Full Time
Nairobi, Kenya
Posted 1 month ago

Shamiri Institute

Director of Research & Innovation at Shamiri Institute – Nairobi, Kenya | Mental Health, Innovation & Policy | Apply Now

ESSENTIAL JOB DETAILS

Position Title: Director of Research & Innovation (Head of Shamiri Lab)
Organization: Shamiri Institute
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Type of Employment: Full-Time, 2–3 Year Renewable Contract
Department: Research & Innovation (Shamiri Lab)
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer
Start Date: Rolling applications – Immediate placement preferred
Application Deadline: Open until filled

INTRODUCTION

Are you a visionary researcher ready to shape the future of youth mental health in Africa and beyond? The Shamiri Institute, Africa’s largest youth mental health service provider, invites applications for the Director of Research & Innovation role based in Nairobi, Kenya. This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the most productive research labs in the Global South, working alongside top-tier global institutions and directly impacting the lives of over 100,000 youth annually.

In this strategic leadership role, you will head the Shamiri Lab, setting the research direction, mentoring emerging scholars, and translating rigorous science into scalable solutions. If you’re an applied social scientist, behavioral economist, or psychologist with a passion for youth development, policy, and innovation—this is your calling.

ABOUT SHAMIRI INSTITUTE

The word “Shamiri” means to thrive—and that is our mission. Shamiri Institute is a Nairobi-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving youth mental health and unlocking human potential across Africa.

Founded on the belief that mental health is a foundation for human flourishing, Shamiri combines cutting-edge research, culturally appropriate interventions, and scalable delivery models to bring mental wellness to schools, families, and communities. Our services have reached over 100,000 clients annually, and our innovations have been featured in top journals, including The Lancet, JAMA, JAACAP, and World Psychiatry.

Shamiri’s work is supported by a global Scientific Advisory Board and anchored in collaborations with prestigious institutions like Harvard University, Duke University, Aga Khan University, Child Mind Institute, and Strathmore University.

ABOUT SHAMIRI LAB – THE RESEARCH & INNOVATION DIVISION

The Shamiri Lab is one of the most prolific research engines in the Global South. With over $4 million in grants raised and more than 50 peer-reviewed publications in just three years, the Lab leads groundbreaking research on mental health, education, behavior change, and digital innovation.

Shamiri Lab focuses on three innovation pillars:

Therapeutic Innovation – Developing scalable, culturally relevant interventions.
Process Innovation – Designing efficient systems for delivery and measurement.
Behavior Change Innovation – Exploring identity, social cognition, and motivation.

The lab has completed 5+ Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and contributes to global discourse on youth well-being, digital mental health, and social inclusion.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

As the Director of Research & Innovation, you will lead Shamiri’s research strategy and help turn ideas into high-impact interventions. Your duties will include:

1. Lead Cutting-Edge, High-Impact Research

Spearhead research in mental health, education, livelihoods, and social transformation.
Partner with top academics globally to execute large-scale RCTs and pilot studies.
Guide research design, data collection, statistical analysis, and publication strategy.

2. Shape and Drive Research Strategy

Define and update the research agenda in line with Shamiri’s mission and global trends.
Identify critical knowledge gaps and emerging trends in youth wellness.
Collaborate with leadership on institutional strategic planning and innovation alignment.

3. Mentor and Manage the Research Team

Recruit, train, and manage a growing interdisciplinary team of junior researchers, analysts, and fellows.
Foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, data integrity, and peer mentorship.
Organize internal learning events, brown bag sessions, and writing retreats.

4. Secure Research Funding and Manage Budgets

Identify and respond to grant opportunities from foundations, governments, and institutions.
Prepare high-quality grant proposals and manage relationships with donors and research sponsors.
Oversee budgeting, timelines, and reporting for funded projects.

5. Ensure Research Integrity and Ethical Compliance

Uphold rigorous scientific and ethical standards across all studies.
Interface with IRBs, data protection boards, and regulatory bodies in Kenya and internationally.
Promote open science principles—pre-registration, replication, and transparent reporting.

6. Build Partnerships & Expand Global Reach

Strengthen relationships with universities, ministries, NGOs, and multilateral agencies.
Coordinate joint research initiatives and collaborative interventions.
Represent Shamiri Lab at academic conferences, panels, and global think tanks.

7. Translate Research into Practice and Policy

Convert data insights into actionable programs, digital tools, and public policy proposals.
Publish policy briefs, white papers, and frameworks for government and NGO use.
Engage with educators, community leaders, and policymakers.

8. Integrate Technology and Innovation

Explore AI, mobile health, and behavioral nudges to extend the reach of interventions.
Collaborate with tech teams to digitize protocols and integrate data systems.
Support development of tools for real-time feedback and learning analytics.

9. Public Engagement and Advocacy

Act as a public thought leader on youth mental health and social inclusion.
Participate in media interviews, op-eds, webinars, and podcasts.
Amplify youth voices and promote de-stigmatization in mental health discourse.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

We are seeking an exceptional leader and scholar who embodies intellectual rigor, strategic foresight, and deep compassion.

Academic and Research Qualifications

PhD in Psychology, Public Health, Behavioral Science, Economics, Anthropology, Sociology, Public Policy, or other relevant disciplines.
Deep knowledge of human behavior, identity, cognitive bias, mental health models, stigma, and resilience.
Published in peer-reviewed journals; experience designing and implementing RCTs, impact evaluations, and A/B testing.

Leadership and Vision

Strong belief in youth empowerment, social transformation, and evidence-based impact.
Ability to lead diverse teams, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and manage complex projects.
Committed to equity, inclusion, and co-design with local communities.

Other Preferred Experience

Experience working in or with organizations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Familiarity with digital mental health platforms, behavioral interventions, or scalable delivery models.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

WHY JOIN SHAMIRI INSTITUTE?

Be part of Africa’s most innovative youth mental health institute.
Work at the intersection of research, public policy, and social impact.
Collaborate with globally recognized scholars and institutions.
Help transform the mental health landscape across Kenya and the continent.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your application via the official careers page:
Apply Here – Shamiri Institute Careers Portal

You will be asked to upload the following:

Cover Letter – Describe your interest in the position, alignment with Shamiri’s mission, research vision, past achievements, and future aspirations.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Include educational background, publications, research experience, grants, awards, and professional engagements.

Need More Information?
You may contact:

Tom Osborn (CEO): osborn@shamiri.institute
Rahim Daya (Chief of Staff): daya@shamiri.institute

ADDITIONAL ENGAGEMENT

Looking for more policy, research, and leadership jobs in Kenya’s nonprofit and innovation sectors?

Explore More Leadership Roles on The Kenyan Job Finder – Featuring strategic positions in health, education, public policy, and technology.