Program Manager, Research

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GiveDirectly has a proven history of impact, having distributed over $1 billion in direct cash transfers to more than 2 million individuals facing poverty across 15 countries since 2011. We advocate for cash transfers as a highly scalable, cost-effective, and dignified form of aid, supported by extensive research and recognition from publications like The Economist, NPR, TED, and The Washington Post, and named one of Time100's Most Influential Companies of 2026.

Our workplace thrives on candor, analytical rigor, and a flat organizational structure, fostering high levels of ownership and significant professional development opportunities. Discover if GiveDirectly is the right environment for you by exploring our values and employee testimonials.

About The Role

The Program Manager, Research will spearhead the entire lifecycle of the research and learning agenda for the Canva project and potentially all research initiatives in Malawi. Collaborating closely with the Senior Manager, this position transforms high-level research strategy into actionable field operations, establishing the necessary systems, relationships, and deliverables for rigorous and timely research.

What You’ll Do

Field Implementation

• Develop and maintain field protocols that align with the Senior Manager's research agenda.
• Supervise the daily execution of data collection and field research activities, encompassing M&E, internal surveys, and other data streams.
• Ensure all fieldwork adheres to study timelines, quality benchmarks, and ethical standards.
• Facilitate operational coordination between the academic research team and program teams regarding fieldwork schedules and data-sharing requirements.

Survey Design & Technology

• Program and manage surveys using platforms such as SurveyCTO, CommCare, and other relevant tools.
• Collaborate with the technology team to ensure all programmatic and data collection needs are defined, developed, and thoroughly tested before fieldwork commences.
• Validate that survey instruments are fit for purpose and accurately reflect research objectives prior to deployment.

Data Quality

• Implement comprehensive data quality checks across all data collection channels, including M&E and internal surveys, to ensure accuracy and reliable insights for internal decision-making.
• Establish and maintain data quality protocols covering sample validation and field monitoring.
• Conduct desk and literature reviews to ensure data collection methods, survey design, and analytical frameworks are informed by current evidence and best practices.
• Submit data quality findings and identified issues to the Senior Manager for review and approval.

Research Analysis and Outputs

• Generate sampling protocols and contribute to the development of sampling strategies for studies and surveys.
• Analyze key data streams to identify significant findings that inform internal strategies, working with the Senior Manager to refine outputs before wider distribution.
• Prepare initial drafts of research reports, presentations, and summary decks for the Senior Manager's review.
• Assist in synthesizing findings from pulse surveys, M&E, and qualitative studies into clear communications for both internal stakeholders and donors.
• Support the Senior Manager in preparing research findings for donor presentations and partner updates.

Project Operations

• Liaise with internal administrative departments, including finance and compliance, to ensure seamless operations.
• Coordinate with the programs team to align operational and research plans, proactively identifying and addressing any conflicts or misalignments.
• Manage project budgets, monitor expenditures, and report potential risks to the Senior Manager.
• Develop and maintain project timelines, coordinating across teams to resolve any delays.

External Coordination

• Participate in external meetings with academic research teams and other partners to ensure all activities align with GiveDirectly's internal plans and timelines.
• Serve as an operational point of contact for external partners, escalating strategic decisions to the Senior Manager.

Team Management & Recruitment

• Directly supervise and provide regular support to the Field Manager.
• Assist the Field Manager in overseeing the performance and scheduling of field staff.
• Lead recruitment initiatives to build a robust internal research team capable of meeting all data collection and research demands.
• Support the onboarding and professional development of new team members to maintain high standards across the team.

Desired Qualifications

• Possess 5–7 years of progressive experience in research program management, preferably within international development, NGO, academic, or high-growth organizational settings.
• Hold a degree in a relevant field such as Economics, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Research Methods, or an equivalent; an advanced degree is preferred.
• Demonstrate strong alignment with GiveDirectly's core values and a genuine commitment to evidence-based poverty alleviation strategies.
• Show proven experience managing research programs, including study design, partner coordination, data quality oversight, IRB/ethics compliance, and dissemination of findings.
• Familiarity with data collection tools (SurveyCTO, Commcare), data analysis software (e.g., Stata, R, Python), and data visualization platforms (e.g., Adobe, Canva, Flourish).
• Be an experienced people manager with a history of building high-performing research teams, achieving results through others, and establishing effective research systems and processes.
• Employ a collaborative management approach characterized by excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust across diverse groups, including field staff, academic collaborators, and global leadership.
• Exhibit exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, capable of translating complex research findings for various audiences, including field teams, policymakers, donors, and external research partners.
• Be comfortable operating in dynamic, uncertain environments where adaptability, intellectual curiosity, and a hands-on learning approach are key to success.

Working at GiveDirectly

GiveDirectly is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

For US applicants: Please review your "Know Your Rights" information.

Commitment to Safeguarding

As an organization dedicated to eliminating extreme poverty through community engagement, GiveDirectly prioritizes the safeguarding of its recipients, staff, and partners. We are a member of the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme and will systematically verify past employment concerning any abuse or misconduct matters. Additional robust pre-hire screening may include in-depth reference checks, criminal background checks, and sanctions screening. These measures are vital for maintaining trust with the communities we serve and preventing harm to our recipients and staff.

GiveDirectly is committed to upholding all local, national, and international laws protecting people and basic human rights. We maintain a policy of "zero tolerance" for the prevention, reporting, or response to any form of abuse or exploitation, and all employees are expected to prioritize the protection and safeguarding of our recipients.

Reasonable Accommodations

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment. If you require any accommodations during the application or interview process, or to perform the essential functions of the role, please contact us at careers@givedirectly.org with the subject line "Accommodation Needed". We will work collaboratively to implement reasonable accommodations to meet your needs.

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