PA seeks a Research Coordinator to oversee a portfolio of 2 (sometimes up to 3) research projects most of which will be related to Agriculture and Rural Development. If you are committed to solving poverty problems through research, have strong quantitative skills, are interested in Agriculture and Rural Development, and would like to work in a dynamic, multi-cultural and learning-oriented culture, then you may be the Research Coordinator that we are looking for.
The Research Coordinator will supervise and provide technical support to two or three research projects, each of which will be staffed with a team of one or more permanent staff. Most of these research projects are expected to relate to agricultural technology adoption, value chains, nutrition, and rural livelihoods though the research coordinator might also get involved with other sectors such as public health, education or financial inclusion.
The Research Coordinator will work closely with the academic researchers and other field staff to perform a variety of tasks including, but not limited to: overseeing several other project staff, refining and testing survey instruments, conducting qualitative research, checking and analyzing in-coming data, cleaning data and assisting in preliminary analysis, assisting in the writing of project reports, coordinating with local partners running the programs being evaluated. The research coordinator may also contribute to the development of new research projects and designs, policy outreach, and internal capacity building.
Responsibilities
- Manage the research projects in the RC’s portfolio and work with Principal Investigators to ensure adherence to research design, sample selection, data collection, data management and general research protocols, as well as overall project objectives timelines;
- Oversee the planning and preparation of data collection activities, provide feedback on field operations and survey instruments, provide quality control during the data collection and cleaning processes, and assist in preparing preliminary analysis;
- Travel to the field to discuss impact evaluations with local partners;
- Directly supervise 2 to 5 permanent research staff, with an eye on their professional growth;
- Keep the Deputy Country Director apprised of all developments on the projects within their portfolio, and serve as a key link between the field office, project staff, and Principal Investigators;
- Help to develop and implement capacity building efforts in rigorous evaluation to local stakeholders and funders;
- Work with field office staff to ensure sound human resource and operational management of projects;
- Oversee project financial management, including monitoring of project budgets, and ensuring smooth adherence of projects to IPA financial systems;
- Oversee documentation and reporting activities for the projects in the portfolio;
- Take part in regular meetings with local partners and other partners to ensure success of programmatic activities; and
- Provide support to new project development activities, policy outreach and internal capacity building, under the guidance of the Research Manager, Deputy Country Director and Country Director
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in economics, social sciences, public policy, or related fields. Bachelor’s degree only may be considered if compensated by additional relevant experience.
- At least 2 years of relevant experience, including experience managing field research, preferably including quantitative surveys; managing teams; and managing finances;
- Flexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and team player.
- Excellent management and organizational skills;
- Strong quantitative skills, experience with data management/cleaning/analysis;
- Advanced knowledge of Stata is preferred;
- Experience working closely with local stakeholders and implementers, collaborating and communicating effectively with a wide range of professionals and cultures
- Cultural sensitivity and demonstrated ability to work successfully with diverse constituencies required;
- Strong written and oral communication skills and complete fluency in English is required;
- Familiarity with randomized controlled trials preferred;
- Experience living in a developing country is preferred;
- Experience in/knowledge of the agriculture sector is a strong plus.
We are looking for a commitment period of two years for this position.
Application Instructions
Complete the J-PAL/IPA common application. After completing a brief registration, choose the Research job category, then select ‘Research Coordinator, Agriculture & Rural Development’. Most applications for research positions require you to include at minimum two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose (cover letter), CV, and transcripts.
Note that you are able to submit your application before your references complete their recommendation letters; however, you must include their contact information before submitting your application.
Given the volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
About IPA
Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a research and policy non-profit that discovers and promotes effective solutions to global poverty problems. IPA 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. IPA exists to bring together leading researchers and these decision-makers to ensure that the evidence we create leads to tangible impact on the world. Since its founding in 2002, IPA has worked with over 400 leading academics to conduct over 600 evaluations in 51 countries. This research has informed hundreds of successful programs that now impact millions of individuals worldwide.
Disclaimers
Innovations for Poverty Action is an EO Employer-MF/Veteran/Disability. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected class. IPA will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us at [email protected] or via phone at 1-203-772-2216.
Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work to be performed by the specified position. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. Please note that IPA will never request any form of payment from an applicant. Applicants are encouraged to confirm the information listed above with IPA prior to releasing any extensive personal information to the organization. Please direct questions to [email protected].
Please note that only qualified applicants will be contacted by the hiring manager.
More Information
- Job City Tamale,
