Microfinance Opportunities seeks a candidate to staff client research and evaluation projects in microfinance, microinsurance and financial education.The position is responsible for planning, designing and executing primary research using qualitative and quantitative methods.
Microfinance Opportunities is a microenterprise resource center that promotes client-led microfinance.Microfinance Opportunities undertakes action-research, training and technical assistance in the areas of financial education and client assessment with a focus on clients of microfinance services.The financial education projects involve the development, dissemination and evaluation of curriculum and the use of a broad range of delivery channels, such as classroom training, radio, soap operas, video rooms and text messaging.The client assessment projects involve market research and impact assessment.Market research work is undertaken to inform the development of financial products such as microinsurance and of financial education materials and delivery channels.The impact assessment projects involve evaluation of innovations in microfinance such as microinsurance, mobile banking and financial education.Microfinance Opportunities specializes in qualitative research, using cutting edge methods such as financial diaries to assess microfinance programs.
The position requires experience in designing and implementing research projects and program evaluations, with an emphasis on qualitative research methods.The successful candidates will have extensive experience with:
·literature reviews, fieldwork in developing countries, in-depth interviews, focus group moderation, and design of research guides, surveys and questionnaires;
·research and survey administration, data management, and qualitative data analysis;
·report writing and presentations to donors and other stakeholders.
Candidates will be mentored by senior staff to take on increasing levels of responsibility for technical direction, client relations, staff supervision and budgets over time.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Performs assignments related to evaluation and market research projects.Assignments include:
·Designs and implements primary research
Desk research and literature reviews, design qualitative and quantitative research, implement primary research using individual interviews, focus group discussions, and quantitative techniques such as questionnaires.
·Manages research projects and teams
Hire, train and oversee US-based and local field researchers.Manage projects and budgets.Manage relationships with partners, consultants and donors.
·Integrates information and data
Conduct data analysis and also oversee consultant researchers in this task.Analyzes and synthesizes learnings from research, drawing conclusions that are actionable, impactful and accessible to stakeholders.
·Communicates research findings
Provides actionable reporting of research projects through written reports and presentations; communicates research findings in a compelling, informative and timely manner; clearly expresses ideas, methodology, results and recommendations both orally and in writing.Communicates with partner organizations and clients.
Desired Qualifications:
A Master’s degree or Ph.D. in international development, public policy or related field
Three to five years of experience working in international development, including two years of work experience in developing countries
At least 3 years of experience in managing and conducting field research required
Strong capabilities in qualitative and quantitative research methods
Familiarity with microfinance, financial education and impact assessment preferable
Experience in managing projects, research teams and consultants a must
Experience with action research and or evidence-based project design is preferred
·Proactive work style and ability to work independently and in a team
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to coordinate and collaborate well under pressure
Willingness to travel overseas 30% of the time
·Flexibility and willingness to work in a small but rapidly growing organization
·Positive, flexible attitude and interest in learning
All interested applications must be authorized to work in the U.S. at the time of application.Position is full-time. Salary is commensurate with experience. Position does not provide for relocation expenses.
How to Apply:
Send a resume and a letter of interest by mail, fax or email before November 30, 2009.Please indicate “Research Officer” on the subject line.Due to the high volume of applicants, we cannot respond to individual inquiries.No phone calls please.
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