Senior Manager - Research - Government Projects

Job Description:

The role of an all-rounder Senior Research Manager is to manage a growing portfolio of exciting randomized evaluations and important government stakeholder relationships. The SRM responsibilities include but may not be limited to:

Overseeing research projects planning and execution: Independently managing the effective and efficient execution of randomized evaluations

This involves ensuring:

- Adherence to key research best practices on the field and with data management: such as scientific standards and that are practical and appropriate to local culture; on research compliance, data security, and safety as well as all relevant human subjects- committees.

- Develop and refine the research design and objectives in close coordination with principal investigators, and ensure alignment across all stakeholders (donors, implementing partners, research collaborators etc.). Assist with identifying possible research sub- questions, and design surveys and data collection activities accordingly and in alignment with project budgets.

- Maintain relationships with existing implementing (government) partners through meetings and presentations, and establish new relationships with potential partners as equal stakeholders in the execution and take up of research projects under the partnership. Act as the single point person on all aspects related to research management to communicate with the relevant stakeholders, donors, governmental and non-governmental partners.

- Resource (human and financial) and activity timeline planning and tracking for smooth execution of the research design and goals, reporting along key indicators on project progress and financial health, identifying and taking corrective action as needed, in case of deviations.

- Work closely with the project team and support functions to ensure that projects adhere to policies, procedure, finances and timelines. Develop and follow project management processes and systems for tracking and reporting of outputs and outcomes.

Mentoring and managing project teams:

- Plan for and oversee recruitment of required research staff (associates, managers, others) on ongoing and new projects.

- Supervise and mentor mid and junior-level research staff on their personal and professional development; help maintain adequate work-life balance, train associates and managers to better their technical and leadership skills.

- Identify training and capacity building needs, and provide necessary support to internal training activities to ensure that skills are aligned to requirements of the positions.

Contribute to organizational goals, management and measurement:

- Actively engage in organizational level discussions with all vertical heads on planning and reporting on all aspects related to research activities under the engagement.

- Document and disseminate lessons and best practices followed.

- Create outputs for internal reference and public distribution on the successes, challenges, outcomes and results of the policy research engagement.

- Represent the company in meetings and conferences, make presentations on activities, progress and outcomes, and liaise with academics, officials, policymakers, donors and partner organizations.

General responsibilities:

- Travel to project locations to work with the RA and project teams and provide direct oversight as needed.

- Ensure the adherence to the company's guidelines.

- Support in creating and managing institutional knowledge. Provide additional support to streamline systems and processes.

- Take an active role in capacity development, training and presenting as and when required.

- Any other work as assigned by the Project Director, Associate Director, or Executive Director.

Expectations for Success:

- Understanding Randomized Evaluations and technical skills: Demonstrating an advanced understanding of randomized evaluations and methodology Knowledge of Stat is required, working knowledge of R is a bonus.

Experience:

- This position requires demonstrated research and management experience in a multi-faceted role, working with multiple stakeholders. Experience working with Governments preferred. Five years- minimum work experience, including prior experience and exposure to randomized evaluations, economics research, and international development policy.

Management:

- Proven ability to handle several different projects/tasks and one or more teams of people at one time, successfully complete tasks assigned, and meet deadlines. Be self-motivated and learn will be essential for doing well in this position. Strong ability to manage high-level partnerships.

Travel:

- Travel to different parts of India and Tamil Nadu to meet with relevant stakeholders and manage projects.

Organization and Time Management:

- Highly organized, very careful, and detail-oriented; proven ability to prioritize despite constant competing demands.

Interpersonal:

- A visionary who loves to roll up their sleeves and dive into the execution. Someone who enjoys challenges, thrives in ambiguity, and derives satisfaction from solving problems- big and small. A natural collaborator, who strives for the win-win and don- t shy away from implementing the right level of process. A Proactive, high energy person who optimizes the team's efficiency and delivers scalable solutions to support growth through strong leadership and team playing skills.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Master's degree or higher in economics, statistics, mathematics, public policy/ international development, related fields. Strong coursework in economics is highly preferable.

Communication: Attention to detail and advanced writing and presentation skills for communicating with multiple partners. This requires the ability to produce clear, precise, research outputs that speak to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Good in Quantitative Research and Policy interface

We are looking for a minimum commitment period of two years for this position with a strong possibility for a longer-term position for exceptional candidates.