Manager, Applied Research

Job title:

Manager, Applied Research

Company

Freedom House

Job description

ABOUT FREEDOM HOUSEEstablished more than 80 years ago on the core conviction that freedom flourishes in democratic nations where governments are accountable to their people, Freedom House is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that works to defend and expand freedom globally to help secure a world where all are free. Around the world, repressive regimes are preventing billions of people from exercising their fundamental rights. We identify and analyze threats to freedom, mobilize decision makers to respond to those threats and seize opportunities for progress, and support activists and organizations working to defend and expand freedom. We are dedicated to ensuring that the United States serves as a positive model of democratic practice at home and a consistent champion of freedom globally. By gathering authoritative data and leveraging our global networks, Freedom House is an unwavering beacon in protecting human rights and promoting democratic governance.All Freedom House employees possess a deep and unwavering commitment to nonpartisanship, with a sustained dedication to the mission of Freedom House. We have a strong work ethic and a keen desire for both personal and professional development. The team is also dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging.POSITION SUMMARYFreedom House is seeking an experienced Manager, Applied Research to support an anticipated Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) funded project on effective approaches to inclusive human rights programming within Ukraine. This role is contingent upon receipt of award. The project will partner with a local Ukrainian organization to collect evidence across the State Department’s human rights portfolio and inform a new DRL Strategic Approach to programming for the coming years in Ukraine. The Manager will be joined by Freedom House applied research specialists who will support the project as well as a Ukraine-based evaluation team.In addition to managing this anticipated applied research effort, the Manager will also contribute to Freedom House’s monitoring and evaluation work across our grants portfolio. This includes contributing to organizational learning efforts, providing technical guidance and assistance on monitoring and evaluation of grants, and support on the design of new projects. This position is contingent upon project award; the title, qualifications, and responsibilities may be adjusted based on DRL’s final requirements for the position.PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESUkraine Applied Research and Evaluation Fund Management (70%):Technical Direction of Project:

• Lead a team of researchers to produce a utilization-focused applied research and evaluation product.
• Contribute to the production of a literature review of academic, practitioner, and programmatic theories of change regarding inclusive human rights.
• Support development and implementation of a plan to gather existing evidence and uncover new evidence to support or refute identified theories of change in a participatory manner that includes civil society organizations representing marginalized communities in Ukraine.
• Participate in the creation of a program framework for new projects on inclusive human rights in Ukraine in consultation with stakeholders.

Grant Management:

• Manage project deliverables to achieve objectives, oversee budget expenditures to ensure that the award is spending at an appropriate rate and in alignment with project objectives.
• Assume responsibility for high-quality products, deliverables, program reports and other communications; ensure that DRL, FH, the program partners, and other key stakeholders receive accurate and timely information and reports concerning the program;
• Track indicators as part of the project’s M&E plan and produce reports to indicate progress made towards the awards goals
• Host reflections with the project team and key stakeholders to adapt the project as needed.

Liaise with Freedom House’s Europe and Eurasia team to ensure that project implementation, including meeting financial and other USG rules and regulations and project requirements.Advisory Committee Relations:

• Establish the advisory committee, including gathering inputs from stakeholders, including Freedom House’s Ukraine experts, on the makeup of the committee.
• Manage relationships with advisory committee members, including gathering feedback and addressing concerns.

Partner relations:

• Ensure alignment on expectations, roles, and responsibilities with Freedom House’s Ukrainian evaluation partner.
• Ensure the evaluation partner complies with appropriate data, security, and ethics standards for evaluation, as well as with USG rules and regulations and project requirements.
• Facilitate access to relevant materials and stakeholders.

Strategy, Evidence and Learning Support (30%):

• Contribute to Freedom House’s culture of evidence-based learning and adaptation
• Support internal communities of practice for Freedom House staff to share best practices periodically on core Freedom House themes.
• Train and advise program staff in the use and implementation of M&E tools and processes
• Support program design for new initiatives
• Support program staff in facilitating project design sessions to develop theories of change and identify expected results and benchmarks to track during project implementation.
• Design and update M&E/MEL plans and narratives for proposals
• Support monitoring and evaluation efforts on other grants as needed
• Design and adapt data collection tools, processes and methodologies to meet best practices and standards, including in high-risk environments and/or with vulnerable populations.
• Operationalize M&E/MEL systems.

QUALIFICATIONS:Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, research methods, international affairs, international developments, or a related field.
• Master’s degree in related field or its equivalent preferred.

Experience:

• 7 years of directly related experience in developing, implementing, and managing M&E activities of international development programs or other relevant data analysis experience.
• Experience technically directing programs and managing USG grant funds, including budget projections, donor deliverables, and timelines.
• Experience authoring evaluations of program.
• Familiar with human rights and/or democracy-related issues in Latin America, Africa, Europe and Eurasia, or Asia. Familiarity with human rights, governance, and/or democracy-related in Ukraine preferred.

Technical Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated experience as a technical lead on an applied research program.
• Demonstrated expertise in evaluation and the use of participatory research methods is required.
• Demonstrated skills in both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods, and with data visualization.
• Strong ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken English. Proficiency in Ukrainian or Russian preferred.
• Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality and exhibit unquestionable integrity, honesty, and forthrightness.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to respond promptly to inquiries in a courteous and professional manner.
• Ability to successfully work collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, external partners, and funders.
• Must have the ability to travel internationally as required for project assignments.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Freedom House established core values are belonging, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and respect. Through these values we prioritize creating a supportive and inclusive environment, emphasize collective efforts for success, are dedicated to high-quality impactful work, uphold trust through courage and honesty, and treat everyone with dignity while appreciating their unique contributions.
• Diversity makes our work stronger. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all background to apply. Diverse experiences and perspectives connected to the various jurisdictions in which Freedom House has programming are a welcome asset.
• Applicants should complete our online application form and submit a resume and a cover letter outlining interests and qualifications for this position.
• Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States independent from Freedom House sponsorship.
• This position is contingent upon project award; the title, qualifications, and responsibilities may be adjusted based on DRL’s final requirements for the position.

COMPENSATION & REWARDS:

• Salaries are commensurate with experience and based on pay grades that prioritize equity across the organization. Salary range for this role is $80,000 to $95,000 annualized, dependent upon experience.
• We are consistently working to retain and attract top talent to contribute to our continual growth. We are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including:
• Multiple medical plans, dental, and vision insurance available on the first date of hire
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with up to a 10% employer match
• $1,500 yearly professional development reimbursement for work-related trainings courses or memberships directly related to employee’s position.
• Generous Leave Programs

• Annual paid time off that grows with your employment: 15 days for 0-2 years, 20 days for 3-5 years, 25 days for 6+ years. Director level and above start at 25 days.
• Sick Leave: 10 days per year, unlimited roll over year to year
• 4 paid holidays with the ability to float the day later within the same calendar year
• Parental leave: 20 days paid
• Bereavement: 3 days paid
• Jury duty: 30 days paid
• Flexible, hybrid work culture with slow down weeks and “no meeting Fridays”
• Supply annual allocation benefit: $210 for the purchase of home office equipment
• Mental health and well-being services through KonTerra Group
• Free gym at the DC office
• Flexible spending accounts
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Supplemental/Voluntary life insurance
• Employee assistance program

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting or remote work.
• May require long hours including evenings and weekends to complete tasks.
• Travel to some countries, for business or in some cases personal reasons, while a Freedom House employee, may not be advisable or even possible due to high security risks.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Expected salary

Location

Washington DC

Job date

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 23:54:10 GMT

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