Research Manager (RM)

JOB DESCRIPTION

Research Manager (RM)

OVERVIEW

The Research Manager (RM) will lead the research department as we grow and evolve our existing programs and develop new ones towards the goal of reaching 1 million youth in Eastern and Southern Africa with proven life-saving information. The RM will be responsible for building and managing the research department. This includes hiring and developing talent, day-to-day management, building institutional memory, as well as setting and executing on the organization’s research strategy. The RM will be responsible for technical leadership on quantitative randomized trial evaluations, statistical analysis, qualitative supplementary research and using data for decision-making. The RM will be responsible for managing relationships with our research stakeholders, including with the Ministry of Basic Education, Ministry of Health and Wellness, university partners, UNICEF, J-PAL and Innovations for Poverty Action.

OUR APPROACH TO RESEARCH

We scale-up evidence-based health and education programs by youth for youth. To do this, we combine rigour with action. This includes testing what works’ at scale, large-scale randomized impact evaluations, using data for decision-making, small-scale decision-focused evaluations to answer curriculum enhancement and delivery model questions, gathering supplemental qualitative evidence, and building nimble M&E monitoring systems for scale.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Co-design the strategy of the research department with the executive leadership of the organization and execute on this strategy.
• Management of all research activities. This includes ensuring programs are implemented with fidelity to the evidence-base they draw on, as well as management and oversight of all day-to-day research activities, from ethics approval to fieldwork to reporting.
• Technical oversight on key research activities. This includes synthesizing new literature on promising evidence-based programs and cutting-edge evaluation methods, statistical know-how, experience working with large datasets, an ability to identify and use software to build user-friendly M&E dashboards, and an ability to design high-quality user-friendly surveys. Direct analysis and data management will be expected as needed.
• Data-driven decision-making. Lead translation of rigorous evidence into actionable insights and better day-to-day decision-making. This also includes design and production of policy-friendly collateral that can be used with partners and donors.
• Build the research team into a growing, cutting-edge rigorous M&E unit that fuses research with action. This includes hiring and developing talent as well as building institutional infrastructure and memory.
• Day-to-day management of the research department. This includes goal setting, work plans, and performance management.
• Lead collaborations with research stakeholders locally and internationally.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor or Masters degree in economics, statistics, public policy, public health, or a related discipline from an internationally recognized university; excellent working knowledge of Stata highly recommended.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in program design and/or evaluation, preferably within the context of randomized controlled trials or scaled M&E systems and in low or middle-income country settings.
• At least 3 years of management experience including directly managing people, work plans, budgets, and partners.
• Fluency in written and spoken English. Strong writing, technical and communication skills recommended.

CHARACTERISTICS

• Strong written and verbal communications skills are essential, in particular, the ability to communicate complex thoughts and ideas simply and effectively and tailor communications to the audience.
• Ability to create “structure out of nothing/’ Strong ability to turn a visual reality or imagined outcome into a codified set of steps, actions and goals on paper.
• Detail-oriented. Can process, record and react to details relating to effective implementation and produce work which captures “the devil in the details.”
• Self-Starter. A self-starter who can propose effective solutions, ideate and innovate.
• Positivity and Stamina. Adaptive, positive, and a person who can get tough things done with a positive attitude.

TIME PERIOD

2-3 year contract, with potential for extension up to 3-5 years pending performance.

 

 

 

How to submit your application?

Please email the following three application parts to [email protected] , with the subject line as your name, surname and job title to which you are applying. Example; TsholofeloMathibeCommunications Officer.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early bird deadline is 3^rd February, regular deadline is 10^th February.

Part 1. CV and Cover Letter

Part 2. Portfolio

Submit at least two of the following:

1. Short writing sample (200-500 words)
2. Photography, videography, and graphic design samples
3. Links to your social media or social media pages you manage
4. Links to any websites you have designed or worked on

Part 2. Deliverable

Please put together one of the following deliverables to submit with your application:

1. 1-page brochure outlining Young love’s work.
2. 1-minute video outlining your qualifications.
3. A 250-word blog piece on the importance of youth programming in Botswana.

Qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview.