This position is ideal for a bright, go-getter, energetic self-starter, who has previous research experience implementing RCTs and a strong understanding of economics, data management, and analysis. The Associate Research Manager will work closely with and be mentored by the Country Director on a range of topics, including new project development, stakeholder management, and staff development.

Specific responsibilities include some of the following:

• Directly supervise, coach, and mentor 2 to 5 project research staff (Research Associates and Field Managers) in implementing complex research projects with an expectation for their professional development
• Support with transitions, on-boarding of new research staff, and maintaining “institutional memory” of project activities.
• Manage close relationships with investigators in multiple research institutions, funders, and implementing partners to ensure successful projects
• Supervise research project teams to code high-quality technical deliverables, such as complex digital surveys, data flow, and data quality control systems, advanced statistical analysis, and technical reports
• Plan and supervise survey implementation, data quality assurance, data cleaning, data analysis, and other activities related to rigorous impact evaluation implementation
• Oversee project financial management, including creation and monitoring of project budgets, and ensuring smooth integration of projects into IPA financial systems
• Maintain compliance with IPA and donor policies and procedures as well as the country law
• Support the development of new projects in the Liberia portfolio with the Country Director, Regional Director, and Global Business Development team by establishing relationships with researchers, implementers, and funders, and developing opportunities and proposals
• Lead training on data management and general project management for new/incoming project research staff
• Promote inter-project best practices and take a lead in sharing best practices with projects through formal and informal training opportunities
• Be the point of contact for data management and analysis support for project staff by serving as the link between projects and IPA headquarters
• Attend meetings with local government officials and partners to ensure success of both project specific and key IPA programmatic activities
• When requested, support the dissemination of results via presentations and reports to academic and non-academic audiences
• Perform related duties as assigned by supervisor

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in a quantitative social science, such as economics, statistics, or public policy
• 3 years of relevant work experience in research, international development, and project management
• Experience supervising large data collection research projects, including leading survey design, implementation, and data management
• Excellent management and organizational skills, detail-oriented, and ability to work independently and be supervised remotely
• Demonstrated in-depth technical knowledge of RCTs, research and economic concepts, quantitative analysis are required
• Superior knowledge of STATA and digital data collection platforms (preference for Open Data Kit, Survey CTO) is required (Stata proficiency of short-listed applicants will be tested)
• Experience working in a developing country required; experience working in Africa strongly preferred
• Strong written and oral communication skills and complete fluency in English are required
• Ability to present information in an insightful and structured manner, both written and oral, including experience in effectively communicating with internal and external partners
• Cultural sensitivity and demonstrated ability to work successfully with diverse constituencies required
• Interest in contributing to the improvement of existing organizational and operational systems, as well as team technical capacity building
• Detail-oriented, flexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently and under pressure, team player

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with IPA or with affiliated organizations
• Prior experience working with academic researchers in the fields of economics or quantitative political science
• Experience supervising staff (beyond temporary survey team); experience nurturing and growing staff for new roles in an organization
• Prior experience in business development