Research And Evaluation Specialist In Beirut

Purpose of the job The Research and Evaluation Specialist (R&E Specialist) is responsible for research and evaluation, analysis and research and evaluation methodology development, both in relation to qualitative and quantitative research. She/he is responsible for providing guidance and support in the design and analysis of complex research projects that meet essential requirements of scientific rigor. In this regard (to improve the quality of programming)  s/he is expected to assist WCH  and partner staff both in Lebanon and at Head Office Amsterdam in developing intervention logic through refining ongoing data collection for research and for monitoring purposes and through evaluation of the Lebanon programme.   S/he is responsible for sharing the learning from research studies and evaluations and supporting WCH staff and partners to use that learning for improving the effectiveness and efficiency and outcomes of programming.         S/he also contributes to advances in the sector through networking and collaboration with other international organizations, research institutes, universities and other potential partners.   Position in the organisation S/he is part of the Programme Development Department (PDD) and reports to the Programme Development Manager (PDM).  S/he manages the Research Assistants. The Researcher collaborates closely with the Advisors on Child Protection, Psychosocial Support, and Education in the PDD as well as with the project implementation team, especially the Monitoring Specialist. .      Result areas   A.    Research Design (Co-)designs research projects that allow for the collection of appropriate datasets that support the development of core interventions through the sequence of development phases (initial design -> proof of concept -> development -> going to scale) Plans and manages data collection for different quantitative research projects, including Randomised Control Trials (RCTs). Addresses gaps in existing data sets or evidence collection. Actively explores smart combinations or linking of quantitative and qualitative research designs Coordinates development of ethical review applications Supports the development of research protocols   Result: Smart or appropriate research designs that build the scientific evidence base for WCH core interventions; Research designs that capture key learning and include sharing of that learning with stakeholders Adequate planning and management of data collection (for different research projects), including RCT’s; Design of appropriate research strategies and projects that address identified gaps in data or evidence collection; Appropriate research designs linking quantitative and qualitative approaches are proposed and adopted;     B.           Evaluation Design   Leads (WCH Programme) and contributes (Head Office) to the development of the key questions to be addressed in evaluations Leads and contributes to the development of the evaluation section of project proposals and project design Supports the development of core interventions through the sequence of development phases (initial design -> proof of concept -> development -> going to scale) Explores smart combinations or linking of quantitative and qualitative evaluation design Supports the development of evaluation protocols and standards     Result   Evaluation designs that build the scientific evidence base for WCH core interventions in close collaboration with Head Office Department Research & Development; Evaluation designs that capture key learning and include sharing of that learning with stakeholders Adequate planning and management of data collection (for different evaluations) Design of appropriate evaluation strategies and methodologies that address identified gaps in data or evidence collection; Appropriate evaluation designs linking quantitative and qualitative approaches are proposed and adopted;     C.    Quantitative Data collection and analysis   Identifies a range of quantitative/qualitative data analysis methods that contribute to the evidence base for War Child’s Core interventions Manages the cleaning and organisation of large datasets for further data analysis. Familiar with basic data analyses using statistical analyses software. Critically evaluates data and information and develops appropriate conclusions    Result: Datasets that contribute to the evidence base for War Child Core interventions are built. Large datasets are adequately collected and prepared for analysis, in time and according to the requirements of War Child’s standards, Where necessary appropriate advanced data analytic techniques are used to ensure quality data or evidence.      D.    Qualitative Research Methodologies Supports the development of appropriate qualitative research projects and strategies linked to the development of the core interventions. Actively explores mixed-methods designs, linking quantitative and qualitative research methods. Conducts systematic analysis of qualitative data, including qualitative data analysis software programs when feasible.   Result: Sound methodological research strategies designed and planned for the nine core interventions; Research strategies or approaches make use of feasible mixed method designs; Qualitative data are systematically analysed, using electronic software appropriately.   E.    Research Manages research projects / evaluations to time and budget   Disseminate to relevant WCH staff Participates in research and evaluation related meetings and decision making   F.    Evaluation Leads the development of Terms of Reference (ToR) and policy guidelines in relation to external evaluations Leads programme evaluations of the WCH Lebanon programme Guides, supervises and participates in evaluations Provides technical assistance for evaluations activities to the WCH Lebanon team and advices on related procedures and policies. Coordinates dissemination of evaluations, recommendations, lessons learned and other relevant findings to relevant stakeholders and internal sharing Follows up with management and programme responses to evaluation findings and recommendations Supports the Monitoring Advisor in the development and performance of monitoring activities Participates in the organization’s strategic planning process, in particular in relation to programme development. Collaborates with IT on data and reporting systems as needed   G.    Staff management   Manages the research assistants by guiding, coaching, instructing and motivating Supports the training of research assistants Manages the P&D cycle of the research assistants, conducts appraisals and regular meetings Builds the competencies of selected country research staff to manage ongoing research, data collection and cleaning Identifies competencies and development needs, provides competencies development and facilitates learning on the job Provides input for appraisals of employees outside own team, when requested   Result: The team consistently performs according to norm or above norm. Team member(s) get suitable guidance and support. They are encouraged to develop their strengths and talents. HR policies and tools are applied and used. Selected in-country research staff and country offices develop their research management competency.   Knowledge and skills Education / degree: Master’s degree in statistics, epidemiology, public health or social sciences with an advanced or further qualification related to complex research projects Experience:  minimal 3 years of research experience. Preferably experienced and familiar with a broad range of quantitative and qualitative research methods, design and analysis. Knowledge significant experience with different study designs, for example randomised control trials, ideally in settings of adversity (conflict, urban slums, violence etc.). Skills: +         Team worker with research and non-research colleagues; +         Able to think through randomisation and sampling issues; +         Able to ensure adequate data management for complex research studies; +         Highly preferable the ability to combine requirements and data management for quantitative and qualitative research. +         Advanced familiarity with SPSS. +         Enjoys managing large data sets and is able to undertake appropriate advanced quantitative data analysis.     Core Values Impact Creativity Inspiration Integrity     Competencies: Analytical skills Quality orientation Accuracy/Carefulness Cooperation