Job Title: Research Manager
Grade: 3
Reports to: Director Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning
Direct Reports: Research Officer
Base: South Africa
Child Protection Level: 3
Travel Requirements: Occasional
Budget Responsibilities: Yes
Asset Responsibilities: Own assets and those used by others
External Representation: Regular
JOB PURPOSE
The purpose of this role is to build Save the Children South Africa (SCSA) as an evidence-based organisation with credibility amongst peers through producing quality research. The Research Manager will be responsible for developing, leading and supporting research projects within existing and new programmes and where necessary establish research and academic collaboration. The Research Manager will also be leading and developing the organisation’s research strategy as well as expanding SCSA’s research portfolio to further SCSA’s strategy.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Key responsibilities:
Lead the development and implementation of a strategy to build SCSA as an organisation that produces credible research
Advise and support the development and implementation of the SCSA research agenda
Assume responsibility in the development of concept notes and donor proposals to fund research projects in support of SCSA learning agenda
Take the lead in identifying, fundraising and conducting research for new areas (innovation) for Save the Children SA in order to inform the organisation’s strategy
Provide support to projects in design, data collection, data analysis and report writing, covering operations research, policy research, baseline studies, surveys, literature review in support of the SCSA learning agenda
Produce and coordinate the development and dissemination of publications (both peer-reviewed and non-peer reviewed), policy briefs and opinion pieces based on research and knowledge from SCSA
To build organisational culture and capacity in the value, use, dissemination and application of research
To improve organisational knowledge and understanding of children’s development
Take the lead on bridging the gap between research/evidence and practice/programming
To develop and oversee research related systems for the organisation, including ethics, data quality assurance and managing intellectual property
To establish strategic research and academic partnerships
Support the dissemination and use of research and evidence in the organisation
Represent SCSA at relevant research forums, such as conferences, with partner agencies / NGOs / government agencies in South Africa and elsewhere to influence the research agenda on children and contribute to knowledge in the sector.
Person Specification: Essential:
Masters Degree in a relevant field (a PhD or equivalent qualification will be a recommendation)
At least five years’ experience as a Researcher, with a good record of research publications
Proven ability to work with large data sets and conduct quantitative analyses
Excellent spoken and written English
Excellent writing and presentation skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Advanced competence in MS Word, Excel, and statistical packages
Drivers license (manual)
Preferred:
Knowledge and experience in working in the Children’s Sector
Planning and/or project management skills
Knowledge, Skills & Attributes:
The incumbent must demonstrate the following skills:
Excellent organisational skills with demonstrated ability to work independently
Excellent interpersonal skills
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Strong analytical and practical problem-solving skills
Honesty, discretion
Trustworthy
Flexible
Be able to effectively lead, but also work in a team
Sound work ethics and integrity
Passion for the well-being of others, especially children
Takes initiative
CHILD SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT
Save the Children South Africa has a zero tolerance towards the abuse and exploitation of children by any of our representatives, and we are equally committed to doing everything within our power to avoid unintended harm or accidents to children as a result of any of our activities.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Interested parties should submit their CV with a 1-page cover letter including the expected remuneration per month. Closing date for applications is the: 18th May 2020
All applications should be submitted by email to: [email protected]
Please ensure that the subject line states: Research Manager RM01 Application
Should you not hear from us after two weeks from the closing date consider your application unsuccessful.