We are recruiting for a Senior Research Manager to lead ongoing research programs. This full-time position is preferably based either in Uganda, Ghana, or Kenya and requires the ability to travel across Africa. The Senior Research Manager will be responsible for managing research program activities, including, but not limited to:
Program/project management
- Coordinate activities across multiple team members and countries
- Develop and monitor timelines for completing project milestones
- Develop, modify, and successfully manage project budgets
- Delegate tasks to and/or supervise other employees and contractors as needed
- Oversee execution of contracts/MoUs with partners, sub-grantees, and contractors
- Organize and tactfully lead partner meetings and manage partner communication
- Lead fieldwork logistics and data collection activities with minimal oversight
- Prepare summary presentations to report to funders
Research management
- Develop research protocols and data collection tools
- Manage the ethical approval process and ensure that ethical principles are respected
- Lead training of data collection teams
- Develop and administer effective QAQC methods to ensure data quality
- Manage and analyze quantitative and qualitative datasets
- Lead the preparation of project presentations, reports, briefs, and publications
- Participate in the presentation of results at conferences and workshops
The Senior Research Manager is anticipated to support a variety of research projects, including but not limited to:
Village Savings and Loans Associations – Uganda
Aquaya’s Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) program (2023-2026) evaluates the impact of VSLAs on payments for handpump maintenance and community WASH behaviors in rural Uganda through a randomized, controlled trial. The program also supports Kabarole’s Handpump Mechanic Association to become a functional area service provider.
EnWASH Economics – Ghana
Under USAID/Ghana’s Enhancing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (EnWASH) program (2021-2026) and with co-funding from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Aquaya examines approaches for improving the financial performance of piped water suppliers in rural Ghana. The study involves collecting baseline performance data as well as qualitative information on staff motivation and capacity gaps. Following this assessment, Aquaya will pilot two strategies that have not been documented in the context of rural, public water suppliers: benchmarking (comparative monitoring of key performance indicators) and performance-based incentives (subsidies conditional on meeting certain benchmarks).
Criteria for the Senior Research Manager
The following qualifications are necessary for this position except as noted:
- Demonstrated experience in the management and execution of research staff, research processes, and knowledge-focused initiatives related to water or sanitation.
- Ph.D. and Master’s degree – preferably in engineering, science, environmental science, or a related field.
- 2+ years of work experience in research and/or project management (in addition to a Ph.D.)
- Previous international work experience in Africa.
- Ability to analyze quantitative data in Excel, R, or Stata.
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Fluency in English.
- Ability to travel to field sites approximately 25% of the time (this is an estimated average and is subject to fluctuation).
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high research quality standards.
- Ability to work with remote and culturally diverse teams.
We are also looking for the following skills and attributes:
- Good problem-solving and time-management skills.
- Strong work ethic and a commitment to delivery.
- Outstanding organization with an attention to detail and an ability to deliver on deadlines.
- Appetite for publishing research articles.
- Commitment to enhancing the capacity and skills of junior colleagues.
- Proven ability to work closely to successfully manage multiple and changing priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while maintaining a positive and productive attitude and a good sense of humor!
Compensation and Benefits
This is a full-time position with an initial 3-month probationary period. Aquaya offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience.
To apply
Please submit your resume via e-mail to [email protected] along with a thoughtful cover letter. Submissions will be considered as received, and the position will remain open until filled. There will be an additional screening survey and activity once your resume and cover letter are received.
In your cover letter, please explain why you are interested in Aquaya’s mission and activities, and tell us why your skills, background, and accomplishments make you the ideal candidate for this position, specifically highlighting your experience.
Note that we will not consider applications without a cover letter. In your e-mail subject line, specify “Senior Research Manager 2024”. No phone calls, please.
