Research Programme Manager

Research Programme Manager

c. £45,000 + bens

Central London/Hybrid

Our client is a specialist research consultancy, working internationally to produce and manage research which informs communication strategy for government and corporate clients effecting change in social and political issues. We seek an experienced research programme manager to join a team taking responsibility for reporting findings to clients. This is a superb opportunity for ambitious detailed-oriented people with strong interests in research in international development with experience in overseeing and delivering research products, managing pipelines of work and junior staff, and executing analytical and assessment projects.

This position offers the opportunity to work in the Africa Business Unit, on a high-growth project that provides analytical assessments across several African countries. The project integrates multiple data streams including opinion research, media monitoring, open-source insights and qualitative research. Our work covers some of the many important contemporary issues (security, democracy, development, defense etc.).

Candidates must possess sound quantitative and qualitative research credentials and demonstrate a high degree of analytical report writing, as the position involves direct responsibility for the delivery of robust and high-quality work. The ability to understand the strategic use of research is key. The position also features foreign travel, and we expect a high comfort level with travel to non-Western countries and cultures; candidates must demonstrate a willingness to travel to a variety of locations across North and Sub-Saharan and Africa. Candidates must be resident in the UK or have the right to live and work in the UK.

The responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

- Responsibility for multi-country projects without oversight.

- Coordinating the projects’ workflow and delegating responsibilities to team members to ensure all key priorities are met.

- As advised by the Assessment Lead, organising team resources to achieve overall goals.

- Responsibility for research design, taking client objectives all the way through to instrument and indicator design, especially in assessment/analysis projects.

- Providing guidance and support on rigorous, methodologically sound research practices and approach and technical backstopping.

- Lead reporting design, analysis and validation, consulting with the Assessment Lead and clients and ensuring that junior team members follow instructions.

- Ensure that junior staff work is reviewed and feedback provided.

- Actively contribute to discussion with the client about research design.

- Contribute to creation of budgets, including for complex projects or those required to adhere to pre-specified client formats.

- Contribute to proposal writing and new work streams, suggesting innovative approaches and improving upon previous submissions.

We are looking for a candidate who possesses the following types of experience:

- Good academic qualifications, ideally including a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (social science, international relations, geography, political economy, international development).

- 5 years’ experience of relevant work experience in designing, managing and implementing research projects in international settings.

- At least 2 years experience of team management.

- High comfort level with data (using Excel/SPSS) and excellent writing skills are necessary.

- Good understanding of research methods, tools and data visualization.

- Experience managing or previously conducting field interviews or focus groups is also preferred.

- Knowledge of the politics, economics, and societies of Africa.