IFMR - Senior Research Manager - Financial Well Being & Social Protection

About LEAD at Krea University:

LEAD is an action-oriented research centre of IFMR Society (a not-for-profit society registered under the Societies Act), that leverages the power of research, innovation, and co-creation to solve complex and pressing challenges in development. LEAD has strategic oversight and brand support from Krea University (sponsored by IFMR Society) to enable synergies between academia and the research centre. LEAD is a collaborative hub that brings experts from diverse disciplines and sectors together to develop innovative solutions by harnessing innovation, technology and analytics.

About the Position:

We are actively seeking a self-driven Senior Research Manager/Fellow to lead and oversee the Financial Inclusion function at LEAD. The candidate will steer the research staff, and work in close collaboration with the team to identify new avenues for research and address policy-relevant questions.

Key Responsibilities:

- Execute the objectives and strategic plan of the Financial Well-being and Social Protection portfolio and agenda through operational and project management support;

- Provide leadership direction to the staff in the research team and oversee subordinate staff with program responsibility;

- Focus on initiatives that aim to strengthen the capacity and social performance management practices of financial service providers;

- Provide technical inputs to research staff on policy-relevant research questions and identify knowledge gaps in the research work carried out under this theme;

- Manage advocacy work including project design, implementation, relationship building and partnership management;

- Work in close collaboration with the team to discuss new research ideas, recent and relevant sector trends and brainstorm on possible ways to expand the financial inclusion agenda of LEAD;

- Diligently motivate teams and implement activities such as events, training programs, and research by working collaboratively with local stakeholders to achieve mutual goals;

- Liaise with policymakers, regulators and academia to identify knowledge gaps and expand the research agenda of the financial inclusion team at LEAD;

- Contribute to policy briefs, blog posts and other publications as required.

Qualifications:

- Master's degree or higher in economics, development studies, rural management, finance, or related fields;

- Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in the subject of financial inclusion;

- Advanced understanding of social science research methods, research project management, design and processes;

- Proven analytical skills, including, specifically, skills working with quantitative data using econometric methods;

- Excellent oral and written communication skills;

- Proven ability to manage multi-tasking and propose solutions in a timely manner with nominal supervision;

- Capacity to maintain an organized and structured work style in a fast-paced environment;

- Ability to adapt quickly to changing environments and work with multiple stakeholders;

- Strong interpersonal skills, and willingness to interact with a wide range of individuals from research associates, research managers, etc. to academics, donors, research institutions, etc;

- Knowledge of STATA, R, SAS, or related programming languages required;

- Strong interest in public policy and economic development in low-income countries.