Chief Research Officer

Job Description

Given our continuing growth and development and the critically important work we are doing for our partners and clients, GeoPoll is looking for a Chief Research Officer (CRO) who will report directly to the CEO. This individual will need to demonstrate a deep understanding of the international research and data science spaces. Ideal candidates will have strong technical knowledge and the ability to interpret survey data and statistics. The selected candidate will be a data science expert whose expertise can inform the strategy of the organization. 

The role will support the key research areas at GeoPoll across mobile device-driven data collection projects. It will entail extensive proposal drafting, development, and will work collaboratively with the business development (sales) team on survey design, and with GeoPoll portfolio managers on sampling strategies. The CRO will also function and be available as a senior technical resource and advisor who will interact with prospective and already engaged clients. The incumbent will also be responsible for supporting internal capacity-building of Geopoll research staff. The ideal candidate must have extensive experience in market, commercial, or academic research, data science, or international development, and a keen interest in working in a range of different research areas.   

As the Chief Research Officer, this individual applies expertise in survey research methods and complex data analysis to the problems presented by GeoPoll’s diverse client base. This person will support the presentation of both proposals and recommendations directly to clients and will often serve as the face of the company at industry conferences and panels. 

The Chief Research Officer will be a member of the senior leadership of the organization.

Responsibilities 

• Serve as technical expert on GeoPoll’s research activities advising on and supporting implementation of research guidelines and principles for multi-mode surveys. 
• Serve as the internal expert providing stakeholders – both internal and external – with guidance on activities including survey design, sampling methodologies, fieldwork strategies, and deliverables.  
• Support the development and design of technical proposals, solutions, and critical elements of GeoPoll’s proposals to prospective clients (NGOs, multilaterals, and commercial) 
• Represent GeoPoll in media interviews, conferences, panel participation, and publications.  
• Work collaboratively with the Director, Business Solutions, and the Business Solutions team on the most appropriate approaches, balancing budget, timelines, and client objectives, for successful execution. 
• Drive and enhance key GeoPoll publications, reports, marketing, and academic submissions, reviewing and authoring key client deliverables and/or publications as needed. 
• Participate in prospective and active client calls as appropriate. 
• Travel as needed across GeoPoll’s operating markets, meeting with prospective and existing clients, and participate in thought leadership and conferences in support of GeoPoll. 

Experience  

• Deep experience with sampling approaches and methods 
• Experience working both independently and collaboratively with teams and senior executives 
• Experience creating and innovating in market research, with a proven track record of personal achievement in research innovations 
• Experience in B2C marketing and using market research to resolve client challenges, including audience segmentation, competitive intelligence, etc. 
• Proven technical knowledge and ability to interpret large data sets with an eye on the client’s overall strategy or goals 
• Ability to manage, prioritize, and execute numerous responsibilities, often on tight timelines 

Qualifications 

• 10+ years’ experience in quantitative and qualitative research, including customer segmentation, survey research and design, and data analysis in multiple research modes. 
• Advanced degree(s) required. PhD preferred.
• Extensive experience in drafting and responding to proposals, and RFPs. 
• Ability to produce clear, concise, and accurate E-mails, memos, white papers, summaries, minutes, documents, training materials, reports, and other documents and prepare and disseminate quality products and information internally and externally
• Cultural competence and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment. 

Location: fully remote or hybrid (if so desired)

How to apply 

To apply for this opportunity, please email a cover letter and resume (as a single file, with your name as the file name) to the Sr. Director, People & Culture, Liesl Semper.  

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. This position will remain open until filled.

About the Organization

GeoPoll is the leading provider of mobile device-driven research, data collection, and analysis in emerging markets, providing full-service solutions to its broad client base. GeoPoll has experience administering surveys in more than eighty-five countries and conducts approximately ten million surveys annually in more than forty-five languages. With operations in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, GeoPoll continues to grow and scale quickly.  

GeoPoll adheres to the strictest ethical and research standards and employs highly rigorous methods and approaches to data analysis. Our surveys have been cited and analyzed in several highly respected academic journals, such as the Journal of International Public Opinion Research and the Journal of International Development.