Open Roles at BRAC

About the Role:

• BRAC International (BI) is seeking a Manager, Research and Learning who is aligned with its ethos of working in partnership with communities to create impact for scale. The incumbent will be responsible for supporting BRAC International’s Learning and Effectives portfolio. The Manager will help BRAC International’s programmes identify and answer learning questions that can drive programmatic change. 
• Responsibilities generally fall into three categories: 1) Leading the development of small-scale research studies and monitoring activities, and 2) Supporting the recruitment and supervision of external research partners tasked with conducting rigorous evaluations of BRAC International’s programs, 3) Supporting the creation and dissemination of knowledge products. S/he will also ensure that the core values and mission of BI are upheld, promoted, followed, and applied across the Learning and Effectives team at BRAC International.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Conduct desk research and draft literature reviews relevant to BRAC International’s work (e.g., women’s economic empowerment, youth empowerment, sustainable livelihoods, among others).
• Draft research plans/protocols of research studies.
• Submit IRB applications independently or in collaboration with external research partners.
• Drive the development of program-specific learning agendas.
• Collaborate on the recruitment of external research partners (e.g., drafting and disseminating requests for proposals, screening applications).
• Organise the onboarding and supervision of external research partners (e.g., maintaining project timelines and holding partners accountable).
• Lead or co-lead interviewer and enumerator trainings.
• Coordinate with in-country program partners and external researchers.
• Lead in the dissemination of research findings through various platforms (e.g., webinars, conferences).
• Co-author research-related knowledge products (e.g., learning briefs, factsheets, blog posts).
• Support in the development of a knowledge management function.

Safeguarding responsibilities:

• Implement programme decisions keeping the safety and dignity of programme participants/clients at the center, mitigate safeguarding risks and contribute to a safe working environment where staff are respected and feel confident to voice concerns without fear of retaliation.
• Receive mandatory training on the safeguarding policies and reporting channels and have access to policies.
• Participate in discussions on the safeguarding agenda in monthly meetings and actively voice concerns without fear.
• Report safeguarding incidents witnessed or experiences to the Safeguarding department. For known cases, maintain neutrality, be sensitive and non-judgemental to victims/survivors, and cooperate with organisational investigations providing accurate information as needed. 

Academic Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree from a reputed university preferably in Statistics/ Development Studies/ Business Administration/ Social Science or other relevant disciplines.

Experience Requirements:  

• Minimum 03 years’ experience executing mixed-methods and/or qualitative primary research, could include research assistantships.
• At least 01 year experience designing and leading mixed-methods and/or qualitative research studies.
• Substantive experience with survey design and in-depth interviewing.
• Experience applying for IRB approval in BI countries.
• Experience hosting an RFP and/or recruiting and supervising research consultants.
• Demonstrated experience coaching, training, advising, or managing staff responsible for monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities.

Required Skills, Competencies & Knowledge:

• Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies used for programme evaluation.
• Excellent grasp of measurement and the challenges associated with monitoring the outcomes of development programmes.
• Knowledge of research ethics and experience obtaining ethical clearances at local and country levels.
• Expert knowledge of Microsoft Excel, including advanced functions and formulas.
• Proficiency with data collection, analysis, and visualization software packages – e.g., STATA, SPSS, Dedoose/ Nvivo, Kobo Toolbox/Qualtrics, Power BI/ Tableau.
• Ability to work strategically with multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to lead or co-lead trainings.
• Strong facilitation and presentation skills.
• Capable of working both individually and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication (written, verbal, negotiation, presentation skills).
• Self-motivated with an ability to work independently without supervision.
• Ability to prioritise and deal with competing demands to deliver results.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage tight deadlines.
• Computer proficiency on MS office (Word and PowerPoint).
• Mobile and flexible mindset to travel to project site when required Travel (20-30%) required.
• Flexible to work from distant location.
• Overseeing and travel to project site when required.
• Possess high ethical and moral standards.

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Key Responsibilities:

Programme Design & Delivery

• Work closely with the AIM Central Team and BRAC International (BI) Programme team to design and refine guidelines, SOPs, programme materials, and workshops for AIM Financial Inclusion implementation.
• Drive innovations from entities on how to best deliver AIM FI and cascade any improvements across to other entities.
• Review and improve the quality of Financial, Digital and Life Skills Training (FLT) programme curriculum and materials, refining it to include new components like climate-smart agriculture, and delivering the Training of Trainers
• Ensure BI microfinance clients benefit from the broader suite of AIM services

Lead & Coordinate

• Lead entity AIM Focals through frequent touchpoints and visits to overcome barriers in implementing and achieving AIM FI objectives, and increase their capacity to do so
• Facilitate BI MF's technical leads to embed AIM Financial Inclusion into their workstreams
• Guide Financial Inclusion Innovation Labs in each country and support close collaboration between BI microfinance entities and their BRAC NGO counterparts.

Targets, Data & Reporting

• Support entities to set ambitious but achievable AIM FI targets and manage regular tracking and analysis.
• Prepare and contribute to internal and external reporting, including quarterly and annual narrative reports.
• Work with teams to identify and answer key learning questions, and synthesize insights on financial access for young women for dissemination across the network.

Safeguarding

• Ensure the safety and wellbeing of colleagues and programme participants from harm, abuse, neglect, harassment, and exploitation.
• Promote and implement safeguarding standards across all areas of work, and follow reporting procedures for any reportable incident.

Academic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Economics, Development Studies, Business, Finance, or a related field
• Certifications or training in impact management, product innovation, or social performance management are a plus 

Experience:

• 4–7 years in project management, consulting, or development programme operations
• Proven experience managing programmes with strong cross-functional delivery across areas like field operations, product, and partnerships
• Experience in multi-country or complex programme environments strongly preferred
• Exposure to financial inclusion, through NGOs or development finance institutions, in emerging markets is an advantage

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies: 

• Strong data analysis and presentation skills with ability to communicate results clearly
• Ability to bring structure to ambiguous problems and visibility to results at scale
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Flexibility and understanding in managing varying infrastructure, capacity and time zone environments
• Willingness and ability to train and mentor others across diverse, global teams
• Ability to travel 20–40% of the time within Africa, supporting our operating entities