Research Manager 352 views0 applications

1. Overview of Programme – LAMPS

The Learning and Monitoring Programme Somalia (LAMPS) is a three-year programme of monitoring, evaluation, learning and consultancy services contracted to Integrity by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), supporting DFID’s Somalia Monitoring Programme II (SMP II) of which it is a component. Integrity, in consortium with Altai Consulting, delivers LAMPS in each of Somalia’s federal regions from a central delivery hub in Nairobi, Kenya. LAMPS works across DFID’s development portfolio in Somalia, helping ensure greater accountability, better risk management and improved understanding of, and learning insights from, programme performance. LAMPS provides Third-Party Monitoring (TPM) and M&E technical assistance services to DFID implementing partners, in addition to developing a digital platform and a learning framework for DFID-Somalia.

2. Role Title

Research Manager

3. Role Summary

Following a review of the Learning offer, LAMPS has adjusted its programming to provide the option for DFID to request quick turn around research/ learning pieces in support of the Somalia programme. While the scope of work will vary, it is expected that each piece of work will be completed within a two to three month period from initial request to completion. The research manager will oversee all stages of the in-depth process, from agreeing initial concept to the developing of the concept paper and delivery while working closely with DFID throughout.

Reporting to the Team Leader, the Research Manager will lead the design and delivery of In-depth deliverables. This will require the Research Manager to consult with DFID Somalia in the initial concept and design work, to market the offer, to hone, prioritise and cost out requests, to link with LAMPS members (Integrity, Altai and Tusmo) to identify appropriate consultants and staff to undertake requests and to project manage the process through delivery to dissemination of results. It is likely that there will be overlapping requests and timing of some of this work.

4. Level of Effort (LoE) and Location

Full-time, based in the LAMPS office in Nairobi with up to 20% travel to Somalia/Somaliland.

5. Responsibilities and Activities

Working closely with the Team Leader, Learning Analyst and TPM Manager, the Research Manager is responsible for the activities outlined below. In coordination with the TPM Manager, they will manage the inputs of short-term technical assistance consultants (STTA), and coordinate inputs from TPM Officers, Regional Coordinators and Monitoring Teams to deliver in-depth deliverables. Note there may be more than one in depth study taking place at a time.

A: DFID and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Proactively engage DFID teams to generate initial ideas for in-depth deliverables, developing relationships with key points of contact to refine scopes of work, achieving a clear, shared understanding of the information and reporting requirements, encourage and gather feedback on delivery, and promote the dissemination of learning to other relevant teams.
• Lead engagement with other stakeholders, including DFID Implementing Partners and Somali stakeholders, to ensure they are properly informed about the nature and scope of the in-depth deliverable, and are encouraged to share their feedback and learnings throughout the process.
• In coordination with the Team Leader, liaise with DFID Somalia Monitoring Programme personnel to provide updates and flag any issues or risks that may impact delivery.

B: Design and Development of In-depth Deliverables:

• In consultation with the Team Leader and STTA, develop initial scopes of work, terms of reference and concept notes for the In-depth deliverables, outlining in detail the mechanism for delivery, staffing, timeframe, methodology, location and output for the work. Share and revise in a timely manner on the basis of DFID feedback.
• Workplan: In coordination with the Programme Manager, develop workplans for proposed activities encompassing all aspect of the deliverable cycle. Quality assure these workplans through consultation with LAMPS team members and validate with DFID.
• Resourcing: Through the work planning process, lead the identification of in-depth personnel roles, developing terms of reference, and coordinating the recruitment process for STTA through engagement with LAMPS management.
• Approach: Support the development of the technical approach, developing the methodology and tools required for the in-depth deliverables in coordination with relevant LAMPS team members and STTA.
• Mobilisation: In coordination with the Programme Manager, Assistant Programme Manager and TPM Manager, develop logistical and coordination plans for the personnel required to complete the work. This may include inception workshops/introductory meetings, Monitoring Team or STTA trainings, field work, feedback and learning events.

C: Delivery:

• Oversee the implementation of the agreed delivery workplan, sometimes for multiple deliverables, troubleshooting issues and notifying the Team Leader and Programme Manager of any delivery risks.
• Oversee data collection, upload and cleaning; working with the TPM Manager, TPM Officers, and Data Officer to ensure a timely and efficient process for managing the flow of data.
• Contribute to data analysis and report drafting, providing timely inputs to lead or support the work of other LAMPS team members or STTA.
• Undertake quality control reviews of the in-depth deliverables, reviewing, commenting and editing inputs from other team members, as appropriate to ensure a high quality and timely product.

D: Learning

• Support the dissemination of findings, working closely with the Learning Analyst and key STTA to maximise the impact of the findings within DFID and with relevant stakeholders as appropriate. Produce materials/products to meet key user requirements, organising meetings/ workshops/ events to receive feedback and share learning.
• Request and capture evidence from DFID teams and implementing partners of change resulting from the in-depth deliverables (reports/events). This may include change in internal focus or process, programme design, requirements of delivery partners, or action.

6. Expected Outputs and Deliverables

• Manage the design and delivery of a pipeline of high-quality in-depth deliverables.
• With support from the Learning Analyst, support the delivery of a corresponding series of dissemination and learning events with DFID and other relevant stakeholders.
• Support the delivery of other TPM activities as required by the Team Lead.

7. Profile

The Research Manager will have:

• 3-5 years’ experience working within the international development, research and/or the consultancy sector.
• Experience designing, developing and conducting qualitative and quantitative research.
• Experience managing teams in-country and remotely.
• Master’s in international development or related subjects.

Its desirable that the Research Manager will also have:

• Experience working with international donors, including DFID and the FCO.
• Experience working in Somalia and fragile and conflict environments. Software expertise: MS Office suite, NVivo, STATA.