Research Fellow Evaluation Expert Job in Ifmr Lead

About the Position

We are seeking a qualified, motivated, and thorough Evaluation Expert to join us as a Research Fellow. The main responsibility of the Fellow will be to manage and lead, under the supervision and with the support of the Vertical Head Financial Inclusion, a large-scale evaluation of a project that LEAD is implementing in Chhattisgarh. This exciting project is exploring the potential of using digital tools to support Women Self Help Groups, in collaboration with various research and technology partners and with the support of Chhattisgarh s Rural Livelihood Mission. The Fellow is expected to lead the implementation of a mixed-methods evaluation and provide a steady stream of high-level research outputs throughout the project (briefs, articles, infographics, blog posts, etc.). The Fellow is also expected to supervise and guide field staff as well as liaise with local government partners and stakeholders.

The successful candidate will have superior research and analytical skills, will be an excellent writer, and will have a solid understanding of evaluation methodologies. She or he will be adaptable, quick-to-learn, and uncompromising with respect to research quality and thoroughness. Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written) are essential in order to be able to present research insights to various stakeholders and in national and, possibly, international platforms through a wide range of mediums.

In the long-run, the Research Fellow will support the Vertical Head Financial Inclusion to develop and expand the team s research agenda and grow the team s research portfolio, with the opportunity of leading other research opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Evaluation, Research, and Learning

• Leads the development and implementation of the project s impact evaluation, formulating and testing research hypothesis through the employment of mixed evaluation methods.
• Leads the analysis of research results and the development of research outputs.
• Is accountable for planning and implementing the development of a steady flow of learning outputs.
• Leads the development of research summaries, policy briefs, blog posts, presentations and other forms of outreach as required.
• Ensures that data collected through research tools are complete, accurate and comprehensive.
• Is accountable for data analysis and visualization related to the project.
• Develops learning outputs from subgrantees research results.
• Works with Vertical Heads and LEAD s Principal Economist to execute the team s research agenda and develop new research projects
• Contribute to developing and framing the team strategy for the upcoming 1-3 years along with the Vertical Head and LEAD s Principal Economist.

Stakeholder Management

• Keeps funder and CG State government regularly informed on the progress of the project.
• Develops and maintains a good working relationship with partner/donor organizations.
• Keeps an open channel for communication with partner/donor organizations and policy makers.
• Presents research/project findings to partner organizations and larger audiences through workshops/conferences.

Project Management

• Supports the project manager to develop and update the project plan, assigning tasks to complete the same, and ensures compliance with project requirements.
• When safe to do so, conducts monthly field visits to assess progress on the project and gather first-hand insights and feedback on the same.
• Contributes to the hiring process of project related positions.
• Contributes to reviewing sub-grantees deliverables.

Background and Qualifications

Educational

• Master s Degree in Economics, Environment Economics/Policy/Science, Finance, Development or related field is mandatory.
• Strong analytical skills and a solid understanding of evaluation methods and quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.

Work Experience

• At least 7 years (4 with a PhD) of research experience in international development or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing impact evaluations in complex settings.
• Previous experience of managing a team is an asset.

Key Competencies

• Evaluation expert, with in-depth knowledge and experience implementing social science research methods, especially experimental research.
• Comfortable with both in-person and remote data collection methods.
• Experience in conducting in-depth systematic review and synthesis of research.
• Independent worker; takes initiative to lead and manage multiple tasks and propose solutions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Capable of translating research insights into actionable recommendations.
• Thematic expertise on gender and technology is an asset.
• Strong interpersonal skills, and willingness to interact with a wide range of individuals ranging from State and Central government officials, donors, research think-tanks, private sector actors, etc.
• Has the ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment
• Preferred: has a good track record of academic and non-academic publications.

Application Instructions

• Deadline: Applications are being accepted and reviewed until the position is filled
• To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample.
• Please direct queries and applications to [email protected] with the title Research Fellow Evaluation Expert in the subject line.