Director - Research & Evaluation - NGO

Director, Research and Evaluation-NGO

Job Description: Director, Research and Evaluation, Avanti Fellows

Position Summary:

AVANTI is a leading non-governmental organization dedicated to transforming education through innovative solutions and programs. Our goal is to provide quality education to underserved communities by leveraging technology and community engagement. We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Product Director to lead the development and management of our comprehensive suite of educational products and services.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to Evaluation:

- Develop and document log frames for each intervention, including:

- JEE/NEET Test Prep (4 log frames: Online and Physical)

- Girls STEM Leaders (9-10)

- Career Guidance (9-10)

- Oversee program evaluation processes, focusing on:

- Assessment quality

- Overall program impact evaluation

- Preparation and dissemination of impact evaluation reports

Asynchronous Learning Research & Implementation:

- Design and implement continuous research for the Asynchronous Learning Capgemini project, running pilots for students attending tests but not classes (Delhi).

- Support field research on asynchronous learning in Haryana by creating a design document and whitepaper on findings, ensuring presentation at state and national forums. Focus on:

- Adoption across all academic levels

- Characteristics of regular students

- Program impact

- Lead the Haryana SCERT program, focusing on:

- Revising program strategy

- Team skill development (data-based decision making, objective-focused work)

- Clarifying roles, team motivation, and meeting structures

- Operations management

- Government liaisoning

GLP Research:

- Conduct primary research by analyzing AF data to articulate open questions and frame the problem. Incorporate learnings from the Alumni Survey.

- Implement a sandbox approach, running 15-day sprints to improve the Girls Leadership Program (GLP).

- Collaborate with a team of GLP program improvement, synthesizing learnings, managing donor relationships, and supporting program operations.

Alumni Research:

- Conduct research on alumni economic outcomes and key success factors, including:

- Alumni Survey (focus on girls' questions for graduating children)

- Developing a Theory of Change for new programs

- Student survey on job placement outcomes (salary and factors influencing placement)

- Prepare a whitepaper with clear findings, completing the Alumni Survey for the batch placing into jobs, and conduct qualitative research on success factors.

Product Strategy & Innovation:

- Support the development of the Product Management strategy for the organization, linking log frames to product metrics and new feature development.

- Build capacity of Product Managers in their roles:

- Tech Team: Timeline creation, log frame linkage for new feature development and

strategy, design thinking framework for external dashboards

- Product Team: Report writing, stakeholder management, alignment with expectations

- Support product development for career guidance and parent counseling with the operations team.

Research & Innovation:

- Write a whitepaper on Neev SCERT..

- Foster external collaborations with researchers and organizations.

- Lead proposal writing and donor management for various funding agencies

Education and Experience:

- Bachelor's degree in Education, Business, Technology, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).

- Minimum of 10-15 years of experience in product management, preferably within the education sector.

- Proven track record of leading successful product development projects from concept to launch.

Skills and Competencies:

- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

- Excellent project management and organizational abilities.

- Deep understanding of education systems, challenges, and innovations.

- Proficiency in using product management tools and methodologies.

- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse stakeholders.

- Passion for education and commitment to social impact.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Experience working in non-profit or mission-driven organizations.

- Familiarity with educational technology and digital learning platforms.

- Knowledge of fundraising and grant management processes.

Salary: Details would be discussed during 1-1 interactions.

Location: India based fully remote with periodic domestic travel.

Reporting structure: CEO