Program Manager, Research

About the Role

The Program Manager, Research is responsible for the end-to-end implementation of the research and learning agenda in the field for the Canva project (and potentially all Malawi research projects). Working closely with the Senior Manager, this role translates high-level research strategy into operational reality - building the systems, relationships, and outputs needed to deliver rigorous, timely research.

What You’ll Do

Field Implementation

• Build and maintain field protocols grounded in the Senior Manager’s research agenda
• Oversee day-to-day execution of data collection and field research activities across M&E, internal surveys, and other data streams
• Ensure fieldwork aligns with study timelines, quality standards, and ethical requirements
• Facilitate operational alignment between the academic research team and the programs team on fieldwork scheduling and data sharing needs

Survey Design & Technology

• Program and manage surveys across platforms including SurveyCTO, CommCare, and other tools as required
• Liaise with the tech team to ensure all programmatic and data collection needs are scoped, built, and tested ahead of fieldwork
• Ensure survey instruments are fit for purpose and aligned with research objectives before deployment

Data Quality

• Implement data quality checks across all data collection streams including M&E and other internal surveys - to ensure data is accurate and can reliably inform internal decisions
• Develop and maintain data quality protocols covering sample validation and field monitoring
• Conduct desk reviews and literature reviews to ensure data collection approaches, survey design, and analytical frameworks are grounded in current evidence and best practice
• Feed data quality findings and flags to the Senior Manager for review and sign-off

Research Analysis and Outputs 

• Generate sampling protocols and support the design of sampling strategies for studies and surveys
• Analyse key data streams to surface high-level findings that inform internal decision-making, working with the Senior Manager to refine outputs before broader sharing
• Prepare first-round drafts of research reports, presentations, and summary decks for Senior Manager review
• Support synthesis of findings from pulse surveys, M&E, and qualitative studies into clear internal and donor-facing communications
• Support the Senior Manager in preparing research findings for donor presentations and partner updates

Project Operations

• Liaise with internal admin functions - including finance and compliance - to ensure smooth operations
• Coordinate with the programs team to align operational and research plans, surfacing conflicts or misalignments early
• Manage budgets, tracking expenditure and flagging risks to the Senior Manager
• Develop and maintain project timelines, coordinating across teams to resolve delays

External Coordination

• Participate in external meetings with academic research teams and other partners to ensure all activities are aligned with internal GD plans and timelines
• Serve as an operational point of contact for external partners, escalating strategic decisions to the Senior Manager

Team Management & Recruitment

• Directly manage the Field Manager, providing regular supervision and support
• Support the Field Manager in coordinating field staff performance and scheduling
• Lead recruitment efforts to build a strong internal research team, ensuring capacity meets all data collection and research needs
• Support onboarding and development of new team members to maintain high standards across the team

Desired Qualifications:

• 5–7 years of progressive experience in research program management, ideally within an international development, NGO, academic, or high-growth organisation context.
• Degree in a relevant field (e.g. Economics, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Research Methods, or equivalent); advanced degree preferred.
• Strong alignment with GiveDirectly's values and a genuine commitment to evidence-based approaches to poverty alleviation.
• Proven experience managing research programs including study design, partner coordination, data quality oversight, IRB/ethics compliance, and dissemination of findings.
• Familiarity with data collection tools (SurveyCTO, Commcare) data analysis tools (e.g. Stata, R, Python) and data visualization tools (e.g. Adobe, Canva, Flourish)
• Experienced people manager with a track record of building high-performing research teams, delivering results through others, and establishing robust research systems and processes.
• Collaborative management style with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust across diverse teams including field staff, academic partners, and global leadership.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex research findings for a range of audiences including field teams, policymakers, donors, and external research partners.
• Comfortable operating in fast-paced, ambiguous environments where success requires adaptability, intellectual curiosity, and a significant degree of learning by doing.