Research Manager, Somali Voices at Equal Access

Position:

The Research Manager will be responsible for overall design and oversight of research on violent extremism in the East Africa region, design and implementation of monitoring & evaluation (M&E) systems for all EAI-East Africa programming, and facilitation of a robust learning strategy for the EAI-East Africa office. The Research Manager will provide strategic vision and direction for the types of research activities to best understand VE dynamics and monitor rapidly evolving contexts. The Manager will also oversee M&E for all programming, with an emphasis on complexity-awareness.

Reporting & Supervision:

The Research Manager will report to the EAI-East Africa Director.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain current knowledge of evolving dynamics related to violent extremism in Kenya, Somalia, Djibouti, and Ethiopia
• Manage implementation research components of an 18-month CVE-focused media project
• Design and implement an M&E framework for EAI-East Africa programming
• Design and facilitate a learning strategy for EAI-East Africa
• Prepare and manage research implementation work plans, M&E plans, and budgets
• Evaluate research tools and emerging technologies, and coordinate vendor relations
• Identify, hire, and supervise short-term field researchers.
• Liaise with national and international partners, including government stakeholders.
• Work closely with HQ Technical Leads to ensure quality and impactful program implementation.
• Collect and report on success stories and prepare project reports for the donor and EA communications.
• Ensure project implementation is in compliance with USG donor requirements and Equal Access organizational policies.
• Produce timely and accurate donor reporting.
• Required Skills & Qualifications:
• Fluency in Somali required; knowledge of Arabic preferred.
• Proficiency in conceptualizing and developing proactive prospecting methodologies using such tools as constituent list segmentation, data mining, and electronic and peer screenings.
• Understanding of impact indicators and ability to translate such information into viable M&E systems.
• Demonstrated proficiency with electronic and printed reference materials.
• Strong analytical skills, including expertise in the modeling and analysis of data.
• Ability to appropriately communicate sensitive information and to judge how and with whom this information should be shared.
• At least five years of relevant work experience with progressive data management and research responsibilities, preferably in East Africa.
• Willingness to travel to field sites within Kenya and East Africa required.
• Ability to function effectively in a fluid but complex team work environment and to set appropriate priorities and deal effectively with numerous simultaneous requirements required.
• Advanced computer skills, particularly with the Microsoft Office suite of applications.
• Knowledge and ability to implement principles of management, leadership, conflict resolution, negotiation, and motivation.
• Demonstrated record of initiative, problem solving, and adaptability.
• Strong listening, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree(s) preferred.