Organization: Mercy Corps
Country: United States of America
Closing date: 30 Jul 2015
PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
The Research and Learning team enhances Mercy Corps" ability to deliver high impact programming and to learn from that programming by supporting the generation and use of high quality evidence. Mercy Corps" portfolio of program research and impact evaluations is growing, including several long-term studies that employ rigorous quantitative and qualitative methods. In particular, we have multiple externally funded studies focused on the theme of resilience, which is one of Mercy Corps" strategic program objectives and an agency thought leadership priority. Mercy Corps" Strategy and Learning team requires a seasoned research professional to lead these resilience-related studies.
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The Research and Learning Manager will manage multiple grant-funded research projects, and ensure the quality, timeliness, and utility of products. The position will support Mercy Corps" efforts to maximize the learning, influence and impact of our research – both internally and externally. The position will provide technical advising to further Mercy Corps" Research and Learning team"s strategic objectives. They will manage all aspects of the grant funded studies, and will be responsible for research projects and other deliverables.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Design and management
- For each of these studies, manage and ensure the technical quality of:
- Research design, including defining/refining research questions, sampling strategies, data collection methods and instruments, and analysis plans
- Ongoing study implementation to ensure quality and timeliness of the fieldwork
- Communications with donors, technical teams and financial reporting
- Research products, including authoring papers, articles, and briefs
Research Strategy
- Establish plans and processes for translation of knowledge from research and evaluation findings to relevant Mercy Corps staff and teams
- Develop and deliver presentations on research and evaluation findings to internal and external audiences
- Develop and deliver guidance on research-related topics aimed at promoting better practice in the field
Technical support
- Input to research and evaluate designs and proposals, including advising on quantitative and qualitative methodologies, and reviewing data collection instruments
- Conduct descriptive and inferential statistical analyses
- Develop or review research reports, briefs and other research products
- Regular contribution toward Research and Learning, including new research proposal development, technical advising, and team planning/strategy setting.
Organizational Learning
- As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve – we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.
Accountability to Beneficiaries
- Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBLITY: None
ACCOUNTABILITY:
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Director of Research and Learning
WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Research and Learning Team, Research Advisors, and Technical Support Unit
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
- MA or MSc in international development or other relevant social science
- 5+ years of experience working in international development or humanitarian aid
- Demonstrated skills with quantitative and qualitative research methodologies
- Proficiency using SPSS, STATA, or other statistical analysis package
- Written/verbal communication skills, including in report writing and presentation
- Data analysis and interpretation experience
- Experience as communication liaison with multiple stakeholders including outside vendors
SUCCESS FACTORS:
Candidates for this position should have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. Additionally they must have good organizational skills and an ability to work under time constraints. Beyond this they will need to have flexibility to adapt to changing conditions and requirements and be self-motivated and able to work without close supervision.
LIVING/ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:
This position will be based in Washington DC. For the first year the position is expected to spend up to 33% of their time traveling to support research efforts in the field. The candidate will have the option to perform part of their duties while working remotely.
Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC"s policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.
How to apply:
Please follow this link to apply: http://www.aplitrak.com/?adid=bWJhcnRvbG9uaS4yNjU3Mi4zODMwQG1lcmN5Y29ycHMuYXBsaXRyYWsuY29t
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