Project Manager – International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

As a Project Manager, you will manage complex data collection exercises and other field research activities aimed at informing development policy in Malawi. This involves managing coordinated actions across diverse groups, such as researchers, development partners, project implementers, policymakers, and other stakeholders. You will independently manage core components of the research process, including IRB applications, survey instrument design, coding CAPI applications, managing operational logistics for data collection with large teams of interviewers and ensuring the delivery of clean and reliable data. Your excellent management skills should be complemented by a strong understanding of the challenges facing agriculture and rural development in Malawi, as well as the policies currently in place to address them. Additionally, you will need a basic understanding of research methods, including those used in randomized control trials.

Specific duties include:

• Manage Data Collection: Plan and execute of large-scale data collection exercises.
• Code CAPI Applications: Program questionnaires into Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) software.
• Manage Logistics: Organize and manage operational logistics for in-person and telephone interviews, including scheduling, transportation, and communication.
• Ensure Implementation Fidelity: Monitor and ensure the fidelity of implementation for randomized control trials (RCTs), maintaining adherence to study protocols and methodologies.
• Team Management: Lead and supervise large teams of interviewers and field staff to ensure efficient data collection.
• Training: Conduct training sessions for field staff on data collection techniques and use of CAPI applications.
• Ensure Compliance: Prepare and submit Institutional Review Board (IRB) applications to ensure all research activities comply with ethical standards.
• Quality Control: Implement quality control measures to ensure data accuracy and reliability throughout the research process.
• Data Management: Oversee data cleaning, organization, and storage using statistical software to maintain data integrity.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Facilitate communication and collaboration among researchers, development partners, project implementers, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
• Submit Progress Reports: Prepare and submit regular progress reports to stakeholders and funding agencies, detailing research advancements and challenges.
• Budget Management: Develop and manage budgets for research projects, ensuring efficient use of resources.
• Problem-Solving: Address and resolve any issues or challenges that arise during the research process to maintain project timelines and quality.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skills, competencies, duties and responsibilities associated with the position.

Requirements#

• Education:
  • Master’s degree in economics, statistics, agricultural sciences, or a related field.
• Technical:
  • Proficiency in writing complex Stata do-files to manage and analyze survey data.
  • Competence in Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) questionnaire coding.

• Project Management:
  • Proven experience in managing large-scale, complex data collection or field research projects.
  • Experience in logistics planning and management.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams, stakeholders, and external partners.
  • Strong contract management skills for working with external implementers.
• Adaptability and attention to detail:
  • Flexibility to adapt to changing project needs and environments.
  • Capability to handle challenges and resolve issues promptly.
  • Attention to detail.
• Ethical and Compliance Awareness:
  • Knowledge of ethical research practices and regulatory requirements.
  • Ability to ensure compliance with research protocols and standards.
• Communication:
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with stakeholders, preparing reports, and presenting findings.
  • Ability to train and supervise team members effectively.
• Knowledge:
  • Understanding of agricultural and rural development challenges and policies, particularly in Malawi or similar contexts.
  • Familiarity with quantitative research methods and data analysis techniques