The Research Manager - Education will perform a variety of tasks in leading the research activities including, but not limited to:

Study Design and Methodology

• Lead the design of a community-based, participatory qualitative research study framework, including: 1) power and influence mapping; 2) social norms diagnostics (descriptive and injunctive norms); 3) community governance mapping.
• Develop tools using participatory, community-based, culturally appropriate methods that are inclusive of all learners (gender, adolescents, learners with disabilities), caregivers, community leaders and representatives.

Data Collection

• Recruit, train and supervise Rohingya community researchers on qualitative research methods, ethics, facilitation skills and to carry out the field work and data collection efforts to understand power structures using reflective practice addressing historical power imbalances.
• Set up, support and actively engage the Rohingya Research Reference group, which will serve as a community-based research advisory group, comprised of learners, teachers and community members, to consult on the research study design, validation and dissemination of study findings.
• Oversee data collection across multiple camps ensuring clear protocols for quality data collection, facilitation and documentation of data and the data collection process.
• Facilitate the process of data transcription and translation (from Rohingya to English) for analyses
• Ensure adherence to ethical research standards (informed consent, data confidentiality) and clear quality assurance mechanisms (field debriefs, spot checks, data validation processes)

Data Analysis and Interpretation

• Plan and conduct an iterative analysis approach to synthesize findings, emerging patterns and hypotheses for validation
• Set up community validation workshops to present findings and build consensus on the evidence generation process and final output
• Draft the analyses in the form of tangible research outputs (research reports, power and influence maps, guidance notes and policy briefs etc) to further feedback to the program team to inform program design, prototype development of community-based models for improving education service delivery.

Dissemination and linking Evidence to Action

• Work closely with the IRC-Education program team to translate research insights into practical interventions and to inform the design and evaluation of pilot solutions for further testing, while ensuring research informs norm-sensitive approaches, community-engagement strategies and inclusion of marginalized groups.
• Contribute to sector-level learning, validation and uptake process through the dissemination and presentation of findings to the Education Sector Working Group, implementation partners, donors and coordination platforms, as needed or relevant.

Coordination and Collaboration

• Lead coordination with education sector partners, government authorities, and other stakeholders to ensure aligned and smooth implementation of qualitative research activities.
• Manage and secure all necessary approvals for data collection, including camp access, enumerator recruitment, and compliance with ethical standards.
• Coordinate planning and execution of qualitative data collection, including scheduling, logistics, and supervision of field teams.
• Align and standardize qualitative research tools, methodologies, and data quality assurance processes across partners and teams.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between research, program, and MEAL teams, including dissemination and utilization of findings.

Others

• Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion and cohesion in IRC [team/office]
• Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies.