Responsibilities for the Deputy Country Director Job
Research Oversight and Project Backstopping
In close collaboration with the rest of the research management team, you will ensure that high-quality research support and oversight is provided to all projects by:
Leading office and country-wide meetings and trainings
Creating systems and structures to build staff capacity and ensure overall data quality
Liaising with academic researchers and on-the-ground research teams to ensure that the research teams adhere to study design and research protocols
Working to incorporate best practices and lessons learned in research and operations by other IPA offices and research affiliates across all projects
Directly oversee two or three projects
Provide day-to-day technical support and guidance to research project staff to ensure work plans and timelines are met and data quality is high
Oversee data collection and data entry operations and ensure that projects meet IPA’s research protocols and standards
Oversee the production of quality technical reports, outputs and analysis, project briefs, surveys, and communication materials
Ensure consistent and regular researcher updates, partner liaising and updates
Support project teams to ensure that all IRB rules and regulations are met
Liaise with academic researchers and on the ground research teams to ensure that the research teams adhere to the study design and research protocols
General Management
Safety and security, legal compliance
Relationship with and submissions to National IRB Board Other permitting needs that might arise
Work with administrative/policy staff to ensure that internal communication mechanisms are running efficiently, including google groups and the monthly e-newsletter.
Facilitate office communication and promote IPA knowledge management tools
Work with the CD to set a vision and strategic plan for the country program
Fill in for CD as needed as senior-most representative of the Kenya Country Program
Provide support to CD in ensuring the overall organizational and legal compliance of IPA Kenya
Support CD as needed to
Conduct field and background research for new projects
Conduct partner outreach including meetings with interested organization and review of new project ideas
Create and refine budgets for new projects in consultation with research management team
Initiate and maintain relationships with academic researchers in order to develop new studies and assist in developing a feasible research design
Assist with grant applications and creating project budgets for new and ongoing projects
Disseminate research findings to national stakeholders
Represent IPA in Kenya to national and local government agencies and partner organizations
Manage relationships with current and potential IPA Kenya partner organizations
Participate in capacity building of local development partners in evidence-based policy making and rigorous impact evaluations
Deputy Country Director Job Qualifications
Master’s degree in international affairs, international public policy, development economics, project management or field related to social science and economics research or international development
Proven experience at a senior level, managing and implementing programmes, ideally in an international setting. A minimum of 5 years is desirable
Strong technical research skills, scientific background particularly with experience of analyzing data would be desirable.
Familiarity with randomized controlled trials preferred
Experience with financial and operations management
Strong leadership skills with proven history of managing complex or multiple projects, including staffing, design, planning and monitoring.
Ability to communicate effectively across cultures with multiple stakeholders including international and local academic researchers, government officials, NGO partners, enumeration teams
Sound levels of finance management and reporting to donors and finances under deadlines.
Excellent organization and multitasking skills, ability to work under pressure
Experience living and working in a developing country
Commitment to leading a diverse team and building staff capacity
Passion for connecting rigorous research to policy makers and practitioners
Innate curiosity, analytic reasoning, and a sense of humor are required
Demonstrate experience developing medium/long term program strategies and managing partnerships with multiple stakeholders.
Strong facilitation, coordination, networking and negotiation skills.
Proven writing and delivery of grant reports, proposals and communication in a timely manner and to a high quality.
Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.
