Multiple positions | Remote | 2021

Chemonics seeks three regional research and relationship managers for an anticipated multi-year, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)-funded research and evidence synthesis programme, the Evidence Fund (the ‘Fund’). The Fund is a single coordinated, research and evidence platform that supports urgent, mid-, and longer-term knowledge generation, synthesis, translation, and engagement. The Fund will focus on translating knowledge into state-of-the-art policies and supporting FCDO country offices and UK government partners engaged in Official Development Assistance to use evidence to add value to their programmes. The Fund will address a broad spectrum of evidence needs to generate operationally relevant research, analysis, evaluation, and syntheses to inform policy and programming decisions. The Fund will commission new primary research in and for multiple countries. Each regional research and relationship manager will work in one of three regions 1) East Africa, 2) the Middle East and North Africa, and 3) South Asia. The locations in which these positions will be based are flexible given the international nature of the programme. We expect project hubs to be in London, Nairobi, Beirut or Amman, and Islamabad or New Delhi, but the locations of the hubs may change depending on the locations of the regional research and relationship managers. The regional research and relationship manager position will require regular travel within each region of responsibility and occasional travel to other project hubs. The project is expected to start in April 2021. The regional research and relationship managers should be enthusiastic about and committed to linking academic-standard research with practical policymaking and programme decision-making. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world.

Responsibilities include:

•  Bring together policy, practice, and research. In doing so, they will help translate policymaker needs and ideas into well-crafted calls for research proposals, oversee the quality and relevance of research being delivered, and support researchers in communicating the results and outputs of their work effectively to different audiences
• Lead, develop, and manage an effective, responsive Research Provider Pool, comprising local and international research organisations that can meet FCDO’s research and evidence needs.
• With support from a contracts and finance team, the research and relationship managers will provide day-to-day research and stakeholder management of projects commissioned through the Fund
• Assume a leading role in engaging the UK government, other donors, host-country policymakers, and key stakeholders in the evidence and research being generated
• Supervise the monthly monitoring of progress by Research Pool providers in their region of responsibility against a set of key performance indicators and programme milestones, and they will advise the Fund’s executive director on progress and risks
• Serve as a primary point of contact and face of the programme in their region of responsibility, responding to enquiries about the program within the region

Qualifications: 

• Advanced degree or equivalent experience in a social science, health, international development, technology, or related discipline required; doctorate preferred
• Demonstrable experience in the field of government, academic or think tank funds management, research, or policy development for international development
• Regional programme management experience, particularly in relation to research or strategic policymaking programmes 
• Understanding of different research methodologies, including for qualitative and quantitative research
• Experience in relationship management and external engagement with international donors, especially in relation to research programme delivery
• Well-developed networks with potential research providers (including universities and think tanks) and a regional understanding of markets to respond to research needs
• Strong understanding of research and evidence use and uptake in policy and programme design and delivery
• Record of progressive responsibility and at least three years of professional experience managing large (£10 million or more), complex, government or other donor-funded management, research, or international development projects similar in scale, scope, and complexity
• Experience leading teams and managing programs that achieve results, with a focus on responsive management to policymaker clients and stakeholders
• Thorough knowledge of the international academic or think tank and scientific research sectors
• In-depth knowledge and experience in all outputs of the programme, including funds management, research commissioning, grant/award making, use of evidence, and policy-oriented communications
• Strong ability to collaborate and build partnerships with host country governments, UK government agencies, donor agencies, international organisations, and the private sector
• Experience in East Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, or South Asia 
• Demonstrated international thought leadership in academic or think tank research or the links between policymaking and research preferred
• Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity
• Fluency in English is required

***Kindly note this role is contingent on award of the programme***

Application instructions:

To apply, please submit your application via the following link no later than Sunday, December 6 at 2359 pm GMT: https://chu.tbe.taleo.net/chu02/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition? org=CHEMONICS&cws=37&rid=3928. Please complete the required information and upload your cover letter and CV for consideration. No telephone enquiries, please. Finalists will be contacted.

Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.

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