Research Manager – Children and Youth Pillar at Samuel Hall

Nature of the Role

1. Management of research and related activities
   1. Lead the design of research tools and research methodologies on relevant topics
   2. Conduct secondary research, literature reviews and key informant interviews
   3. Manage project team members both in head office and field locations
   4. Undertake socio-economic research, monitoring and evaluations and consulting missions
   5. Coordinate activities with relevant partners in close collaboration with research area leads
   6. Manage and train project team members both in office and field locations
   7. Lead the development and authoring of research papers, concept notes, draft and final reports, and other documentation as required during the ongoing projects at an academic level
   8. Monitor and evaluate the work of team members and project components under supervision
   9. Draft proposals based on pillars’ business development plans and strategies and as requested
      Provide strong analysis of qualitative and quantitative data, and recommendations in line with policy and academic standards
   10. Manage and conduct fieldwork in multiple countries which entails qualitative and quantitative research
   11. Maintain internal processes
2. Coordination between stakeholders
   1. Liaise with stakeholders at all levels – including donors and government representatives – presenting Samuel Hall and its research partners in a clear and professional manner
   2. Prepare presentations for stakeholders (internal and external)
   3. Train national and international teams on components of the project cycle
   4. Contribute to business development efforts where relevant, based on knowledge of clients, such as proposal development and research opportunities

Vacancy Requirements

• Applicants should have a PhD in a related field (education or child protection) with 2+ years of relevant experience or a Master’s degree with 5+ years of relevant research experience.
• Must have proven expertise in Child- and Youth-related research and desire for a strong role in strengthening the pillar’s thematic knowledge.
• Should be able to articulate how their skillset will specifically add to the pillar and Samuel Hall’s work. Particularly relevant expertise may include:
• Developing and implementing child-friendly and child-focused research methodologies, including participatory and innovative research methodologies
• Understanding of child safeguarding and ethical research with children
• Understanding and experience of and/or background in education, rights, migration, and employment, or specific relevant child-focused issue areas; youth-focused expertise, or a focus on girls and young women, is also desirable
• Applicants must also have proven strong experience in the project management of research in diverse and challenging contexts, and understanding of contracting, administration, and finance needs.
• Experience with working with child-focused organisations and international organisations and their programming, priorities and frameworks is highly desirable.

The Research Manager is further required to have:

1. Proven experience in writing research papers, consultancy reports, evaluation assignments and policy briefs
2. Proven experience in project management, experience in managing field research preferred
3. Proven experience in quantitative and qualitative data analysis and tools (for example MS Excel, SPSS, NVIVO)
4. Relevant programmatic/operational experience in the research topics covered in the Children and Youth Pillar
5. Keen attention to detail
6. Ability to cope well under pressure, work occasionally irregular hours and meet tight deadlines
7. Excellent spoken and written skills in English; French preferred; Arabic desirable

Preferred background

Master’s degree: PhD preferred - International development, education, migration studies, social sciences, or related field