Manager Research

Research Manager Duties & Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of research and development strategies, policies, and plans for PMN
• Lead research projects and coordinate the activities of other research workers
• Monitor the costs and assess the benefits of research and development activities
• Interpret the results of research projects and recommend new products or services
• Provide advice on research and development options available to the organization
• Publish results of significant research projects.
• To effectively convey information about products, services, or grant needs, in many cases to those who might be unfamiliar with these details.
• To effectively achieve project objectives, budgets, and timelines, monitor progress, and evaluate performance.
• Plan effective communication and risk management skills to ensure project success and client satisfaction.
• Prepare status reports for clients by gathering, analyzing, and summarizing relevant information.
• Identify and escalate potential and actual changes in project scope to ensure early decision-making by senior team members.
• Assist with proposal development to ensure adherence to published Requests for Proposal, achievable timelines, and robust research rigor.
• Develop research methodologies (including the design of research tools) to strengthen research rigor by leveraging past experience and academic knowledge.
• Must handle multiple revisions, edit and re-edit proposal sections as needed, and ensure that proposals maintain a consistent tone or voice.
• To collect and analyze raw data, identify trends, patterns, anomalies, and other helpful and/or interesting information.
• Excellent command of research skills and methodologies for the purpose of proposal building. Additional skills and competencies would include conducting interviews, attending meetings, and gathering source information. They might also study requests for proposals (RFPs) to determine the information needed for specific proposals.
• Should be a team player and able to engage with and manage other team members/partners like writers, managers, and graphic artists to complete a proposal. They will need to attend meetings, create project schedules and deadlines, coordinate responsibilities and prepare presentations.
• In addition to strong written and verbal communication skills, an ideal candidate should be a detail-oriented team player that possesses strong organizational and decision-making skills. He/she should be able to meet deadlines and work both independently and in groups.
• Should have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to multi-task

Core skills: Proposal Writer to focus on the following:

• Translating solutions into effective business proposals
• Analyzing various business products and services
• Coordinating proposal development
• Applying layout and other desktop publishing skills
• Editing content for clarification and consistency
• Adhering to proposal schedule deadlines
• Understanding proposal databases

Advanced skills: Advance skills to include:

• Advanced mastery of Microsoft Word and Excel
• Strong presentation skills

Strategic Development & Management of PMN's Research Portfolio:

• Work with the PMN Management to develop the organization's strategic plan for its research function.
• Engage in research (primary and secondary) on financial inclusion in Pakistan in key areas either internally or through engagement with appropriate consultants.
• Oversee and publish MicroNotes as required.
• Prepare, oversee, and manage PMN research publications.
• Develop proposals to solicit consulting projects for PMN and manage these projects.
• Support other PMN staff in their projects in relevant areas like proposal writing or project reports.

Networking and developing strategic partnerships:

• Building and strengthening relations with PMN’s strategic partners, members, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Represent PMN at local and international forums as and when required.

Required Qualification and Skills:

Education & Experience:

• A master’s degree in social sciences, Economics, or Management Sciences
• Minimum of 3 years of work experience
• Demonstrate ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders
• Prior experience in fieldwork for research will be an advantage
• Familiarity with the microfinance sector would be preferred

Other Skills:

• Strong writing and communication skills
• Strong reasoning, analytical, and presentation skills
• Ability to think strategically and innovatively
• Proficiency in MS Office; Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and MS Project at least.
• The ability to manage his/her own work responsibly, take ownership of work, and be able to deliver on strict timelines
• Willingness to travel domestically