Research Manager

Research Manager

USAID/Vietnam Learns
Hanoi, Vietnam

Apply here

https://chp.tbe.taleo.net/chp02/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=SOCIIMPA2&cws=1&rid=3176

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.

Activity 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 Manager to lead the development and implementation of studies, assessments, and performance evaluations conducted for USAID/Vietnam and support ongoing learning efforts across the Mission. The position is based in Hanoi, Vietnam with limited travel within Vietnam. This position will report to the Senior Director for Organizational Learning. The position will supervise a Research Coordinator and consultants. The expected start date is September 2020.

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

Responsibilities

Manage Study, Assessment, and Evaluation Implementation

• Working closely with the Sr Organizational Learning Director:
  
  • Carry out studies, assessments, and evaluations in line with the USAID/Vietnam’s Performance Management Plan and across portfolios. Regularly check-in with USAID staff to update and adjust learning needs.
  • Develop scopes of work in collaboration with USAID staff for qualitative and quantitative research activities.
• Supervise the work of Learns staff and consultants. Train and mentor staff in planning and implementing research. 
• 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, manage the recruitment process of local and international consultants and identify SI Home Office Technical Support.
• Manage the implementation of research activities and their related schedules and budgets.
  
  • Develop and update schedules as needed, including a meta-level schedule of all research activities.
  • Develop and update budgets as needed.
  • Manage data collection sub-contractors and contracting processes as needed.
• Cultivate long-term capacity building relationships with Vietnamese researchers, structuring research in a way that strengthens local capacity.
• Other responsibilities as defined by the Senior Director of Organizational Learning

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 after-action reviews and 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.
  • Build USAID capacity to link research evidence to decision making, design, and adaptive management.
  • Manage knowledge management systems and actions, including posting of reports to the USAID Development Experience Clearinghouse (DEC). Measure research utilization through surveys, after-action reviews, and other post-study follow up.
  • Manage relevant Learns indicators from its MEL strategy and support the integration of M&E into learning and continuous quality improvement efforts of all Learns analytical services.
• Other responsibilities as defined by the Senior Director of Organizational Learning

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in international development, research, social sciences, public policy, or related fields and at least 7 years of relevant work experience.
• At least 7 years of experience in the monitoring and evaluation of international development programming.
• 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
• Excellent facilitation and presentation skills
• Fluency and excellent written and oral communication skills in English
• Proven experience reviewing or developing research reports, articles, blog posts or other publications based on the research results.
• 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 the USAID Program Cycle strongly preferred
• Familiarity with the USAID Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CLA) framework preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel, is required.

The closing date for application: July 26, 2020. 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 EEO/AA/ADA Veterans Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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