Deputy Manager – Research Design

The selected professional will take a leading role in designing and evaluating a variety of research studies and programs at different stages of development and scale. This position requires close collaboration with external research partners, program teams, and data and knowledge-sharing units to ensure that studies are purposeful, methodologically sound, and yield valuable insights. These insights will help inform program improvements and system-level changes. The individual will be instrumental in shaping research that supports evidence-based decision-making and enhances the overall impact of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

- Design and implement rigorous research studies that align with organizational goals and generate actionable insights to support decision-making across targeted programs.
- Collaborate with program and cross-functional teams to develop logic models and theories of change that guide research design and evaluation approaches.
- Partner with external evaluators when necessary to develop studies that align with the organization’s mission and benefit stakeholders.
- Provide comprehensive training and ensure clear understanding among researchers, evaluators, moderators, observers, and data enumerators to guarantee the collection of high-quality and accurate field data.
- Establish and oversee processes to test research tools and instruments for validity and reliability before deployment.
- Work closely with Data Analysis and Knowledge Sharing leads to extract relevant findings and co-create research products tailored for dissemination to diverse audiences.

Required Qualifications

- Strong academic background in mixed-methods research, supported by professional experience in the field.
- Proficiency in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, frameworks, and tools.
- Proven experience designing and conducting program evaluations to assess the impact of social interventions.
- Solid understanding of logic models and theories of change, with demonstrated ability to apply these concepts in research design.
- Exceptional attention to detail in analyzing research problems, program design, and communicating findings effectively.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate across teams.
- Proficiency in MS Office and familiarity with quantitative or qualitative data analysis software.
- Fluency in English and Urdu, with strong speaking, reading, and writing skills in both languages.
- Strong written and verbal communication abilities, capable of presenting complex information clearly and insightfully.
- A deep passion for social impact and a commitment to advancing evidence-based solutions for underserved communities.

Education

- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Education, Evaluation, Public Policy, Development Studies, or a related field.

Experience

- Minimum of three years of research and evaluation experience, preferably within the education or development sector, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative research methods.

This is a full-time, in-person role. Candidates will be asked about their current and expected salary and their willingness to negotiate during the application process.