Assistant Manger Research

This role involves leading the planning, execution, and management of research and evaluation activities to support organizational goals. The successful candidate will design and implement comprehensive evaluations of various programs, ensuring data quality and timely delivery of insights that inform decision-making. They will collaborate with internal teams and external partners to develop research tools, oversee fieldwork, and produce high-quality knowledge products that contribute to policy and program development. The position requires a strong focus on ethical research practices and effective coordination across multiple stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

- Prepare and implement the assigned functional operating plan and annual research agenda aligned with departmental and organizational targets.
- Design and manage evaluations of PSDF programs, including baseline, mid-programme, tracer studies, and impact evaluations. This includes evaluation design, sampling strategies, survey instruments, quality assurance protocols, and analysis plans.
- Develop Terms of Reference for research assignments and manage the procurement, onboarding, and technical oversight of consultants, research firms, and academic partners. Review inception reports, tools, fieldwork reports, and final deliverables to ensure quality and relevance.
- Establish credible baselines for newly launched programs by ensuring that tools, sampling frames, and data readiness are in place before program initiation to enable accurate outcome and impact measurement.
- Provide evidence-based inputs to program design, including labor market and demand analysis, sector prioritization, and beneficiary segmentation. Support the development of PC-1s, concept notes, scheme design, and presentations for management and government forums.
- Produce high-quality knowledge products such as case studies, research and policy briefs, sector studies, and blogs. Coordinate with the Marketing & Communications team on review, design, and dissemination of these materials.
- Maintain and analyze PSDF’s research and outcome datasets, including tracer, baseline, and MIS data. Develop dashboards to present findings in a user-friendly manner for management decision-making.
- Contribute research inputs, evidence, and analysis to proposals, concept notes, donor engagement, and reporting obligations to development partners.
- Coordinate with Monitoring & Evaluation, Programme, and Procurement teams on data collection planning, enumerator training, field logistics, and data quality assurance. Ensure full compliance with research, procurement, and audit standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Ensure ethical research practices across all studies, including informed consent, data privacy, and safeguarding, with special attention to vulnerable groups such as women and persons with disabilities.
- Represent the research function at dissemination events, validation workshops, and technical working groups. Supervise and mentor assigned research staff.
- Perform any other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

- Proven experience in designing and managing research and evaluation projects, particularly in the development sector.
- Strong knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, sampling strategies, and survey design.
- Experience in managing external consultants and research partnerships.
- Ability to analyze complex datasets and develop actionable insights.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience producing policy briefs and knowledge products.
- Familiarity with ethical standards in research, including data privacy and safeguarding vulnerable populations.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders and teams effectively.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

- Advanced degree in Social Sciences, Economics, Statistics, Public Policy, or related fields.
- Experience working with government agencies, donors, or international development organizations.
- Proficiency in data visualization tools and dashboard development.
- Prior experience mentoring research staff and leading capacity-building initiatives.

The position offers the opportunity to contribute to impactful programs and engage with diverse stakeholders in a dynamic environment. The last date to apply is 30th October 2026.