Senior Research Manager

Job Summary:

Every employee of IRI is responsible for carrying out the Mission of IRI and demonstrating the Core Values in their day to day operations. The Core Values, which are IRI’s foundational building blocks include:

Excellence– We believe in quality results delivered by investing in people. Freedom– We believe in exploration and experimentation to be agile and responsive. Respect- We believe in trust, empathy and empowering people. Teamwork- We believe in diversity, inclusion and the power of global collaboration. Transparency– We believe in open communication and clear decision-making. Accountability- We believe in personal responsibility as the foundation of success.

The Senior Research Manager (SRM) at IRI’s Center for Insights in Survey Research (CISR) is responsible for the overall oversight and management of quantitative and qualitative public opinion research studies from start to end and management of the research team. The SRM leads a team and serves as the primary liaison with IRI’s regional divisions.

Position Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations, sociology or related field. Graduate degree in research methodology, statistics etc. preferred, but may be substituted by relevant experience.
• At least seven years professional experience in quantitative and qualitative public opinion research design and oversight in an international setting. Experience with international quantitative and qualitative fieldwork required, international fieldwork experience is challenging research countries preferred.
• Experience with sampling design, fieldwork protocol design, questionnaire design, data quality control, data analysis, and presentation of survey data to a wide variety of stakeholders required.
• Experience with qualitative research design (including instruments), analysis and reporting required.
• Experience working with SPSS or similar statistical software required. Experience with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint required. Experience with Microsoft SharePoint preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated management experience including ability to motivate and manage staff.
• Experience working with USG funded projects and familiarity with USG regulations and processes preferred.
• Experience with procurement of international data collection firms required.
• Ability to communicate skills and experience to others as a trainer, advisor or technical consultant.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

• Works with the Senior Director to develop and manage short- and long-term strategies in alignment with IRI strategic goals for the Center for Insights in Survey Research.
• Provides oversight of CISR’s research portfolio and ensures compliance of research studies with IRI and funder requirements. Performs assorted research tasks such as sampling design, instrument design, data quality control and analysis on a variety of quantitative and qualitative research studies across the globe, ranging from large nationally representative polls to small focus group discussions.
• Supervises and mentors mid and junior level researchers. Issues and reviews assignments. Participates in the hiring, professional development, and evaluation processes for these staff. Sets specific goals and provides ongoing performance feedback.
• Contributes to the development new research approaches and products, and guidelines for implementation of such innovations.
• Assists the Senior Director with external relations, including briefings and trainings.
• Anticipates potential problems and trouble shoots research study problems and offers solutions and actively takes part to lead resolution of them.
• Participates in cross functional teams and initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.