Research Lead

Siren Associates

Siren helps develop safe and secure societies where there is equal access to justice and freedom from fear. Specialising in civil policing transformation, security and justice programming, and broader public sector reform, we empower and build the capabilities of organisations to become more responsive to the needs of communities. We support our clients through the process of strategic change, combining an Organisation Development approach with advanced technology and customised solutions.

Committed to making a difference, we believe that the development of capabilities cannot be done for organisations – it must be done by and in effective partnership with them. As a result, our approach is collaborative, client-centered and holistic. We employ rigorous problem analysis and innovative interventions that are gender and conflict sensitive to drive sustainable change. Working in post-conflict and fragile states, we recognise the value of being flexible, adaptable and responsive to our clients’ changing needs.

Siren is an international non-profit organization with headquarters in Beirut and project offices in both Beirut and Jordan.

Research Lead

Role

Siren is seeking an experienced, dynamic and ‘out of the box’ thinker to lead its research team on a complex public sector reform project in Lebanon. The ideal candidate will have proven academic grounding in research methodologies, understanding of theoretical and current academic conversations around public sector reform, and demonstrated ability to apply research to programming. The research lead will manage a small, multi-disciplinary research team, and collaborate closely with colleagues working on Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning.

The research lead will be expected to liaise with project clients and public sector stakeholders in Lebanon, to gain an intimate understanding of the informational needs and research opportunities on the programme. Additionally, Siren expects the research lead to both meet reporting and informational requirements on the project, but also to identify, innovate and carry out new lines of research that will support public sector reform in Lebanon.

**Lebanese candidates are strongly encouraged to apply**

Responsibilities

• Manage research deliverables and contractual reporting in line with the project cycle, including managing primary data collection activities with a range of stakeholders in Lebanon

• Identifying & carrying out new areas of applied or academic research that will support improved programme delivery

• Write and disseminate public-focused research on public sector reform and engage relevant civil society/governmental/academics etc. through collaborations, seminars, conferences etc.

• Manage the RMEL team’s academic advisors, ensuring their timely input into project activity.

• Managing 1-2 junior research staff, including supporting the development of their potential

• Other reasonable research-focused tasks as requested by Siren directors

Qualifications

Essential

Academic/professional

• 8+ years’ experience in leading research in an academic and/or programmatic setting

• Relevant academic qualifications to at least Masters level (Degree in social sciences, political science, public policy, criminology, organisational development etc.) or equivalent demonstrable professional experience and skills. PhD level strongly preferred.

• Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills.

• Excellent understanding of the theory, dynamics and challenges in security and/or public sector reform

• Excellent English-language writing skills, including writing for different audiences

Contextual

• Deep understanding of the historical and current socio-political operating context in Lebanon

• Ability to engage professionally with a wide range of Lebanese stakeholders, including individuals in the public sector, civil society and the international community

• Fluent written and spoken English and Arabic

Management experience

• Proven ability to manage a small, motivated multi-disciplinary team, including experience growing the potential of junior staff

Personal

• Strategic thinker, able to see the ‘bigger picture’

• Excellent attention to detail and quality of final deliverable

• Dynamic team member, able to create strong working relationships

Desirable

• Previous experience working on governance or public sector reform projects

• Good understanding of monitoring, evaluation and learning practices and how research can overlap