Research Manager

About the role

Laterite, a data, research and analytics firm, is hiring a Research Manager for its Freetown office in Sierra Leone. The role leads research teams, strategy and operations, and sits within a team of four people. Relocation to Sierra Leone and a minimum commitment of two years in-country are required.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee the technical delivery and operations of a portfolio of research projects, from design to data collection, analysis and follow-through.
• Provide technical advice, coaching and steering on research design, project management, analysis and reporting, using rigorous and innovative methods.
• Manage the country office, including structuring the research agenda, contributing to corporate strategy, process improvements, and financial and personnel management.
• Design and lead training and professional development for the research team and the wider team.
• Build and manage the pipeline of research projects, turning internal ideas into externally funded projects and designing evaluations for clients.
• As part of the senior management team, advise on corporate strategy and business operations, mentor colleagues and promote the corporate culture.

Required profile

• Demonstrated experience leading an organization, department or program, including financial and operational management.
• Direct supervisory experience and experience training and mentoring researchers.
• Experience designing and overseeing complex research projects and building business pipelines with public and private sector clients.
• 5+ years of research or project management experience, including at least 2 years in a management role in education, youth, public health, agriculture and/or urbanization.
• Postgraduate degree (master's or above) in Economics, Econometrics, Development Research or one of Laterite's core sectors.
• Motivation to work in social and economic research in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Required skills

• Technical expertise in quantitative or qualitative research methods.
• Excellent written and oral communication in English.
• Proficiency in STATA, R or Python.

What we offer

• Gross monthly salary of $4,725.85 - $5,608.40, depending on experience and interview results.
• Medical insurance, pension contribution and 25 days of annual leave.
• An annual learning budget of up to USD 1,000 and 10 days of time off for professional learning.
• Hybrid work: three days in the office and two days from home, plus up to six weeks of remote work per year.

Applicants submit a CV and cover letter through the online application system; selected candidates complete a technical exercise in statistical analysis with Stata, R or Python, followed by up to three interviews. Applications are considered on a rolling basis until the closing date.