Research Manager Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Leadership and Management

• Lead the prioritization, design, and implementation of the regional research agenda across South Asia projects.

• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to strengthen MERL systems and ensure alignment with country strategies and global standards.

• Build credibility for IJM's research by engaging academic partners, industry experts, and other key audiences.

• Adapt the research agenda as needed to reflect updatesinIJM's global vision, mission, and strategic priorities.

• Coordinate with IJM's Global Measurement Team on research policies, standards, and guidance.

Networking and Partnership

• Partner closely with global measurement teams, program staff, subject matter experts, and external collaborators on research initiatives.

• Support dissemination of IJM South Asia research findings and elevate visibility of the portfolio.

• Represent IJM in relevant research forums, networks, and communities of practice.

• Develop and strengthen partnerships with research institutions and organizations across the region.

• Participate in IJM's community of spiritual formation as part of organizational life.

Policies and Procedures

• Providetechnical guidance on research data security, documentation, storage, and disposal practices aligned with organizational standards.

• Review and refine research-related policies to ensure consistency with industry best practices.

• Translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations that strengthen justice system responses and reduce targeted crimes.

Training and Development

• Train or coordinate training for staff on research methods, tools, sampling approaches, data management, and analysis.

• Contribute to broader training efforts related to measurement, project management, and other core areas connected to research standards.

Research, Program Management, and M&E

• Providetechnical guidance for protection studies across IJM South Asia.

• Supportadditionalresearch projects outside protection studies by offering methodological and technicalexpertise.

• Participate in research steering committees and oversight bodies for specific studies.

• Ensure research partners deliver high-quality outputs and reports.

• Providestrategic insights on how research should inform program design, planning, and implementation.

• Collaborate with South Asia Communications and MERL teams to ensure accuracy and clarity in research-related communications.

• Conduct comparative analyses across studies toidentifytrends, innovations, and improvement opportunities.

• Lead or support research initiatives and learning activities that advance program excellence.

Documentation, Reporting, and Data Management

• Perform data analysis for research studies and program datasets.

• Assess evidence and insights to inform strategic decision-making and strengthen program quality and impact.

General

• Provide subject matterexpertiseand support for South Asia research initiatives as requested.

• Graduate degree in a relevant discipline with formal training in research methods required; PhD preferred;

• At least 8 years of professional experience conducting research in complex program environments;

• Demonstratedexpertisein research design,methodology, sampling, and implementation;

• Experience applying experimental or quasiexperimental research designs;

• Background working on issues related to forced labor, modern slavery, or other hidden or vulnerable populations;

• Proven experience serving as a principal investigator or lead researcher for studies conducted in South Asia;

• Handson field research experience in South Asia (India or Bangladesh) preferred, including experience working in comparable contexts;

• Prior experience managing adverse events in research studies and ensuring compliance with ethical research standards;

• Demonstrated ability to apply current and emerging research methods related to forced labor, modern slavery, or hidden populations, with a strong eye for innovation;

• Ability to design research that accounts for realworld operating conditions and adapt plans when ideal conditions are not available;

• Proventrack recordof generating meaningful, actionable insights that inform program decisions and strengthen outcomes;

• Strong communicationskills with the ability to translate complex research for executive, technical, and nontechnical audiences;

• Experience collaborating effectively across diverse teams and working within a matrixed environment;

• Experience publishing peerreviewed research and presenting at academic or industry conferences;

• Demonstrated commitment to ethical research standards and responsible data practices; and

• Experience developing and managing research budgets, timelines, and project schedules.

Critical Qualities:

• Eager commitment to IJM's Core Values: Christian, Professional and Bridge-Building;

• Exceptional collaborator with diverse teams from various backgrounds - including technical and non-technical staff;

• Exceptional negotiation, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills; and

• High credibility with staff and partners.

Upload Resume, CoverLetter& Statement of Faith* inone PDF document.

*What is a statement of faith?
A statement of faith should describe your Christian faith and how you see it as relevant to your involvement with IJM. The statement can either be incorporated into the cover letter orsubmittedas a separate document and should include, at a minimum, a description of your spiritual disciplines (prayer, study, etc.) and your current fellowship or place of worship.

• Comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision benefits

• Monthly commuter and parking benefitsin the DC metro area

• Retirement benefitoptions

• Paid leave starting at23 days

• 12holidays (plusearly releasethe day prior)

• Daily, quarterly,and annual community spiritual formation

• Robust staff care resources

IJM holds strict safeguarding principles and a zero tolerance to violations of the Safeguarding Policy, Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy, and Code of Ethics. Candidateselectionis based on technical competence, recruitment,selectionand hiring criteria subject to assessing the candidate'svaluecongruence and thorough background, police clearance, and reference check processes.

At IJM,we'recommitted to building a diverse workforce through fair andequitableemployment practices. IJM encourages people of any race, color, age, sex, maritalstatusor political ideology to apply for employment. While we welcome everyone into this work, wetruly believethat the work we are doing is God's work, not our own, and practice spiritual disciplines together daily.That'swhy we legally require under SEC. 2000e-1 [Section702] of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that all employees practice a mature orthodox Christian faith, as defined by the Apostles' Creed.

IJMrequiresa background check, policeclearanceand thorough review of references with an employment offer and/or employment contract.