Research Associate, ERA

Research Associate, Evaluation, Research, and Analytics (ERA), Remote, United States

Social Impact (SI) is a Washington, DC-area international development management consulting firm. We provide monitoring, evaluation, strategic planning, and capacity building services to advance development effectiveness. We work across all development sectors including democracy and governance, health and education, the environment, and economic growth. Since 1997 we have worked in over one hundred countries for clients such as US government agencies, bilateral donors, multilateral development banks, foundations, and nonprofits.

Social Impact strives to be a great place to work. We are proud of our diversity and actively seek to expand it as a way of improving our employees' experience, our collective professional breadth and the quality of the work we do. We seek to promote equity and inclusion through our policies and practices and build a culture of belonging for everyone where differences and authenticity are honored and embraced. We work hard to create opportunities for growth and ensure that our staff are fulfilled and engaged. We believe we are better when we collaborate, learn from one another and have fun while working hard.

Position Description:

The Research Associate (RA) will support projects in the Evaluation, Research, and Analytics (ERA) Division. Associates typically start out in assistant roles on all projects. Depending on the Associate's skills and interest there is a potential of taking on management roles on small projects within the first year. With oversight by project directors and managers, the Associate will support project teams in both an administrative and junior technical capacity. The Associate reports to a Senior Research Manager in the ERA Division as their supervisor.

This is a full-time position authorized to be fully remote within the United States.

Responsibilities:

Service Delivery (80%-85%):

• Support a portfolio of research/evaluation contracts throughout the project lifecycle, carrying out management and technical tasks as appropriate, with oversight and guidance by Project Directors, Research Managers, and other senior technical project staff. Associates are typically staffed on 3-6 projects at a time, depending on project size and demand. Specific responsibilities may include:

Technical Assistance:

• Conduct background research or literature reviews to inform the development of evaluation designs and data collection instruments.
• Program and test surveys using SurveyCTO and other applicable platforms, ensuring correct survey logic, skip patterns, and constraints are in place to support high quality data collection.
• With oversight from senior project staff and in accordance with SI's standard quality control processes, conduct regular data quality assurance on quantitative and qualitative datasets using Stata and other software. This includes running high frequency checks and review audit data. Regularly report out findings and/or inconsistencies to senior staff.
• Conduct data cleaning and support quantitative data analysis and de-identification in Stata as directed by senior project staff.
• Contribute to qualitative data analysis through qualitative coding.

Contract Administration:

• Assist in identifying, recruiting, and onboarding project teams. This may include reviewing CVs, scheduling and conducting interviews, and completing administrative tasks.
• Serve as the point of contact for team members on administrative items including:
  
  
  
  • Drafting procurement documents, requests for proposals, scheduling technical review meetings, etc.
  • Drafting consultant agreements and subcontracts including budgets and gathering necessary documentation.
  • Booking travel through SI's travel agency including flights, hotels, identifying ground transportation vendors, etc.
  • Manage invoicing from consultants and subcontractors including invoice review and expense tracking.
  
  
  
  
• Project logistics including meeting scheduling and notetaking.
• Monitor project budgets and work with the Finance Department to ensure compliance and that financial reporting requirements are met
• Assure high quality deliverables including copyediting and formatting reports and ensuring Section 508 (accessibility) compliance.

Business Development/Revenue Generation (5%):

• Support marketing, business and proposal development related to new opportunities and, as time permits, other evaluation-related new bids.
• Contribute to technical writing, research support, and/or budgeting support, with oversight from the proposal technical lead and business development coordinator(s).

Other Functions (10-15%):

• Participate in SI and ERA division team meetings.
• Participate in internal initiatives as opportunities arise, and as availability allows.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in international development, economics, public policy, political science, or related field.
• Two years of experience in applied quantitative data analysis and report writing, including familiarity with survey research and statistical data analysis methods (training and/or experience in qualitative methodology a plus).
• Experience and ability to conduct replicable and transparent data cleaning and analysis using Stata, or similar software.
• Ability to oversee and manage multiple projects and work-streams simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Strong attention to detail on administrative and technical tasks.
• A commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive work and learning environment.

Preferred:

• This position responsibilities entail facilitation of engagement with other staff, clients, and stakeholders who are typically in the DC, MD, and/or VA (DMV) area. Candidates located in the DMV area will be prioritized.
• Experience with data science and machine learning.
• Experience supporting government contracts (with USAID, MCC, State and other development agencies).
• Working proficiency in French or Spanish.

Come join our energetic and innovative team! We offer you the opportunity to play a leading role in the growth of our company, work as part of a creative and committed team, and make a difference in the well-being of our world.

To learn more about Social Impact, please visit our website: http://www.socialimpact.com

SI is an EEO/AA/ADA Veterans Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. Please, no phone calls.