Lead Researcher

Job Description

Kimetrica is seeking an experienced Lead Researcher, probably with a background in economics or public health, to lead multidisciplinary evaluation, assessment and monitoring projects. You are likely to have been a Principal Investigator on medium to large-scale research projects and you are dedicated to very high-quality research. You will enjoy the challenge of managing large teams on complicated projects with many moving parts. You will have a strong practical understanding of both quantitative and qualitative evaluation design and analysis techniques. Most of our work is among conflict-affected communities or in areas with weak infrastructure, and frequent obstacles requiring versatility, pragmatism, and astute tactical thinking.

In the position, you will be leading one or more multidisciplinary teams and lead the design, analysis and communications processes. You will be working with a highly experienced and motivated field survey and evaluation teams, and with strong technical support. Kimetrica uses a suite of high-capability Python-based tools for data capture, analysis, and visualization. Indicatively, projects might include a cost-benefit analysis of a project to increase farm incomes, a formal evaluation of the impact a health behavior change intervention, or the design of a system to monitor nutritional conditions in a fragile state. The job requires intellectual curiosity and innovation, and you will keep abreast of the developments in advanced evaluation methods.

Our research aims to influence policy and program decision-making for the better. The ability to frame key strategic, tactical and operational questions will be critical. You will need to convey nuanced and sometimes complex messages to non-technical decision-makers. To achieve impact you will often be required to push clients towards evidence-based decision-making, rather than gut instinct.

The specific objectives of the position are:

1. Strong positive impact on decision-making;
2. Client satisfaction with Kimetrica’s research output;
3. Excellence in data quality control, analysis, and communications;
4. Cost- and time-efficient research project management for multiple research projects;
5. Innovation and pushing the limits of technical and practical possibility; and
6. Compliance with client, Kimetrica and legal standards and rules.

Key duties include:

• Provide strategic direction to major research projects and liaise with key clients;
• Design a range of evaluations including formal RCTs, quasi-experimental designs, mixed method evaluations, and operational evaluations;
• Identify evaluation opportunities and write proposals and develop budgets;
• Write up research findings and oversee publication processes;
• Lead the research process including IRB approvals;
• Lead and inspire large research teams, potentially on multiple projects;
• Liaise with research clients ensuring that their research needs are clearly articulated and met;
• Develop research standards and mentor staff;
• Build academic partnerships with top institutions;
• Identify, build and retain research talent; and
• Convey key messages to clients through various media.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a quantitative discipline from a top university with a significant focus on statistics. Masters with 3 plus years of advance evaluation design might be considered in lieu;
• Advanced and practical experience of evaluation design and analysis including RCTs and quasi-experimental designs including sample design, questionnaire design, household data management, and advanced statistical analysis;
• Ability to learn new methods and willingness to experiment and take risks;
• Initiative, drive and the ability to define research strategies from scratch;
• Successful track record of research proposal writing;
• Ability to write clear English language evaluation reports;
• Strong qualitative evaluation skills;
• Mentoring and coaching experience and the ability to lead research teams;
• Demonstrated ability to manage large and time-bound research;
• Willingness to travel and support field teams where necessary;
• Ability to manage budgets and ensure cost-efficient and timely implementation; and
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to understand client needs.

Ideally, the candidate will also have these qualifications:

• Prior experience of field research in developing countries;
• Experience with USAID or DFID funded evaluations;
• Operational experience and practical experience of public program and policy implementation; and
• Working knowledge of Python.

Perks:

• Competitive salary;
• Generous benefits package (health, dental, vision, 401K with match, significant vacation, holiday and sick leave);
• Dynamic, innovative and highly committed work environment focused on making a positive impact.

Application instructions:

Please send an electronic version of your CV and cover letter with “Lead Researcher” in the subject line to jobs@kimetrica.com by June 21, 2019. No telephone inquiries, please. Candidates will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

About the Organization

Kimetrica is a social enterprise with a mission to increase the effectiveness of spending in the social sector. We help international organizations, governments, and nonprofits to increase the impact and efficiency of their social investments, enhance accountability, manage critical risks, and build donor and taxpayer confidence.

Our services extend from major project evaluations to the provision of early warning services and monitoring the political, social and economic conditions in fragile states. Our analyses inform multi-million dollar policy and project design decisions, often in life-threatening humanitarian situations.