Senior Research Officer - Participatory Development Associates

Job Description

ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Working relationship with: Managing Director, PDA SMT, Programs team

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Job Summary

Participatory Development Associates (PDA) is seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Research Officer to lead and oversee various research projects. The successful candidate will play a critical role in designing, implementing, and managing research initiatives, ensuring the delivery of high-quality outputs that inform policy and practice in social development. This role requires strong leadership, excellent research skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects and teams simultaneously

The position will be based in Accra, Ghana with frequent travel to the field.

Key Responsibilities

Research Leadership and Management

• Lead the design, planning, and execution of research projects across diverse thematic areas, ensuring alignment with PDA’s objectives and values.
• Develop and refine research methodologies, frameworks, and tools tailored to specific projects.
• Oversee data collection, analysis, and interpretation, ensuring accuracy and rigour.
• Ensure ethical research practices are adhered to, including obtaining necessary approvals and safeguarding participants.
• Any other responsibilities will be assigned from time to time by the Research Manager, Senior Management, or the Managing Director.

Project Coordination

• Coordinate multiple research projects simultaneously, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and budget.
• Develop detailed work plans, schedules, and budgets for research activities.
• Provide technical and managerial guidance to research teams, including field staff and external consultants.

Capacity Building and Team Leadership

• Supervise and mentor junior research officers, data analysts, and field staff, fostering professional growth and development.
• Support training sessions to build capacity within the research team on methodologies, tools, and best practices.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Engage with clients, partners, and stakeholders to understand their needs and ensure research outputs are actionable and relevant.
• Facilitate workshops, presentations, and dissemination events to share research findings.
• Maintain strong relationships with funding agencies, academic institutions, government bodies, and community organizations.

Quality Assurance and Reporting

• Design and or review of research protocols, proposals, and reports, ensuring high standards and adherence to PDA’s quality guidelines.
• Produce high-quality reports, policy briefs, and publications that effectively communicate research findings.
• Monitor project performance through regular progress reviews and reporting to the research manager and senior management.

Business Development

• Contribute to proposal writing and business development activities, including identifying funding opportunities.
• Support the development of strategic partnerships to expand PDA’s professional network and research portfolio.

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Overall orientation

• Understanding of and a personal commitment to participatory culture and approaches in development.
• Willing to uphold the Vision, Mission, and Values of PDA.
• An organized and efficient person with good people skills.
• Able to coordinate self, others, and resources.
• Good communicator and team player with the ability to deal with a wide range of people.
• Good team player, and leader, and able to work with both at SMT and operational levels.
• Able to create and maintain a supportive working environment for colleagues with a positive problem- solving attitude.
• Able to take initiative, be enterprising and think creatively.
• Able to work under pressure and manage responsibilities within tight deadlines.
• Have strong analytical skills
• Eager to learn, and committed to maintaining a culture of continuous learning in PDA.
• High level of integrity and honesty

Required Skills or Experience

Education

• Minimum of a master’s degree in social sciences, Development Studies, Public Policy, Research Methods, or a related field.

Experience

• At least 5-7 years of experience managing and leading research projects, preferably in development or related sectors.
• Proven expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including data analysis and interpretation.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations.
• A track record of producing high-quality research reports, publications, and presentations.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage budgets, timelines, and teams effectively.
• Proficiency in data analysis software such as SPSS, Stata, NVivo/MaxQDA, etc.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas to diverse audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• High attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office
• A commitment to ethical research practices and inclusivity.
• Fluency in English; and knowledge of relevant local language(s).

Working Conditions

• This role may require frequent travel within Ghana and occasional international travel.
• Flexible working hours, including evenings and weekends, depending on project demands.