Research Manager

KenyaResearch Manager - Systems Strengthening and Localization Unit for Sudan, based in NairobiOrganizationIMPACT InitiativesPosted 20 Oct 2025 Closing date 3 Nov 2025BACKGROUND ON IMPACT AND REACHCreated in 2010, IMPACT is a Geneva-based NGO and the largest independent data provider in contexts of crisis. IMPACT aims to support a range of stakeholders in making better, more informed decisions in humanitarian, stabilization, and development settings. Through our team of assessment, data, geospatial, and thematic specialists, IMPACT promotes the design of people-centred research and set standards for collecting and analysing rigorous, high quality data in complex environments. Over the past 15 years, IMPACT has been growing in size and geographic reach to become one of the largest humanitarian research agencies in the humanitarian sector.IMPACT's teams implement assessment, monitoring, evaluation, and organisational capacity-building programmes in direct partnership with aid actors. IMPACT's team is composed of over 200 full-time international experts as well as a roster of consultants, who are currently implementing over 50 programmes in over 30 countries across Africa, Middle East and North Africa, Central and South-east Asia, and Eastern Europe.We are currently looking for a Research Manager to lead our Systems Strengthening and Localization Unit for the Sudan mission.Department: Systems Strengthening and Localization (SSL) UnitPosition:Research ManagerContract duration: 6 months (with possibility to extend depending on funding)Starting Date: 15 OctoberLocation: Nairobi, Kenya or Kampala, UgandaCOUNTRY PROFILEClashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted in Khartoum on 15 April 2023 and spread quickly across the country. Civilians have fled areas affected by fighting in large numbers, including to Chad, Egypt and South Sudan. Prices of food, fuel and other basic goods have skyrocketed skyrocketing, making critical goods unaffordable for many people. Half of Sudan's population are in need of humanitarian assistance, and the country is on the verge of a catastrophic hunger crisis. Humanitarian organizations are racing to respond to the most pressing needs wherever and whenever feasible, with access issues complicating the ability of actors to respond. In this fast-evolving context, IMPACT Initiatives is working to inform the emergency response to enable effective prioritization with scarce resources.POSITION PROFILEThe Research Manager will be responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of the new Systems Strengthening and Localization Unit, under the supervision of the IMPACT Deputy Country Coordinator, and IMPACT HQ in Geneva. The candidate should have a strong technical background in humanitarian research with demonstrated experience in information process optimization and coordination among a range of operational actors. The role combines strategic leadership, analytical oversight and stakeholder engagement with a focus on fostering mutually beneficial relationships. The position requires excellent external engagement skills considering the fragmented and dynamic operational environment, as well as strong managerial capacity to build and develop a new unit team. Candidates need to be comfortable representing IMPACT with donors and external partners.ResponsibilitiesThe Research Manager's responsibilities will include:STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATIONUnder the guidance of the Deputy Country Coordinator, lead the design and roll-out of research strategies for the Systems Strengthening and Localization (SSL) Unit, ensuring alignment with a diverse humanitarian and operational landscape;Identify gaps and opportunities for systems strengthening approaches, building a credible portfolio of workstreams that influence operations in the Darfurs and facilitate improved coordinationIn close collaboration with the Country Representative, build and implement a new strategy for IMPACT to scale up in new areas in countryOversee the development and execution of the Sudan mission's localization strategy, including managing key deliverables such as skill exchange sessions with local responders and joint assessments with local partnersDevelop and implement dissemination strategies to strengthen the impact of the SSL Unit programmes;Engagement with HQ on SSL Unit research and/or coordination and provide support to relevant IMPACT Global Community of Practices (CoPs).EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENTCo-design and manage research partnerships with operational actors including local and non-traditional actors, establishing a framework for mutual accountability, coordination and data safety standardsEngage closely with new subnational coordination structures such as the Area Based Coordination in the Darfurs and identify areas of support from IMPACTEngage closely with national responders to build joint research cycles and projectsIn coordination with the Country Representative, represent REACH with donors, partners, and the wider development community working on Sudan.STAFF MANAGEMENTIn collaboration with the Deputy Country Coordinator and Country Representative, hire the necessary capacity to build the unitDirect management of international and national team members in Sudan, Kenya and Uganda, including recruitment and staff career management. The RM will have to build the unit in close collaboration with the DCC and CR.Build relevant processes for the new unit and build the capacity of team members to engage with new approaches and research designs, as well as to leverage IMPACT standards in a constrained operational environmentDay-to-day management of team members, including the development of work plans and performance indicators.PROJECT/RESEARCH CYCLE MANAGEMENTDevelop and oversee two new markets systems research cycles aimed at supporting market strengthening activitiesEnsure all assessments and analysis are planned and implemented in a structured and coherent manner, in line with relevant project and strategic objectives, and with global IMPACT guidelines;Oversee all research cycles, including reviewing ToRs, methodology notes, tools, products and dissemination strategies.Ensure the writing and production of timely, accurate and analytically rigorous reports, assessments, and factsheets;Ensure relevant stakeholders and partners are engaged in assessment design and planning;Monitor output achievement, project expenditure and ensure timely completion of the project.Actively advocate for the improving of analysis within IMPACT products, and using common methodologies, tools and analysis frameworks across units where relevantGRANTS MANAGEMENTSupport the Country Representative with managing grants in the SSL Unit, including initial discussions with donors, conceptualization of new projects, drafting proposals, regular reporting, and M&E;Under the guidance of the Country Representative, oversee the financial management of all grants covering Markets and Systems Strengthening projects, including oversight of budget and expenditure;Ensure that contractual obligations are met in terms of programs deliverables.The Research Manager will maintain the strictest confidentiality on all data collected and related processes. They will actively take measures to prevent the unauthorized sharing of any information and data belonging to IMPACT and its partners or collected during his/her assignment with IMPACT.RequirementsYears of work experience At least 5 years of relevant working experience in a humanitarian setting, such as program management, evaluation and assessments;Familiarity with aid system Good understanding of the aid system and the research community. Prior experience with implementing organizations strongly preferred.Experience in coordination structures Experience operating in fragmented responses with multiple partners and actors to coordinate. Experience working in an INGO consortia is an assetResearch skills Excellent quantitative and qualitative research design, data collection, and data analysis experience required;Management experience Demonstrated team management skills, including remote management;Communication skills Strong communication skills required.Thematic experience Prior experience with systems strengthening, localization, and cash and markets.Experience in geographical region Past experience in Sudan is strongly preferred;Communication/reporting skills Excellent communication and drafting skills for effective reporting and reviewing;Cross-cultural work environment Ability to operate in a cross-cultural environment requiring flexibility and work independently;Academic qualifications Excellent academic qualifications, including a master's degree in a relevant discipline;Software skills Proven knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite, to include Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Familiarity with R, SPSS and/or STATA or other statistical analysis software an assetSecurity environment Ability to operate in a complex and challenging security environment.Language skills Fluency in English required, competency in Arabic is strongly preferred.Compensation & BenefitsFor this position, salary between 3'120 CHF and 3'240 CHF monthly (before income tax), etc as well as a monthly living allowance of 300 USD NB - IMPACT salaries are strictly determined by our salary grid depending on the grade of the position and the level of education of staff. A location-dependent security and/or isolation adjustment is then applied as a recognition that some staff are required to work in difficult places where living and working conditions are much more difficult than elsewhere.Accommodation and food provided in the guesthouse.Enrolment in Swiss private pension fund (Swisslife – approx. 9.975% of staff gross salary), health insurance, life insurance and repatriation assistance.Flight tickets every 6 months & visa fees covered (in-country travel costs and professional expenses are fully covered).Contribution to the luggage transportation: between 20 and 100 kgs, depending on the length of the contract (+ luggage and personal property insurance)Annual leave of 36 days per year. Public holidays of the country of assignment. Family/compassionate leave when applicable.Predeparture induction - 3 days at IMPACT Initiatives's HQ in Geneva + one week pre-departure training in ACTED HQ in Paris, including a 4-days in situ security training;IMPACT prioritizes the psychological safety of its staff and the health insurance provided covers, among others, up to 1000 € per year of psychosocial counselling fees.How to applyPlease apply directly on the website: Research Manager – Systems Strengthening and Localization Unit for Sudan, based in Nairobi (Link For External Applicants) | ImpactJob detailsCountryKenyaCity Nairobi SourceIMPACT InitiativesTypeJobCareer categoryInformation ManagementYears of experience5-9 yearsThemesHealthProtection and Human RightsShareShare this on FacebookShare this on XPost this on LinkedIn