Community Services and DevelopmentFull-TimeSenior-level(6+ yrs)
Job Description
Role Description
The primary purpose of this role is to design and oversee a rigorous and ambitious research agenda that generates actionable evidence for WUSC, Mastercard Foundation, and its partners. The goal is to build awareness and ultimately remove systemic barriers that hinder access to education and dignified work for refugee and displaced youth. The Research Manager will ensure that all data collection is inclusive, ethical, gender-responsive, and directly informs the initiative’s technical assistance and policy advocacy efforts.
Reporting to the MERL Regional Senior Manager, the Research Manager will lead research design, implement mixed-methods approaches, and synthesize findings into accessible formats for various stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Research Design & Implementation
Lead the design and execution of research studies, mapping exercises, and situational analyses across Africa to identify policy and systemic barriers impacting Refugee and Displaced Persons (RDP) youth.
Manage the production of high-quality research reports, policy papers, and evidence-based recommendations.
Manage relationships with external research firms, consultants, and data collectors.
Evidence Generation for Policy & Advocacy
Synthesize research findings into accessible formats (e.g., learning briefs) to influence Mastercard Foundation staff and broader ecosystem actors.
Partner with Refugee-Led Organizations (RLOs) to understand the impact of the RLO Opportunity Fund, ensuring research is RDP-centred.
Support the Youth Advisory Board (YAB) and RLOs in using research data to advocate for institutional and national policy changes.
Methodology & Data Integrity
Implement mixed-methods research approaches, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative methods (KIIs and FGDs).
Ensure research is inclusive and gender-responsive, specifically capturing disaggregated data for young women and persons with disabilities.
Uphold rigorous safeguarding standards to protect vulnerable program participants.
Qualifications and Competencies
Advanced degree (MA, MSc, or MBA) in International Development, Social Sciences, Knowledge Management, or a related field.
Significant experience in knowledge management, MERL, or program learning within large-scale international development initiatives, preferably in Africa.
Strong understanding of the challenges facing refugee and displaced populations, particularly young women and persons with disabilities.
Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methods, digital monitoring tools, and participatory learning approaches (e.g., Most Significant Change).
Ability to synthesize complex data into clear, accessible learning products.
Deep commitment to gender-responsive and inclusive approaches in data collection.
Complete fluency in English with strong oral presentation and writing skills.
Professional competency in French is a strong asset.
Commitment to social inclusion, gender equality, and working with displaced youth.
