Job Title: Research Manager
Department/Location: Accra, Ghana**
Reports To: Evaluation Expert
Type: Full-time Employee
Classification: Regular Full-Time
Overview:
The Research Manager is a full-time position based in Accra, Ghana that may require travel to field sites. As a part of the Mission’s adaptive learning agenda, the Contractor will conduct high quality quantitative and qualitative research and analysis, including surveys, assessments, and special studies to inform strategic and programmatic implementation and decision making. USAID uses research and analysis to establish baselines against which to measure progress; strengthen evidence-based strategy, project and activity design; fill information gaps/needs; provide sector- or country- context; and understand progress and achievements, among other uses. Tasks to which he/she will offer support include providing donors and Implementing Partners (IPs) with high-level, technical, analytical, advisory, and training. The Manager will support the design and management of research. The Manager will provide expertise on methodology, including sampling procedures, survey methodologies, and qualitative data collection methods. The Manager may also be relied on for quantitative and qualitative data analysis. The Manager will provide expertise in the planning and coordination of performance and impact evaluations, operational research, baseline assessment, survey design and methodology, and research. Ghanaian candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is contingent upon award.
Responsibilities
Essential Duties/Tasks and Responsibilities:
- The Contractor will support the Mission to identify and conduct planned or ad hoc research, including assisting the Technical Offices to develop a research agenda, as part of the Learning and Utilization Plans, to support learning in the DO.
- Support USAID/Ghana to conduct assessments and other studies, as requested. Services may range from comprehensive assessments to quick or limited scope assessments to validate certain results or answer specific information needs.
- Assists assessments and survey design throughout the life of the activity, including data collection, design of evaluation methodologies and participatory data collection methods and protocols
- Support baseline survey design, data collection and analysis, and preparing survey reports.
- Collaborates with USAID/Ghana to finalize research design, data collection protocols, and draft tools (e.g. questionnaires, surveys, etc.) with USAID for feedback and approval.
- Utilizes data quality verification techniques for assessments and reports.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Work authorization in Ghana is required and must have already been obtained..
- At least five years of relevant experience in research and evaluation methodologies (i.e. both quantitative and qualitative data collection, processing, and analysis). Two years of related work experience with a Master’s degree.
- Strong organizational skills, analytical capabilities, able to work in a fast-paced environment, demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks
- Works collaboratively with others to create and maintain a team environment and culture
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills in English
- Familiarity with standard/office IT applications.
Education: A Bachelor’s in monitoring and evaluation, agriculture, statistics, economics, or business administration from an accredited college or university. Master’s degree preferred
Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- The Contractor must have strong aptitude in research and survey methodologies, including proficiency in sampling strategies, study implementation, conducting statistical analyses, and report writing.
- Experience in monitoring and evaluation, research, collaboration, learning, and adapting (CLA) approaches
- Practical experience in using evaluation, research and learning activities to inform activity implementation and results.
- Experience in assessment and survey design, quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, quantitative and qualitative analysis methods, and quantitative and qualitative data collection instrument/tool design.
- Experience working with a diverse group of stakeholders, including donor/development organizations, government officials, civil society leaders, community leaders and project beneficiaries.
- Able to facilitate decision making processes, explain challenging concepts, and achieve consensus with a diverse group of stakeholders
- Demonstrated expertise of USAID M&E principles and requirements, including familiarity with ADS 200 (preferred)
- Understanding of international development including health, education, governance, energy; (preferred)
- Demonstrated ability to produce and edit reports and technical documents. (preferred)
- Demonstrated high quality analytical and problem-solving skills.
Working Environment: Work is typically performed in an office environment.
Physical Requirements: This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, and lift small objects up to 20 lbs.
Supervisory Responsibility: This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.
Travel: In-country travel may be required.
Work Authorization: Candidate must be authorized to work in Ghana.