Household Survey Enumerator

TREES for the Future (TREES) implements programmes aimed at improving the livelihoods, resilience and wellbeing of participating households and communities. As part of the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) function, TREES periodically conducts household-level surveys to assess programme reach, implementation progress, outcomes, adoption of interventions, beneficiary experiences and other programme indicators. The data generated through these surveys contributes to programme monitoring, evaluation, learning, accountability, reporting, and evidence-based decision-making. To support the implementation of the household survey, TREES seeks to engage qualified and competent Household Survey Enumerators to collect accurate, complete, reliable and ethically obtained data from sampled households and respondents using the approved survey questionnaire, TaroWorks application, and relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The primary purpose of the Household Survey Enumerator assignment is to collect high-quality household-level data from sampled respondents in accordance with the approved survey methodology, sampling procedures, data collection tools, ethical standards and field protocols. The Enumerator will be responsible for ensuring that all assigned interviews are conducted accurately, professionally, respectfully, and within the agreed timelines. The Enumerator will work under the direct supervision of the designated Assistant/Project Officers and MEL.

SCOPE OF WORK AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Enumerator will undertake the following activities:

Training and Preparation

Attend and successfully complete all mandatory survey training sessions and review any refresher materials shared after training.

Demonstrate adequate understanding of the survey objectives, questionnaires, sampling procedures, ethical requirements, and field protocols.

Participate in practical exercises and tool-testing activities before field deployment.

Familiarize themselves with the TaroWorks application and approved survey procedures.

Ensure that TREES-provided data collection equipment functions properly before commencing fieldwork and maintained in good condition during data collection.

Household Identification and Sample Management

Locate and visit households included in the approved survey sample.

Adhere strictly to the assigned household/sample list.

Conduct interviews only with eligible respondents identified in accordance with the approved sampling methodology.

Refrain from substituting households or respondents without prior authorization from the designated supervisor.

Document and promptly report households that cannot be located, are unavailable, are ineligible or decline participation.

Administration of Household Interviews

Introduce the survey to respondents clearly and professionally.

Explain the purpose of the survey and obtain informed consent before commencing each interview.

Administer the approved questionnaire in a neutral and non-leading manner.

Ensure that all applicable questions are administered, and responses are recorded accurately.

Provide clarification where permitted by the survey protocol without influencing respondents’ answers.

Maintain professional, respectful, and culturally appropriate conduct throughout the interview.

Digital Data Collection

Record survey responses accurately using the approved TaroWorks application.

Ensure that all required fields are completed before submitting each questionnaire.

Review completed questionnaires for completeness and obvious inconsistencies before submission.

Ensure that data are synchronized/submitted within the required timelines and in accordance with the survey protocol.

Promptly report device, application, connectivity or technical challenges to the designated supervisor.

Data Quality Assurance

The Enumerator shall be responsible for maintaining high standards of data quality by:

Following the approved questionnaire and survey procedures without unauthorized modifications.

Ensuring accuracy, completeness, and consistency of collected data.

Avoiding fabrication, falsification, intentional omission, or alteration of responses.

Reviewing submitted questionnaires for errors or missing information.

Responding promptly to queries or corrections raised during data-quality reviews.

Participating fully in back-checks, spot-checks, verification, and other quality-control activities.

Ethical Conduct and Informed Consent

The Enumerator shall:

Obtain informed consent from every respondent before conducting an interview.

Respect respondents’ right to decline participation or withdraw from the interview.

Avoid coercion, intimidation, or any form of undue influence.

Conduct interviews in a manner that protects respondent dignity and privacy. This includes ensuring that interviews are conducted away from any TREES staff present at the time of data collection (and flagging any issues with maintaining that confidentiality)

Maintain strict confidentiality of all information obtained during fieldwork.

Comply with TREES’ applicable data protection, safeguarding and ethical requirements.

Conduct all data collection only on TREES provided devices and return all data collection materials – including paper notes – at the end of the assignment.

Safeguarding and Respondent Protection

Conduct all interactions with respondents in a safe, respectful, and professional manner.

Avoid placing respondents or themselves in situations that may create safety or safeguarding risks.

Immediately report safeguarding concerns or incidents through the appropriate reporting channels.

Follow all applicable organizational safeguarding procedures and field protocols.

Daily Field Reporting and Communication

Provide daily updates to the designated supervisor on fieldwork progress.

Report completed interviews, outstanding households, challenges encountered, and actions required.

Maintain timely communication with the Field/Supervisor throughout the assignment.

Escalate significant operational, technical, safety, or respondent-related issues promptly.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

Previous experience conducting household surveys, interviews, or other field-based data collection activities with large NGOs or institutions

Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in any relevant field including Statistics, Mathematics, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Economics, Agriculture, Monitoring and Evaluation, Counselling and Research

Experience using digital data collection tools, such as TaroWorks, Kobo Toolbox, ODK, SurveyCTO, or similar mobile data collection applications.

Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to conduct interviews respectfully and communicate effectively with respondents.

Ability to collect accurate and complete data, follow survey procedures, and meet data quality standards.

Ability to maintain confidentiality, obtain informed consent, and adhere to ethical standards when collecting household information.

Fluency in English and Kiswahili, with knowledge of relevant local languages (Luo and Kuria).

TECHNICAL SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

The successful candidate should demonstrate the ability to:

Confidently use smartphones and/or tablets for data collection.

Navigate digital data collection applications.

Follow structured questionnaires and survey protocols accurately.

Apply basic data-quality principles.

Accurately record and review respondent information.

Follow approved sampling and field procedures.

Troubleshoot basic device and connectivity issues.

Communicate effectively with respondents and supervisors.

Core Competencies

Attention to Detail; Integrity and Professionalism; Communication; Confidentiality; Cultural Sensitivity; Accountability; Teamwork; Adaptability; Respect for Respondents; Reliability.