Research Manager

The Research Manager (RM) is responsible for the high-quality delivery of a portfolio of approximately five or more research projects, depending on their size, complexity, and level of management required. The RM provides technical, operational, financial, and people-management oversight across the research lifecycle, from study planning and start-up through data collection, analysis, dissemination, and close-out. Working closely with Principal Investigators (PIs), project teams, implementing partners, and IPA support functions, the RM ensures that projects are scientifically rigorous, delivered on time and within budget, and compliant with IPA standards, donor requirements, ethical approvals, and Ugandan regulatory requirements. The RM also develops research staff, manages project and stakeholder risks, contributes to new research and funding opportunities, and supports learning and continuous improvement across the Uganda country program.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant discipline, for instance economics, statistics, public health, epidemiology, development studies, public policy, or social sciences.
  
• At least 4-5 years of relevant professional experience.
  
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects or workstreams simultaneously and deliver against competing deadlines.
  
• Working knowledge of quantitative research methods and experience implementing rigorous research designs; experience with randomized controlled trials is a strong plus.
  
• Experience supervising field research, including survey design and implementation, field teams, data collection, monitoring, and data-quality assurance.
  
• Working knowledge of at least one statistical software package such as Stata, R, or Python.
  
• Experience with electronic data-collection platforms such as SurveyCTO, KoboToolbox, ODK, or similar systems.
  
• Strong project-management skills, including work planning, risk management, problem-solving, documentation, and follow-through.
  
• Strong budgeting and financial-management skills, including the ability to read project financial reports, monitor expenditure and forecasts, and identify financial risks.
  
• Experience preparing donor or partner reports and contributing to grant proposals or funding applications.
  
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder-management skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively with researchers, partners, and colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
  
• Ability to work independently, manage ambiguity, and exercise sound judgment within delegated authority.
  
• Flexible and proactive work ethic and demonstrated alignment with IPA's mission and standards.
  
• Full professional fluency in written and spoken English.
  
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 30%.
  
• Experience working in Uganda or a comparable low- or middle-income country research environment (preferred).
  
• Familiarity with research ethics and regulatory processes, including IRB/REC and UNCST requirements (preferred).
  
• Experience managing donor-funded research projects or grants (preferred).
  
• Experience working directly with PIs, donors, or implementing partners (preferred).