Regional Research and Relationship Manager

Job Description

Regional Research and Relationship Manager

The Evidence Fund

Chemonics International seeks three Regional Research and Relationship Managers for an anticipated multi-year, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)-funded research and evidence synthesis programme that will commission new primary research in and for multiple countries. One Regional Research and Relationship Manager will be recruited in each of: 1) East Africa, 2) Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and 3) South Asia. The Evidence Fund (the ‘Fund’) is a single coordinated, research and evidence platform that supports urgent, mid- and longer-term knowledge generation, synthesis, translation and engagement. The Fund will focus on translating knowledge into state-of-the-art policies and supporting FCDO country offices and ODA-spending HMG partners to use evidence to add value to their programmes. The Fund will support a broad spectrum of evidence needs to generate operationally relevant research, analysis, evaluation, and syntheses to inform policy and programming decisions.

The Role

As one of three Regional Research and Relationship Managers, you will be responsible to bring together policy, practice, and research, helping to translate policymaker needs and ideas into well-crafted calls for research proposals, to oversee the quality and relevance of research being delivered, and to support researchers to communicate the results and outputs of their work effectively to different audiences. You will also lead, develop and manage an effective, responsive Research Provider Pool, comprised of local and international research organisations, who can meet FCDO’s research and evidence needs. With support from a Contracts and Finance team you will provide day to day research and stakeholder management of projects commissioned through the Fund. Within this role, you will have a leading role in engaging with UK government, other donors, and host country policymakers, as well as key stakeholders in the evidence and research being generated. You will supervise the monthly monitoring of progress by Research Pool providers in your region of responsibility against a set of key performance indicators and programme milestones, and you will advise the Fund’s Executive Director on progress and risks. You will also be a primary point of contact in your region of responsibility for enquiries about the programme, and will be the public face of the programme within your region.

Key Skills and Experience:

• Regional programme management experience, particularly in relation to research or strategic policymaking programmes
• Understanding of different research methodologies, including for qualitative and quantitative research
• Experience of relationship management and external engagement working with international donors in relation to research programme delivery
• Well-developed networks with potential research providers (including universities and think tanks) and a regional understanding of markets to respond to research needs
• Strong understanding of research and evidence use and uptake in policy and programme design and delivery

The location of the three positions is flexible given the international nature of the programme. Project hubs are expected to be located in London, Nairobi, Beirut or Amman, and Islamabad or New Delhi, however the final location of project hubs may be based on the location of the Regional Research and Relationship Managers. The role will require regular travel within each region of responsibility, and occasional travel to other project hubs. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for linking academic-standard research with practical policymaking and programme decision-making, to make a difference in the lives of people around the world.

Responsibilities include:

• Setting and overseeing overall strategy and direction of the research objectives of the programme and ensuring country specific trends, contexts, and strategies are factored into solutions for addressing country and FCDO needs
• Contributing to the design of high-quality and innovative research concepts, products and requests for research proposals
• Providing overall leadership and supervision of senior management team, technical and administrative staff, and sub-awardees
• Developing and supervising procurement competitions for research and evaluation projects, oversee due diligence assessments on prospective sub-contracted Research Provider Pool providers, and lead programme team managing research projects implemented by sub-contracted research organisations.
• Overseeing programme work planning, financial management, performance management, monitoring and evaluation, strategic communications, and evidence generation
• Addressing issues and mitigating risks related to programme implementation in a timely manner and appropriately adjusting programme strategies, as required
• Supporting the production of high-quality, policy-relevant project performance indicators.
• Initiate, develop and maintain a range of working relationships, including with donors, implementing partners, academic and think tank organisations, and other development organisations.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree or equivalent in a social science, health, international development, technology or a related discipline is required. Doctorate degree is preferred.
• Demonstrable experience in the field of government, academic or think tank funds management, research, or policy development for international development.
• Track record of progressive responsibility, and at least three years of professional experience managing large (£10m+), complex, government or donor funds management, research, and/or international development projects similar in scale, scope, and complexity.
• Demonstrated international thought leadership in the field of academic/think tank research and/or the links between policymaking and research preferred.
• Experience leading teams and managing programs that achieve results, with a focus on responsive management to policymaker clients and stakeholders.
• Thorough knowledge of the international academic/think tank and scientific research sectors.
• Proven experience in working in a politically complex and sensitive environment.
• In-depth knowledge and experience in all outputs of the programme including funds management, research commissioning, grant/award making, use of evidence, and policy-oriented communications.
• Strong ability to collaborate and build partnerships with host country governments, UK government agencies, donor agencies, international organisations, and the private sector.
• Experience in at least one of: East Africa, Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and South Asia required
• Fluency in English is required

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NOTE: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

About the Organization

Founded in 1975, Chemonics is an international development consulting firm. In more than 70 countries around the globe, our network of 5,000 specialists share a simple belief: that the challenges we face today are best solved through the right partnerships — sharing knowledge, expertise, and experience to deliver results. As part of our culture and values, Chemonics is proud to be named a “Best Place to Work” in the Human Rights campaign Foundation’s 2021 Corporate Equality Index. Where Chemonics works, development works. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter or visit us at www.chemonics.com.