Research Manager - Systems Strengthening and Localization Unit at IMPACT Initiatives

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Research Manager’s responsibilities will include:

STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION

• Under the guidance of the Deputy Country Coordinator, lead the design and roll-out of research strategies for the Systems Strengthening and Localization (SSL) Unit, ensuring alignment with a diverse humanitarian and operational landscape;
• Identify gaps and opportunities for systems strengthening approaches, building a credible portfolio of workstreams that influence operations in the Darfurs and facilitate improved coordination
• In close collaboration with the Country Representative, build and implement a new strategy for IMPACT to scale up in new areas in country
• Oversee the development and execution of the Sudan mission’s localization strategy, including managing key deliverables such as skill exchange sessions with local responders and joint assessments with local partners
• Develop and implement dissemination strategies to strengthen the impact of the SSL Unit programmes;
• Engagement with HQ on SSL Unit research and/or coordination and provide support to relevant IMPACT Global Community of Practices (CoPs).

EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT

• Co-design and manage research partnerships with operational actors including local and non-traditional actors, establishing a framework for mutual accountability, coordination and data safety standards
• Engage closely with new subnational coordination structures such as the Area Based Coordination in the Darfurs and identify areas of support from IMPACT
• Engage closely with national responders to build joint research cycles and projects
• In coordination with the Country Representative, represent REACH with donors, partners, and the wider development community working on Sudan.

STAFF MANAGEMENT

• In collaboration with the Deputy Country Coordinator and Country Representative, hire the necessary capacity to build the unit
• Direct management of international and national team members in Sudan, Kenya and Uganda, including recruitment and staff career management. The RM will have to build the unit in close collaboration with the DCC and CR.
• Build relevant processes for the new unit and build the capacity of team members to engage with new approaches and research designs, as well as to leverage IMPACT standards in a constrained operational environment
• Day-to-day management of team members, including the development of work plans and performance indicators.

PROJECT/RESEARCH CYCLE MANAGEMENT

• Develop and oversee two new markets systems research cycles aimed at supporting market strengthening activities
• Ensure all assessments and analysis are planned and implemented in a structured and coherent manner, in line with relevant project and strategic objectives, and with global IMPACT guidelines;
• Oversee all research cycles, including reviewing ToRs, methodology notes, tools, products and dissemination strategies.
• Ensure the writing and production of timely, accurate and analytically rigorous reports, assessments, and factsheets;
• Ensure relevant stakeholders and partners are engaged in assessment design and planning;
• Monitor output achievement, project expenditure and ensure timely completion of the project.
• Actively advocate for the improving of analysis within IMPACT products, and using common methodologies, tools and analysis frameworks across units where relevant

GRANTS MANAGEMENT

• Support the Country Representative with managing grants in the SSL Unit, including initial discussions with donors, conceptualization of new projects, drafting proposals, regular reporting, and M&E;
• Under the guidance of the Country Representative, oversee the financial management of all grants covering Markets and Systems Strengthening projects, including oversight of budget and expenditure;
• Ensure that contractual obligations are met in terms of programs deliverables.
• The Research Manager will maintain the strictest confidentiality on all data collected and related processes. They will actively take measures to prevent the unauthorized sharing of any information and data belonging to IMPACT and its partners or collected during his/her assignment with IMPACT.

REQUIREMENTS

• Years of work experience At least 5 years of relevant working experience in a humanitarian setting, such as program management, evaluation and assessments;
• Familiarity with aid system Good understanding of the aid system and the research community. Prior experience with implementing organizations strongly preferred.
• Experience in coordination structures Experience operating in fragmented responses with multiple partners and actors to coordinate. Experience working in an INGO consortia is an asset
• Research skills Excellent quantitative and qualitative research design, data collection, and data analysis experience required;
• Management experience Demonstrated team management skills, including remote management;
• Communication skills Strong communication skills required.