Research Manager

Location: Hybrid – Amman, Jordan, with flexibility to consider suitable international candidates

Reporting to: Head of Research

Contract type: 1-year fixed term renewable

Hours: Full time

Salary: Salary and employment benefits will be set according to market compensation rates in your location and therefore it is not possible to include full details here. However, as an indication if this role was based in the UK, for example, the range would be £62,000 – £76,000 per annum on a full-time employment contract.

Closing date: Friday 28th June 2024

About ARK

ARK is a social enterprise, empowering local communities through the provision of agile and sustainable interventions to create greater stability, opportunity and hope for the future.

We believe that strong, resilient communities are the foundation of local, national, regional and international development and stability – and ultimately a safer, peaceful and more prosperous world. At ARK, we have delivered research and programmatic interventions validating this approach in over twenty countries since 2008. As a social enterprise we work in partnership with communities, our donors, and other implementers to build local capacities, generate opportunity and bring about sustainable change.

Learn more about our impact here: https://www.ark.international/impact

About the Research Manager

ARK is well established as a leading provider of research and consultancy services in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Our research department enables ARK’s research-informed and evidence-based approach, which is validated by a track record of programmes and projects for governmental donors and international/multinational organisations across a range of thematic areas. Utilising innovative mix-methods methodologies and working closely with local partners, communities and subject matter experts, the research department generates relevant data and insights as part of standalone research projects and/or to inform and drive conflict- and gender-sensitive programme ideation, design, implementation, and learning.

We are now looking for a MENA Research Manager to manage research projects focused on specific MENA countries and various themes. Reporting to the Head of Research and working closely with the Deputy Head of Research and other members of the MENA research team, you will lead on or support research design, conduct primary and secondary data collection activities, analysis, reporting and socialisation of research findings; and supervise/line manage country/subject matter experts. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to business development activities related to ARK Group’s MENA portfolio and build a public profile as subject matter expert through publications and the participation in relevant fora.

This is an exciting new opportunity for an experienced mixed-methods researcher to help us shape future programming in the region.

What you’ll be doing

• Function as Project Manager for MENA research projects;
• Steer or actively contribute to the planning and design of research activities, either as part of standalone research projects or research in support of programme design and implementation;
• Line manage and oversee the work MENA researchers and foster/enable their growth and professional development;
• Oversee engagement with ARK Group’s data collection partners in MENA countries where the company operates;
• Contribute to, edit and review research outputs and deliverables produced by other members of the MENA research team;
• Manage coordination between the MENA research team and ARK Group’s MENA programme leads and implementation teams, to ensure the research conducted is aligned with strategic and practical priorities of ARK Group’s MENA programmes and can contribute to conflict sensitive programme design and implementation;
• Engage other technical leads, such as Heads of MEAL, Communications or Gender and Inclusion Lead, in the ideation, design, and analysis of research outputs and externally-facing content;
• Coordinate the preparation of project-related presentations and attend meetings and calls with research clients and/or other relevant stakeholders;
• Contribute to ARK Group’s business development activities, including bid writing, project ideation and donor engagement, in close coordination with Head of Research and business development colleagues;
• Contribute to the research department’s development plans and related activities;
• Build a profile as a subject matter expert through the development of papers and publications, as well as participation in relevant fora, conferences and events.

Requirements

Essential skills, experience and qualifications

• Masters degree in relevant subject (development studies, sociology, political science, international relations, anthropology).
• Minimum 10 years’ experience managing/delivering research projects in multiple countries of the MENA region
• Expertise in mix-methods research
• Full professional proficiency in Arabic and English
• Experience writing, editing and producing reports and other types of outputs for a variety of target audiences
• Proficiency with MS Suite
• Experience managing research teams, resolving conflict sensitively and fairly and encourage collaboration and communication

Essential competencies

• Ability to promote a shared understanding of ARK’s needs and strategic direction to rally teams
• Excellent influencing skills, with the ability to negotiate effectively with stakeholders
• High level of integrity, with the ability to establish a culture of fairness within a team. Inspires others to uphold ethical principles and values through their actions and influence
• Ability to build strong and positive relationships with others, and to handle challenging situations with empathy and effectiveness
• Consistent and positive approach to managing emotions and behaviour, influencing others and creating a positive work environment
• Commitment to promote personal and team responsibility for fostering well-being in the workplace
• Mastery in crafting and delivering compelling messages, influencing opinions, and driving positive change through strategic communication initiatives.
• Exceptional time management skills, effectively balancing competing priorities and deadlines

Desirable

• Track record in the development sector;
• Advanced knowledge of quantitative research methods;
• Interest in and knowledge of data management, analysis and visualisation processes and relevant software.

Benefits

Why join ARK?

• Impactful Work: Your expertise will directly impact the lives of those in need.
• Global Reach: Collaborate with international experts and local stakeholders.
• Innovation: Engage in pioneering solutions for sustainable change.

Our People

Our team covers a diverse range of professional backgrounds, from diplomacy, humanitarian, development and the military, to the UN, civil society groups, multilateral organisations, journalism and the private sector.

An ARK Person Is:

Smart: We think deeply about things. We’re proud of our institutional knowledge and our grounding in rigorous research, which we use to make informed decisions.

Humble: Our work leaves little room for pride or arrogance. Our operating environment is constantly evolving, and we recognise out limitations. We believe in and rely on the education and experiences of others while remaining quick to read, invite feedback, and ask sensible questions.

Accountable: Each of us want ARK, its partners, and beneficiaries to succeed. This means taking initiative, assuming ownership when necessary and never giving up on our beneficiaries. We are committed and accountable, to both our donors and the communities we serve.

Collegiate: We know we are stronger together and that every contribution counts. We trust each other and always support each other.

Outspoken: We tackle diverse challenges and we always want to find the best solution to a problem. We aren’t afraid to share our opinions and we want to hear those of others too.

ARK Group is an equal opportunity employer. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. ARK Group does not discriminate on the basis of ability, age, gender identity or expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs or sexual orientation. We welcome all kinds of diversity. ARK Group places human dignity at the centre of its development and stabilisation work and is this committed to the protection from sexual exploitation and abuse of children and adults. All ARK Group employees and related personnel are expected to share this commitment and only those who also uphold these values will be recruited as part of our team. This vacancy is therefore subject to a range of due diligence checks.