Background: Sayara International is a global development company that specializes in rigorous research and innovative programming in conflict-affected and transitioning societies. Founded in 2003 and operating in 30 countries worldwide, Sayara is a leading organization providing services in monitoring and evaluation, socio-political analysis, strategic communications, governance, countering violent extremism, disinformation, migration, and youth and education. Our strength comes from our adherence to our core values, our unparalleled expertise in research methodologies, and the context-specific experience of our team members. We constantly innovate to create research designs that are customized to answer our clients’ questions.
Sayara’s Eastern Europe regional team operates from Ukraine, Poland, Georgia, and the Baltic countries, conducting projects in the Baltics and Eastern Partnership countries. We deliver services to clients around the world, including the United Nations (UNDP, UNOPS, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNICEF, UN Women), the European Union, governments (U.S., UK, France), universities, international NGOs, and other major donors. Headquartered in Washington, D.C. with local offices in Afghanistan, Colombia, Kenya, Lebanon, Sudan, Ukraine (and support offices in France, Poland, and the UK), Sayara is responsive to client needs in complex environments through local expert knowledge and an ethical, evidence-based approach.
Position Description: The Eastern Europe Research Manager will be actively engaged in all aspects of Sayara’s project delivery in the Eastern Europe region, and must be capable of leading research and analysis teams, while also contributing directly to analysis. The selected candidate must demonstrate high aptitude for successfully completing all stages in the research process. They should have a proven track record of taking ownership of all aspects of research project management, writing proposals, developing research questions, designing questionnaires, research instruments and population samples, managing fieldwork, analyzing quantitative and qualitative datasets, writing reports in English on research findings, and presenting the results directly to clients. The Eastern Europe Research Manager will report to the Director of Global Innovation.
Responsibilities:
- Manage the technical processes and quality of analytical teams
- Lead, plan, and coordinate assigned projects in a timely manner
- Conduct literature reviews, and draft concept notes and inception reports
- Analyze data including statistical analysis and qualitative analysis
- Quality control of research and analytical outputs
- Write analytical reports
- Support proposal development
- Prepare research instruments: Key Informant Interviews, Focus Group Discussions Guide, Survey Questionnaire, M&E Frameworks
- Maintain accurate records of interviews, safeguarding the confidentiality of subjects, as necessary
- Support Sayara’s global portfolio as required
- Manage and respond to project-related emails
- Coordinate work with the field team
- Attend project meetings
- Attend area seminars and other meetings as necessary
- Prepare progress reports for the clients
- Prepare other articles, reports, and presentations
Desired Qualifications:
- Minimum master’s degree (B.A. with significant relevant prior experience may be considered) in social science, political science, international affairs, development, or another relevant field
- Minimum 2 years of managerial experience in research and/or analysis
- Minimum 1 year of experience in international development / humanitarian / security sectors
- Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills, and experience of designing and managing mixed-methods research in support of practical outcomes in a volatile environment
- Strong quantitative data analysis using SPSS or similar statistical software, including multivariate analysis
- Strong qualitative analysis including use of qualitative analysis software
- Experience writing user-friendly, evidence-based reports for use in development programs
- Experience in monitoring and evaluation (humanitarian work and/or development programs)
- Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision and to consistently meet deadlines
- Ability to work long hours when needed and to take on tasks that may be outside of the express terms of reference
- Strong commitment to high quality work and integrity in all interactions
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to engage appropriately with various audiences
- Excellent English-language writing skills (a writing exercise will be part of the interview)
- Fluency in a relevant local language (Russian, Ukrainian, Latvian, Georgian, etc.)
Location & Travel: Sayara seeks a candidate currently based in eastern Europe. The candidate should have legal authorization to work in the country where they propose to be located. Travel throughout the region may be required (depending on COVID-19 safety measures).
Duration: The Research Manager will be offered a one (1) year Employment Contract, with a four (4) month probation period and the option for renewal, based on the discretion of, and mutual agreement between, Sayara and the Research Manager.
Application Process: Please submit your detailed CV with up-to-date contact information, as well as a list of any professional publications via email to jp@SayaraInternational.com. Please use “EE Research Manager” as the subject line of your email. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Do not submit a writing sample – writing samples will be requested of finalists only. We look forward to hearing from you.