Head of Research and Learning Department

Head of Research and Learning Department (f/m/d)

(One-Year Limited Contract, maternity cover), 38.5 hours/week

Position summary

RED NOSES International is an artistic and humanitarian organization engaging with different vulnerable groups (children in hospitals, children with disabilities, elderly people and children in crisis situations) through the art of clowning. The RNI Office in Vienna is the Headquarters for eleven RNI Offices throughout Europe and the Middle East, and is also responsible for implementing the Emergency Smile programme, which brings clowning to children in crisis situations around the world.

RNI is looking for a Head of Research and Learning Department for a one-year limited contract (maternity cover). The Head will be responsible for overseeing external evaluations and research partnerships, as well as promoting a lively culture of learning within the organisation. As a part of the senior management team, you will work closely with the other department heads to ensure that RNI meets its strategic goals. As Department Head, you will lead the Research and Learning team, identify opportunities, manage obstacles, and create an open space for sharing technical and practical support.

Your tasks

PROMOTE A CULTURE OF LEARNING AND ACCOUNTABILITY

RNI is currently building up internal processes that enable more reflective practice, opportunities for peer learning, and inclusion of the voices of multiple stakeholders. Tasks include:

• Pilot monitoring, evaluation, and learning tools and activities within selected RNI programmes and/or offices
• Increase awareness of the importance of learning and evaluation
• Support capacity-building for learning activities such as conducting evaluations, designing indicators and log-frames, leading semi-structured interviews, and administering surveys

LEAD THE RESEARCH AND LEARNING TEAM

You will act as a contact and support person for all roles involved with research and learning activities in RNI offices. You will also directly supervise the International Research and Learning Manager.

• Plan and maintain yearly departmental budgets
• Hold regular research and learning meetings to provide a space for technical and practical support
• Work with other RNI department heads to fulfil RNI’s strategic goals

OVERSEE EXTERNAL EVALUATIONS

RNI regularly conducts baseline and final evaluations of specific projects, as well as evaluations of specific aspects of ongoing work. Tasks include:

• Design evaluation questions, scope, and terms of reference
• Lead hiring process of external evaluation team
• Guide evaluation team to produce a meaningful evaluation
• Support genuine practical uptake of lessons learned
• Identify topics for future evaluations

GUIDE RESEARCH PARTNERSHIPS

RNI works with several universities and research institutes to support the generation of high-quality evidence relevant to the impact and mechanisms of our work. Tasks include:

• Identify and maintain partnerships
• Work with partners to develop relevant research questions and methodologies
• Support preparation, data collection, analysis, and dissemination as needed

CONTRIBUTE TO GROWING THE HEALTHCARE CLOWNING MOVEMENT

RNI’s Strategy 2025 includes ambitious goals related to advancing knowledge of the impact of healthcare clowning. Tasks include:

• Support the European Federation of Healthcare Clowning (efhco) in creating a research and learning strategy
• Disseminate relevant learnings in reputable academic journals and conferences
• Finalize a learning toolkit with tool templates and “how-to” explanations that can be used by other healthcare clowning organisations
• Maintain the RNI public database of relevant research

Your background

• Master’s degree in social science or related field
• Proven technical and relevant experience in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning for humanitarian, development, artistic, or cultural programmes
• Senior management experience as an inspirational and reliable team leader
• Sound understanding of research methodology (both quantitative and qualitative)
• Strong conceptual and analytical skills with high standards of quality and the courage to implement innovative ideas
• Experience conducting research in relevant fields (healthcare, elderly care, disabilities, crisis situations, artistic/cultural) an advantage
• Experience conducting research with children an advantage
• Fluent written and spoken English required, further languages an advantage
• A committed and enthusiastic, proactive team player
• Positive and resilient with an attitude of support and diplomacy
• Passion for working in a diverse and international organization
• Great sense of humour

Statement on Safeguarding:

RED NOSES always seek to create safe environments for children and vulnerable adults in all programmes and in countries we work in. We recognise the utmost importance of keeping children and vulnerable adults safe and ensuring that they are protected from maltreatment or anything, that is detrimental to their health and development, within our organisation as well as with our partners. We do not tolerate any form of child abuse, exploitation, neglect or violation of a child’s and vulnerable person’s privacy and rights.

As part of RED NOSES safeguarding policies, upon recruitment, employees should submit a criminal record certificate issued by the local authorities.

Position details

• One year limited contract (maternity cover)
• 38.5 hours/week
• Reports to the Managing Director
• Travel may be required

RED NOSES International

• Offers a challenging and interesting position in in an international, dynamic and growing non-profit organization
• Offers a creative, appreciative and fun work environment
• Promotes an international and open culture welcoming diversity
• Supports learning and development

The minimum wage for this position is EUR 49.000,00 gross per annum (for 38,50 hours per week).