed.
Requirements
- A relevant tertiary qualification at least a Masters’ degree in one of the environmental sciences a prerequisite.
- At least three to five years of professional experience in project coordination, as well as qualitative and quantitative research and analysis, preferably within the NGO or sustainability sectors.
- A good track record in research and writing, ideally writing reports and professional publications (beyond science and peer reviewed publications).
- Demonstrated experience in project planning, implementation, and tracking, with the ability to translate strategy into clear, actionable workplans.
- Proven ability to develop and follow structured systems for timelines, deliverables, and reporting—ensuring tasks are completed on schedule and to standard.
- Experience in stakeholder engagement and partnership management, particularly with local government, community organisations, and informal sector partners.
- Basic understanding of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) processes, including data collection, reporting, and the use of digital tools such as Excel, or equivalent platforms.
- Competence in budget tracking, procurement coordination, and resource allocation.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing progress reports, funding inputs, and community updates.
- Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and familiarity with project management or collaboration tools.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and the ability to engage respectfully with diverse stakeholder groups.
- A valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel regularly within South Africa for site visits and stakeholder meetings.
- Proficiency in English, with an additional African language considered advantageous.
The Ideal Candidate
Beyond the required technical skills and experience, we are looking for a particular type of professional who will thrive in SST’s environment and contribute meaningfully to the delivery of our mission.
The ideal candidate will exemplify the following qualities:
- Mission Driven: Has a genuine interest in environmental sustainability and community upliftment. You are motivated by contributing to positive change for coastal communities and the marine environment.
- Reliable and Accountable: You take ownership of your responsibilities and follow through on commitments. You are dependable, organised, and ensure that agreed activities and tasks are completed accurately and on time.
- Well Organised and Detail Oriented: You are highly organised and comfortable managing multiple activities, logistics, and documentation requirements simultaneously. You ensure records are accurate, activities are prepared properly, and nothing is overlooked.
- Research and Stakeholder Coordination: You are comfortable engaging with a range of research stakeholders including laboratories, academic partners, service providers, programme teams, and field staff. You communicate professionally, coordinate activities effectively, and maintain constructive working relationships that support the smooth implementation of research, monitoring, and data collection activities.
- Proactive and Practical: You anticipate operational needs, identify potential challenges early, and take practical steps to keep activities running smoothly. When issues arise, you escalate them appropriately and contribute to finding solutions.
- Strong Communicator: You communicate clearly and professionally with colleagues, partners, and community members. You are able to share information accurately, capture meeting discussions, and ensure that key messages and follow up actions are clearly documented.
- Adaptable and Solution Oriented: You remain calm and flexible in dynamic environments such as community engagements or field activities. You adjust to changing circumstances while maintaining focus on delivery.
- Collaborative Team Member: You work well within a team environment and respect clear role boundaries. You support colleagues, share information openly, and contribute to a constructive and cooperative working culture.
- Willing to Learn: You are open to learning new skills and improving your understanding of environmental issues, community engagement approaches, and programme delivery practices.
If this profile does not resonate with you, this role may not be the right fit. We are seeking a committed and reliable individual who is motivated to contribute to practical, community focused environmental work.
Please send your application to info@sst.org.za with the subject line “Coordinator: RDM”.
About The Position
The role supports delivery by coordinating fieldwork, data collection, research logistics, documentation, and operational research processes, ensuring that research and monitoring activities are implemented efficiently, consistently, and in line with SST’s approved methodologies and ethical standards. This position is answerable to the RDM Manager. Work is prioritised by the RDM Manager, with day-to-day coordination aligned to approved research, monitoring, and MEL plans, and in coordination with relevant programme and project managers where applicable.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities
- Support the implementation of approved research, monitoring, and learning activities as defined by RDM plans, methodologies, and guidance.
- Coordinate logistics for research fieldwork, monitoring activities, sampling campaigns, and data collection exercises once implementation decisions have been confirmed by the RDM Manager.
- Maintain accurate operational research records, including field datasheets, sampling logs, metadata, and follow-up actions.
- Support operational coordination with research partners, service providers, laboratories, and field teams.
- Act as an operational point of contact for day-to-day research coordination, escalating methodological, ethical, or resourcing issues to the RDM Manager as appropriate.
- Support data collection, collation, cleaning, and documentation for qualitative and quantitative research and monitoring activities, under RDM direction.
- Maintain and update research and monitoring databases and trackers in line with approved templates and data management protocols.
- Provide operational reporting inputs and supporting documentation to contribute to programme reporting and MEL requirements, as directed by the RDM Manager. This role does not carry accountability for MEL system design or donor reporting.
- Maintain and update operational expenditure trackers for RDM-related activities, including capturing and submitting cost information and supporting documentation, for review and approval by the RDM Manager.
- Support internal coordination by sharing research progress updates, risks, data gaps, and operational feedback with relevant managers.
- Contribute field-based insights, photographs, and updates to support organisational learning and communications, in coordination with the Strategic Stakeholder Engagement portfolio where appropriate.
- Work collaboratively within MCIP, respecting clear role boundaries between strategic research direction and oversight (RDM Manager), delivery ownership and accountability (project and programme managers), and operational coordination and support (RDM Coordinator).
- Carry out any other reasonable tasks required in support of approved programme objectives, as directed by the line manager, and within the scope of the role.
Key Organisational Responsibilities within SST’s “Operating System”
The RDM Coordinator plays a crucial role in our Operating System, by providing reliable operational coordination and support within approved plans, methodologies, and guidance.
Key organisational responsibilities include:
- Adapt and Learn: Engage in continuous learning, attend training sessions, and implement new practices to improve performance and deliver on the organisation’s core value proposition.
- Use resources effectively: Use assigned resources efficiently, keep accurate records, and flag any challenges or constraints that may affect delivery.
- Communicate upward: Provide feedback on operational challenges, suggest improvements, and report on progress and issues to senior management.
- Model desired behaviour: Demonstrate commitment to organisational values, encourage a positive work environment, and influence peers through exemplary conduct.
Key deliverables
The RDM Coordinator will be accountable for ensuring that the following deliverables are in place in support of the RDM portfolio:
- Research and monitoring activities are coordinated and operationally supported in line with approved RDM plans and timelines.
- Accurate, complete and auditable field and monitoring records and datasets, are maintained in accordance with SST’s research and data management standards.
- Research, monitoring, and data trackers are current, reliable and consistently maintained to support management oversight and reporting.
- Timely, high-quality field-level inputs and documentation are available to support programme reporting and MEL requirements under RDM direction.
- Operational expenditure tracking and supporting documentation are accurate, complete and submitted timeously for management review and approval.
- Operational research risks, data gaps, and implementation issues are identified early and escalated appropriately to the RDM Manager.
- Field-based insights are systematically captured and contributed to organisational learning and communications, as directed.
Requirements
- A relevant tertiary qualification at least a Masters’ degree in one of the environmental sciences a prerequisite.
- At least three to five years of professional experience in project coordination, as well as qualitative and quantitative research and analysis, preferably within the NGO or sustainability sectors.
- A good track record in research and writing, ideally writing reports and professional publications (beyond science and peer reviewed publications).
- Demonstrated experience in project planning, implementation, and tracking, with the ability to translate strategy into clear, actionable workplans.
- Proven ability to develop and follow structured systems for timelines, deliverables, and reporting—ensuring tasks are completed on schedule and to standard.
- Experience in stakeholder engagement and partnership management, particularly with local government, community organisations, and informal sector partners.
- Basic understanding of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) processes, including data collection, reporting, and the use of digital tools such as Excel, or equivalent platforms.
- Competence in budget tracking, procurement coordination, and resource allocation.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing progress reports, funding inputs, and community updates.
- Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and familiarity with project management or collaboration tools.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and the ability to engage respectfully with diverse stakeholder groups.
- A valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel regularly within South Africa for site visits and stakeholder meetings.
- Proficiency in English, with an additional African language considered advantageous.
The Ideal Candidate
Beyond the required technical skills and experience, we are looking for a particular type of professional who will thrive in SST’s environment and contribute meaningfully to the delivery of our mission.
The ideal candidate will exemplify the following qualities:
- Mission Driven: Has a genuine interest in environmental sustainability and community upliftment. You are motivated by contributing to positive change for coastal communities and the marine environment.
- Reliable and Accountable: You take ownership of your responsibilities and follow through on commitments. You are dependable, organised, and ensure that agreed activities and tasks are completed accurately and on time.
- Well Organised and Detail Oriented: You are highly organised and comfortable managing multiple activities, logistics, and documentation requirements simultaneously. You ensure records are accurate, activities are prepared properly, and nothing is overlooked.
- Research and Stakeholder Coordination: You are comfortable engaging with a range of research stakeholders including laboratories, academic partners, service providers, programme teams, and field staff. You communicate professionally, coordinate activities effectively, and maintain constructive working relationships that support the smooth implementation of research, monitoring, and data collection activities.
- Proactive and Practical: You anticipate operational needs, identify potential challenges early, and take practical steps to keep activities running smoothly. When issues arise, you escalate them appropriately and contribute to finding solutions.
- Strong Communicator: You communicate clearly and professionally with colleagues, partners, and community members. You are able to share information accurately, capture meeting discussions, and ensure that key messages and follow up actions are clearly documented.
- Adaptable and Solution Oriented: You remain calm and flexible in dynamic environments such as community engagements or field activities. You adjust to changing circumstances while maintaining focus on delivery.
- Collaborative Team Member: You work well within a team environment and respect clear role boundaries. You support colleagues, share information openly, and contribute to a constructive and cooperative working culture.
- Willing to Learn: You are open to learning new skills and improving your understanding of environmental issues, community engagement approaches, and programme delivery practices.
If this profile does not resonate with you, this role may not be the right fit. We are seeking a committed and reliable individual who is motivated to contribute to practical, community focused environmental work.