Research Manager

Job Description

This is an Expression of Interest (EOI) process, not a recruitment for an officially open position. Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis. If there is a potential match and a position becomes available, candidates identified through this process who meet the selection criteria will be contacted. Please note that we are unable to respond to individual EOI inquiries.

About PxD

PxD is a global non-profit that harnesses the power of technology, data science, and behavioral economics to provide targeted information to farmers in low and middle-income countries. Providing the right information to the right people, in the right way and at the right time, increases incomes, protects the environment and improves well-being. We are evidence-based: we test our interventions with randomized controlled trials to prove our impact and cost-effectiveness, to simultaneously learn from and improve our service, and to demonstrate our value to funders and partners. There are few programmes in international development that are as demonstrably cost-effective as ours.

Position description

At PxD, Research Managers have opportunities to work closely with PxD and affiliated researchers and substantially contribute to PxD’s research programs that test new ideas and measure their impacts.

Responsibilities may include

• Identify learning objectives and resources available for one or more individual projects and manage the implementation of research activities, ensuring that projects adhere to appropriate rigor, policies, timelines, and budgets
• Develop and implement new research ideas and projects that support PxD’s programs and partners
• Guide teams on the use of evidence-based approaches, and ensure that PxD maintains the standards for technical appropriateness and rigor
• Interpret and contextualize external and internal evidence and insights for PxD programs
• Oversee data management and analysis for research projects, and survey creation and implementation
• Oversee documentation of research activities, research results, and rationale for decisions made
• Develop and track research project budgets and staff resourcing needs
• Manage relationships with partners and stakeholders
• Responsible for developing and ensuring compliance with IRB protocols and relevant in-country research permission requirements
• Contribute to funding proposals and project reports
• Contribute to PxD’s institutional knowledge management and internal learning efforts
• Contribute to internal and external communications to disseminate research findings including briefs, blogs, reports, and presentations
• Contribute to the strategic planning and global functioning of the organization
• Provide close mentorship and guidance to Associate level staff

Qualification and experience in the following domains are likely to be important

• Master’s degree in economics, agricultural economics, public policy, or a closely related field
• Professional experience working on at least two large projects involving design and management of rigorous research and/or evidence-based programs in LMIC countries
• Adept at consuming large amounts of academic and scientific literature as well as other technical information, synthesizing key findings, and applying takeaways to program and research design
• Deep understanding of economics and randomized evaluations
• Excellent knowledge of Stata or R or similar software for data analysis
• Strong grasp of the research & program life cycle and ability to supervise all activities on the ground
• Experience managing program and/or research staff
• Experience managing partnerships with an implementing organization
• Understanding and application of research ethics for human subjects in the social sciences
• Excellent organizational skills, detail-oriented, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Fluency in English. Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work under time pressure and solve problems creatively

Successful candidates must have a strong interest in and commitment to PxD’s mission to leverage technology to improve the lives of the poor at scale.

We are particularly interested in candidates who are located in Kenya, India, and Ethiopia.

How to submit an expression of interest

Please visit the: PxD WEBSITE and use the online form to submit a CV, a cover letter, and brief responses to the screening questions.

PxD is committed to building an inclusive and diverse organisation. We don’t make decisions based on gender, gender identity, class, ethnicity, sexual orientation or any other personal characteristics that are unrelated to the role. We understand that everyone has different lifestyles and we accommodate flexible working to make sure you are as productive and happy as you can be. 

We will use any personal data you provide for recruitment purposes only.