Research Director

Research Director

USAID/Vietnam Learns

Hanoi, Vietnam

Apply here

https://phg.tbe.taleo.net/phg02/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=SOCIIMPA2&cws=1&rid=4082

About Social Impact?

Social Impact (SI) is a global development management consulting firm. We provide monitoring, evaluation, strategic planning, and capacity building services to advance development effectiveness. We work across all development sectors including democracy and governance, health and education, the environment, and economic growth. Since 1997 we have worked in over 100 countries for clients such as US government agencies, bilateral donors, multilateral development banks, foundations, and nonprofits.

Project Objective

SI is implementing the USAID/Vietnam Learns Contract.?The scope of the five-year activity is to support USAID/Vietnam staff and its implementing partners to implement more efficient, effective, and sustainable programs by (1) improving staff knowledge and skills in Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) and Collaborating, Learning & Adapting (CLA); (2) advancing evidence-informed decision-making; (3) strengthening strategic collaboration between staff and local stakeholders.

Position Description

SI is seeking a full-time Research Director to lead the development and implementation of studies, assessments, and performance evaluations conducted for USAID/Vietnam. The purpose of the position is to make evidence-based decision-making a reality at USAID and among implementing partners. The position is based in Hanoi, Vietnam with limited travel within Vietnam. This position will report to the Deputy Chief of Party. The position will supervise a team of 2-3 full-time staff and consultants working on specific research assignments. The expected start date is July 01, 2022.

**Please note: This is a local position. Only Vietnamese citizens are eligible to apply.**

Responsibilities

Manage Study, Assessment, and Evaluation Implementation

• Oversee the completion of high-quality, credible studies, assessments, evaluations, and other analyses requested by USAID/Vietnam
• Oversee and continuously improve the research process, which includes scoping, design, data collection, analysis, report writing, dissemination and use in collaboration with the research and facilitation teams
  
  • Develop scopes of work in collaboration with USAID staff for qualitative and quantitative research activities.
  • Provide senior technical oversight on research design, implementation, reporting, and utilization in line with Social Impact’s Evaluation Quality, Use, and Impact (EQUI) guidance and standards.
  • Based on scopes of work, ensure the recruitment of local and international consultants as supported by Learns’ HR specialist and identify SI Home Office Technical Support.
  • Manage the implementation of research activities and their related schedules and budgets.
• Oversee the development, tracking, and updating of schedules as needed, including a meta-level schedule of all research activities by research team members
• Oversee the development, tracking, and updating of budgets as needed.
• Manage data collection sub-contractors and contracting processes as needed.
• Identify and fill resource gaps on the research team to produce high quality products and processes.
• Supervise the work of Learns staff and consultants. Train and mentor staff in planning and implementing research. 
• Cultivate long-term capacity building relationships with Vietnamese researchers, structuring research in a way that strengthens local capacity.

Facilitate USAID and Stakeholder Learning and Use

• During scoping, lead conversations with USAID staff to determine purpose and intended use of assigned studies and assessments.
• Work closely with Learns staff to:
  
  • Participate in developing plans for utilization-focused learning events for each research activity with USAID.
  • Continuously build systems, relationships, and activities that will foster greater utilization and improved knowledge management 
  • Make research results user friendly and easily accessible through the development of learning briefs, knowledge management systems, events, etc.
  • Oversee the management of knowledge management systems and actions, including posting of reports to the USAID Development Experience Clearinghouse (DEC).
  • Oversee the measurement of research utilization through surveys, after-action reviews, and other post-study follow up.
  • Oversee the management of relevant Learns indicators from its MEL plan and support continuous learning and improvement of Learns’ research efforts based on lessons learned and team reflection
• Conduct after action reviews following the completion of research work to inform team practices and processes.
• Other responsibilities as defined by the Deputy Chief of Party.

Qualifications

• MA/MS degree in international development, research, social sciences, public policy, or related fields and at least 8 years of relevant work experience.
• Proven ability in qualitative and/or quantitative research methods (preferably experience with both)
• Demonstrated ability to lead and drive research that informs development assistance programs 
• Excellent project and staff management and organizational skills, demonstrating an ability to manage simultaneous activities and diverse team members and incorporate lessons learned into how the team operates
• Strong client management and team management skills required
• Excellent facilitation and presentation skills
• Fluency and excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Vietnamese
• Proven experience reviewing or developing research reports and/or program evaluations
• Flexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently and independently
• Demonstrated ability to manage high-level relationships with client and partner organizations
• Willingness to work closely with team members
• Familiarity with USAID preferred but not required
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel, is required.

The closing date for application: May 05, 2022. Selection and interview will be performed constantly and interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

To learn more about Social Impact, please visit our website: http://www.socialimpact.com

SI is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. Please, no phone calls.