Research Manager - Climate Resilience at International Rescue Committee (IRC)

Requisition ID: req20381
Location: Mubi, Adamawa
Sector: Economic Recovery & Livelihood
Employment Type: Full-Time
Employment Category: Regular
Open to Expatriates: No

Job Overview / Summary

• The Research Manager who will lead the research component for a climate resilience project focused on food and economic security of agricultural households in Northeast Nigeria.
• The research manager will be responsible for scoping and developing contextually and programmatically relevant research ideas.
• S/he will implement viable research ideas and oversee day-to-day research activities.
• S/he will work closely with and coordinate research activities with colleagues from IRC Nigeria, IRC HQ (New York), and external partners.

Major Responsibilities
Scoping / vetting of project ideas (30%):

• Identify and cultivate relationships with potential local and under-resourced partners (including but not limited to community networks, community-supported organizations (CSOs), private sector actors, research and advocacy organizations, national NGOs, etc.)
• Vet ideas with local program staff and stakeholders
• Support development of content for livelihood data research and innovation related business development, including developing concept notes and identifying local partnership models and funding opportunities.

Project management (50%):

• Oversee at least one key research project, in collaboration with program colleagues from the Nigeria CP and HQ and external partners.  
• Support day-to-day research activities and coordinate with relevant teams to ensure smooth execution of research ideas
• Dedicate time to increase their skills on basic research and user-centered design, with support from HQ staff.

Uptake / stakeholder engagement (10%):

• Support the development and execution of a research/innovation uptake plan for each relevant project.

Staff oversight (10%):

• Provide secondary (if not direct) oversight of data collection team and creating a community of practice around Climate Resilience research and innovation out of the Mubi office.

Key Working Relationships:

• Position Reports to:  Climate Resilience Lead
• Indirect Reporting: Research Lead at IRC HQ and M&E Coordinator
• Position directly supervises:

Other Internal and/or external contacts:

• Internal: ERD, Grants, M&E teams etc.
• External:  Other partners (NGOs), CGIAR, NIMET, Ministry of Agriculture etc.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture Economics, Food Security and Livelihoods, Climate Studies, Statistics, Research Methodology / Quantitative field, or related field
• Minimum of 2-3 years' experience supporting research projects, preferably in livelihoods or food security and in a project management role
• Experience or familiarity with participatory research methods is an advantage

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills
• Project management experience for research
• Ability to identify and troubleshoot data quality and research implementation issues
• Knowledge of research ethics such as informed consent and data protection
• Experience managing multi-level stakeholder engagement (facility, community, government, etc.)
• Existing relationships with local CSOs / stakeholders in Adamawa are an advantage

Languages:

• Fluency in English language both written and spoken is required

Computer / Other Technical Requirements:

• Full professional competency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Knowledge of ArcGIS, SPSS, Stata, or other data analysis software is an advantage.