Research Manager, Busia, Kenya

Research Manager (Kenya)
Reports To: Country Director
Location: Busia, Kenya preferred, with substantial travel
Deadline to Apply: Rolling, latest by April 10, 2014
Desired Start Date: May 1 , 2014 or as soon as possible
Length of Commitment: 3 years commitment required for this position; ability to make a longer commitment is a plus.
Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a rapidly growing global organization, with extensive operations in 16 focus countries, including Kenya. We design innovative, cutting-edge approaches to solving development problems, rigorously evaluate these programs and promote the adoption of those with proven impact. This occurs both through the dissemination of results to policy makers, practitioners, and donors, as well as through supporting the large-scale implementation of evidence-based programs.
IPA-Kenya (IPAK) is IPA's oldest country program, and the site of many of its most influential projects, including seminal studies on de-worming, clean water promotion, bed-net usage and fertilizer subsidies. IPAK employs more than 400 contracted staff working on 20 different projects across multiple offices.
Responsibilities
The Research Manager (RM) will oversee a portfolio of 3 to 6 rigorous research studies in Kenya. These studies will span a number of sectors, including health, education and agriculture, and will require closely managing the partnership with researchers from top-tier academic and non-academic institutions.
In addition to overseeing projects in Kenya, the RM will be a key member of the country program senior management team and will also work closely with the Kenya Country Director and Deputy Country Director to ensure that effective support is being given to projects in their portfolio and that staff in Kenya are adequately trained in the best practices of research and equipped to represent IPA's work through policy dialogue.
This position will be preferably based in Busia but will require substantial travel.
The Research Manager will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Directly supervise project research assistants and help with transitions when new research staff come on board; maintain 'institutional memory' of project activities.
• As the senior representative of the Busia office, oversee regional administrative and financial tasks and ensure smooth communication to IPA regional staff.
• Work closely with IPA Kenya Country Director and Deputy Director to advise on budgeting, discuss all developments on projects, and serve as key link between the country office, project staff, IPA's academic partners, and NGO partner organizations.
• Oversee project financial management, including creation and monitoring of program budgets, and ensuring smooth integration of project into IPA financial systems.
• Ensure project adherence to general research design, sample selection, data management and analysis, and provide overall project management.
• Lead staff trainings on data management and general project management for new/incoming research staff. Promote inter-project best practices and take a lead in sharing best practices and maintaining institutional knowledge throughout the organization.
• Manage select relationships with local government officials and partners to ensure success of programmatic activities and to communicate about IPA's work and findings around the world.
• Coordination with Country Director and researchers to develop new projects.
• Support IPA Kenya's policy outreach activities the dissemination of results to academic and non-academic audiences by presenting IPA's work at national and regional events.

Qualification and Requirements

• At least 3 years of project management experience. Extensive experience supervising data collection, teams of field workers, and survey design and implementation.
• Masters in development economics, or a field related to international development. Undergraduates with substantial field experience will also be considered.
• Previous work experience in developing countries is required.
• Extensive experience conducting social science or economic field research. Background in randomized control trials is strongly preferred.
• Experience with data management and econometrics required. Advanced knowledge of Stata preferred.
• Cultural sensitivity and demonstrated ability to work successfully with diverse constituencies required.
• Strong budgeting and financial management skills.
• Experience with presenting research findings at public forums, including to non-research focused audiences, is preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and complete fluency in English is required. Swahili proficiency a plus.

Application Instructions:
Please follow the application instructions below. Any applications or CVs submitted outside this process will not be considered. Note, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview. Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Complete the J-PAL/IPA common application. Please select the position(s) you are interested in applying for on the 'Submit Application' page. Include two letters of recommendation and transcripts. We will consider your application even if you are unable to obtain reference letters before the deadline, but please be advised that we will be requiring them should you be invited for an interview.
IPA is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer
All persons shall have the opportunity to be considered for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, alienage or citizenship status, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
IPA will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us at jobs@poverty-action.org.
DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work to be performed by the Research Manager. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. Please note that IPA will never request any form of payment from an applicant. Applicants are encouraged to confirm the information listed above with IPA prior to releasing any extensive personal information to the organization. Please direct questions to jobs@poverty-action.org.