Director of Research (DR) at Centre for Community Development and Research Network (CCDRN)

Job Summary

• The Research Director will oversee CCDRN’s research, monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities. S/he will plan, coordinate, and execute research activities of the organization.
• Reporting to the Executive Director, the Research Director will provide the best evidence, research, and information necessary for the provision of evidence-based programming.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with the programme team to identify emerging research opportunities for the different projects and work collaboratively to meet the research objectives.
• Support programme team in carrying out regular operational research to develop innovative interventions for improving programme results
• Lead in developing research design, instruments, presentation, and adaptation.
• Superintend data collection; ensure the integrity of data, including appropriate storage and data management protocols
• Conduct data analysis (qualitative and quantitative); write research findings and reports; and lead in its dissemination to stakeholders such as government officials, donor organizations, and community leaders.
• Provide regular capacity-building support to CCDRN team members on qualitative and quantitative research through training, workshops, mentoring, and continuous handholding support.
• Stay current on innovative methods, approaches, and theories applicable to research among vulnerable groups.
• Facilitate cross-disciplinary learning involving programme team members, the MEAL team, government partners, and community stakeholders.
• Contribute to improving the organization’s research model, partnerships, and systems.
• Work closely with the MEAL team to monitor field-based data collection to uphold the highest data quality standards.
• Support and participate in grant writing, publications, presentations, and program reports for funders.
• Where necessary, superintend emergency assessments, develop detailed reports, and plan for appropriate action(s).
• Monitor quality performance indicators, ensuring adherence to technical standards, best practices, and donor guidelines.
• Develop decision-support tools and performance feedback mechanisms for project managers, partners, and beneficiaries.
• Oversee and motivate staff for sound, effective, evidence and results-based programming.
• Supervise the CCDRN’s MEAL team.
• Perform other work/support for other projects deemed necessary by the Executive Director.

Qualifications and Relevant Skills

• Advanced Degree in Social Sciences or related fields, with strong skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive experience in social research with specialization in livelihood, education, agribusiness, economic development, peace building, etc
• Proven analytical skills and aptitudes in the application of qualitative and quantitative data analysis software packages
• Excellent written communication skills, including demonstrated ability to write required documents in a clear, concise, well-organized manner
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and propose solutions in a timely manner with minimal supervision
• Capacity to maintain an organized and structured work style in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal skills and willingness to interact with various individuals ranging from Research Associates to donors, government stakeholders, research institutions, etc.
• Proven ability to manage deadlines, work independently with minimal supervision, submit high-quality work plans, prioritize workload, and multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work independently but also coordinate effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment
• Fluent in the English language.