Senior Research Manager

About Imagine Worldwide Tanzania

Imagine Worldwide is dedicated to ensuring every child around the world can access fundamental literacy and numeracy skills. Using innovative tablet-based learning tools like the onebillion application and supplementary systems, their approach tackles the global learning crisis with scalable, proven methods. Operating in seven Sub-Saharan African nations, including Tanzania, Imagine partners with governments and communities to deliver affordable, accessible, and effective education technology solutions.

Role Overview

The Senior Research Manager (or Research Director) will significantly contribute to monitoring and enhancing Imagine's tablet learning programs in Tanzania. This leadership role blends research expertise, coordination, and stakeholder engagement to ensure research efforts support quality learning outcomes and meet government information needs. The role involves managing diverse research projects, liaising with team members and partners, and ensuring ethics and budgets are properly maintained.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a multi-method research portfolio including baseline/endline assessments and ongoing implementation studies across Tanzania.
• Ensure that research activities are executed with high quality, adhering to timelines and ethical standards.
• Manage contracts and budgets with domestic research collaborators.
• Coordinate research timing and activities with internal teams and government officials.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation and monitor potential challenges to timely research delivery.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with research partners and government stakeholders; communicate findings and address their requests effectively.
• Assist in developing research designs suitable for local contexts and participate in data analysis and reporting to both internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Support the integration of research learnings into actionable recommendations for program improvement and strategic planning.
• Collaborate closely with the global research team while working autonomously to deliver on prioritized goals.
• Contribute to developing organizational research skills, systems, and future research initiatives.

Additional Responsibilities for Research Director Role

• Guide the entire research portfolio's design and oversee its execution in Tanzania.
• Provide expert methodological advice and lead specific studies aligned with areas of expertise.
• Ensure research priorities align with the organization's mission, government needs, and program expansion.
• Lead organizational learning by interpreting trends, risks, and opportunities identified from research outputs.

Qualifications & Experience

• Master's degree with at least 5 years of relevant research project management experience; a PhD is required for the Research Director position alongside similar experience and publication record.
• Educational background in disciplines such as sociology, psychology, public policy, education, or related fields.
• Proven skills in project management, including budget and contract oversight.
• Excellent communication skills, particularly interacting with multi-country teams and government representatives.
• Strong expertise in qualitative and/or quantitative research methods supported by demonstrable work samples.
• Proficiency in data analysis using Excel or other statistical software; familiarity with inferential statistics is preferred.
• Outstanding writing abilities required.
• Experience conducting research in educational settings is advantageous.

Compensation & Work Arrangements

The salary is competitive and reflective of candidates' experience. Candidates must be based in Tanzania and can choose to work remotely, from the local office, or a hybrid setup. Coordination with colleagues in other time zones, including occasional virtual meetings during evenings Eastern Africa Time, is required.

Equal Opportunity Notice

Imagine Worldwide is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability.