Research Coordinator / Manager

DRS is looking for a Research Coordinator / Manager who will serve as a critical bridge between leading academic researchers, policymakers, and staff implementing research on the ground, being a key individual in the leadership hierarchy of NGO’s office. This position will oversee a range of research studies, each staffed by the team of accomplished Research Associates and Analysts. An ideal candidate should have a solid foundation in impact evaluation methodology, but could also guide and direct activities both upstream and downstream of any randomized evaluation (e.g. mapping theory of change, measurement design and piloting, data analysis, results communication, etc.), and should also have effective communication skills both to manage research personnel and field activities, and to maintain strong connections with principal investigators as well as partners (present and potential). In sum, a history of experience managing research or survey teams – including direction of complex workflows, partner relationship, and project financials – is valued highly.**

Job Title: Research Coordinator / Manager

Location: Bangladesh

Duration of contract: 1-year contract, with possible extension

Starting date: As soon as possible (May 2022)

Travelling: Not more than 10% from overall work time

Job Description

The mission:

The NGO represents a research and policy nonprofit that discovers and promotes effective solutions to global poverty problems. It brings together researchers and decision-makers to design, rigorously evaluate, and refine these solutions and their applications, ensuring that the evidence created is used to improve the lives of the world’s poor. In recent decades, trillions of dollars have been spent on programs designed to reduce global poverty, but clear evidence on which programs succeed is rare, and when evidence does exist, decision-makers often do not know about it. This institution exists to bring together leading researchers and these decision-makers to ensure that the evidence is created leads to tangible impact on the world. Since its founding in 2002, it has worked with over 600 leading academics to conduct over 900 evaluations in 52 countries. This research has informed hundreds of successful programs that now impact millions of individuals worldwide.

Main Roles and Responsibilities:

· Coach, manage, and support a team of Research Associates / Analysts and field staff in the implementation of complex impact evaluations around the country.

· Manage relationships with investigators in multiple research institutions, funders, and implementing partners to ensure successful projects.

· Plan and supervise survey implementation, quality assurance, data cleaning, data analysis, and other activities related to rigorous impact evaluation implementation.

· Ensure project adherence to general research design, sample selection, data management and general research protocols, and overall project management timelines.

· Build systems and structures to build staff capacity and lead training on data management and general project management for new / incoming project research staff.

· Oversee project financial management, including creation and monitoring of project budgets, and ensuring smooth integration of projects into financial systems.

· Oversee the quality of client and partner deliverables.

· Produce reports for donors, researchers, and other stakeholders.

· Maintain compliance with NGO’s policies and procedures as well as Bangladesh law.

· Support the development of new projects in Bangladesh by establishing relationships with researchers, implementers, and funders, and developing opportunities as well as proposals.

· Perform related duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualification, Experience and Skills:

Education: Master’s Degree in Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, or related fields (Political science, Public health, Public policy) is preferred.

Experience:

· At least 3 years of overall professional experience, of which 1 year is related to Research or Management experience;

· Strong abilities in impact evaluation methodology and applications;

· Proven data management and analysis skills;

· Experience managing project budgets;

· Experience with Stata;

· Neither proficiency in Bangla, nor experience working in South Asia is required.

Language skills: Excellent communication skills in English are essential for this role.

Soft skills:

· Excellent management and organizational skills and ability to work independently;

· Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and perform in an entrepreneurial atmosphere;

· Ability to convey information in an insightful and structured manner, both in written and oral presentations, including ability to effectively communicate with internal and external partners;

· Strong attention to detail, with a quality-focused mindset.