Manager, Research and Learning

Manager, Research and Learning

About the Role

BRAC International (BI) is seeking a Manager, Research and Learning who is aligned with its ethos of working in partnership with communities to create impact for scale. The incumbent will be responsible for supporting BRAC International’s Learning and Effectiveness portfolio. The Manager will help BRAC International’s programmes identify and answer learning questions that can drive programmatic change.

Responsibilities generally fall into three categories:

• Leading the development of small-scale research studies and monitoring activities;
• Supporting the recruitment and supervision of external research partners tasked with conducting rigorous evaluations of BRAC International’s programs;
• Supporting the creation and dissemination of knowledge products.

S/he will also ensure that the core values and mission of BI are upheld, promoted, followed, and applied across the Learning and Effectiveness team at BRAC International.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct desk research and draft literature reviews relevant to BRAC International’s work (e.g., women’s economic empowerment, youth empowerment, sustainable livelihoods, among others).
• Draft research plans/protocols for research studies.
• Submit IRB applications independently or in collaboration with external research partners.
• Drive the development of program-specific learning agendas.
• Collaborate on the recruitment of external research partners (e.g., drafting and disseminating requests for proposals, screening applications).
• Organise the onboarding and supervision of external research partners (e.g., maintaining project timelines and holding partners accountable).
• Lead or co-lead interviewer and enumerator trainings.
• Coordinate with in-country program partners and external researchers.
• Lead the dissemination of research findings through various platforms (e.g., webinars, conferences).
• Co-author research-related knowledge products (e.g., learning briefs, factsheets, blog posts).
• Support the development of a knowledge management function.

Safeguarding Responsibilities

• Implement programme decisions keeping the safety and dignity of programme participants/clients at the centre; mitigate safeguarding risks and contribute to a safe working environment where staff are respected and feel confident to voice concerns without fear of retaliation.
• Receive mandatory training on the safeguarding policies and reporting channels and have access to policies.
• Participate in discussions on the safeguarding agenda in monthly meetings and actively voice concerns without fear.
• Report safeguarding incidents witnessed or experienced to the Safeguarding department. For known cases, maintain neutrality, be sensitive and non-judgemental to victims/survivors, and cooperate with organisational investigations providing accurate information as needed.

Academic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from a reputed university, preferably in Statistics, Development Studies, Business Administration, Social Science, or other relevant disciplines.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 3 years’ experience executing mixed-methods and/or qualitative primary research, which could include research assistantships.
• At least 1 year experience designing and leading mixed-methods and/or qualitative research studies.
• Substantive experience with survey design and in-depth interviewing.
• Experience applying for IRB approval in BRAC International countries.
• Experience hosting an RFP and/or recruiting and supervising research consultants.
• Demonstrated experience coaching, training, advising, or managing staff responsible for monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities.

Required Skills, Competencies & Knowledge

• Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies used for programme evaluation.
• Excellent grasp of measurement and the challenges associated with monitoring the outcomes of development programmes.
• Knowledge of research ethics and experience obtaining ethical clearances at local and country levels.
• Expert knowledge of Microsoft Excel, including advanced functions and formulas.
• Proficiency with data collection, analysis, and visualisation software packages – e.g., STATA, SPSS, Dedoose/NVivo, Kobo Toolbox/Qualtrics, Power BI/Tableau.
• Ability to work strategically with multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to lead or co-lead trainings.
• Strong facilitation and presentation skills.
• Capable of working both individually and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, negotiation, presentation).
• Self-motivated with an ability to work independently without supervision.
• Ability to prioritise and deal with competing demands to deliver results.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage tight deadlines.
• Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word and PowerPoint).
• Mobile and flexible mindset to travel to project sites when required (travel 20–30% required).
• Flexible to work from a distant location.
• Possess high ethical and moral standards.