The Senior Director, Evidence and Research for Action, is a strategic leader within FHI 360, responsible for overseeing the implementation robust research and research utilization portfolios and related efforts within the Global Programs and Science group. This role provides senior oversight to a portfolio of research and development initiatives to improve evidence generation and uptake using a range of methodological approaches and analytic techniques. They provide leadership, guidance, and direction – proposal writing, covering award implementation, scientific quality and rigor, innovation, and knowledge management. Additionally, they offer business analytics to maintain and expand market share as a recognized leader and go-to partner for generating and applying evidence and represent FHI 360 as a thought leader. Their decisions, guided by organizational strategy, significantly impact public health and development outcomes both short- and long-term.

RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES

Complexity & Problem Solving:

• Address complex challenges inherent in multi-country, multidisciplinary research projects.
• Navigate complex challenges inherent in research studies alongside project implementation, offering strategic direction and innovative solutions.
• Champion implementation science approaches across FHI 360’s programming.
• Foster innovation and share best practices to drive and inform organizational impact and achieve sustainable development goals.

Discretion & Impact:

• Exercise discretion over project related matters, making decisions that directly impact existing and future collaborations, study implementation, and other considerations that contribute to organizational success.
• Influence resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder engagement to enhance the contraceptive research portfolio’s performance and organizational reputation.
• Maintain high standards for research integrity and quality, ensuring revenue targets are met or exceeded, and champion the expansion of research priorities and utilization initiatives.
• Make decisions with significant short- and long-term public health impact.

Collaboration & Interaction:

• Engage with internal and external stakeholders for collaborative research efforts, gathering and sharing evidence, lessons learned, and best practices.
• Foster partnerships with project teams, donors, and implementing partners to facilitate communication and knowledge exchange.
• Exhibit a communication style characterized by transparency, collaboration, and teamwork, working cross-functionally to achieve common goals and drive organizational impact.
• Establish and maintain relationships across FHI 360, particularly with all Groups and Enterprise Support colleagues.

Management & Supervision:

• Oversee research implementation within the division, providing leadership and guidance to all teams.
• Set strategic direction, manage budgets, and ensure research quality across the existing and expanded portfolio.
• Foster a culture of excellence and accountability, managing staff and shaping the portfolio structure to optimize efficiency and effectiveness.
• Lead a team of seasoned researchers, handling supervision, performance management, and professional development.
• Embrace other duties as assigned, contributing to the team’s multifaceted and evolving responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge & Skills:

• Comprehensive knowledge of research implementation and project management as well as organizational leadership practices.
• Ensure that all research ethical principles and safeguarding are adhered to.
• Expertise in strategic planning, risk management, and stakeholder engagement, with a proven track record of driving innovation and achieving impactful outcomes.
• Ability to meet/exceed revenue targets across all segments (USG, foundations/corporations, and other donors).

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in project management, overseeing complex research projects and initiatives; or 12 years and a master’s degree; or 9 years and an advanced degree; or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience to perform job responsibilities effectively.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in leadership and line management.
• Proven experience leading and managing complex, strategic research portfolios on a national or international scale.
• Experience leading teams in complex settings, managing financial and human resources.
• Significant experience working in non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in a related field. Advanced degree (MD or PhD), preferred.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification or other recognized project management certification.
• Certifications relevant to research management or organizational leadership.
• We welcome candidates with other relevant certifications or their international equivalents.

TRAVEL

Approximately 25% travel may be required for this role, primarily to engage with stakeholders, oversee project implementation, and attend meetings and events related to portfolio activities.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Typical office environment. Constantly uses a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer. Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.

TECHNOLOGY

Computer/Laptop, Microsoft applications (i.e., Office 365, SharePoint, Skype/Zoom/Teams), cell phone/mobile technology, and standard office equipment.

The expected US Based hiring salary range for this role is listed below. Candidate FHI 360 pay ranges represent national averages that vary by geographic location. When determining an offer amount, FHI 360 factors in multiple considerations, including but not limited to: relevant years of experience and education possessed by the applicant, internal equity, business sector, and budget.

Base salary is only one component of our offer. FHI 360 contributes 12% of monthly base pay to a money purchase pension plan account. Additionally, all US based staff working full-time, which is calculated at 40 hours/week, receive 18 days of paid vacation per year, 12 sick days per year, and 11 holidays per year. Paid time off is reduced pro rata for employees working less than a full-time schedule.

US Based Hiring Salary Range: $180,000 – $215,000

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.

FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

FHI 360 will never ask you for your career site username or password, and we will never request money, goods or services during the application, recruitment or employment process. If you have questions or concerns about correspondence from us, please email CareerCenterSupport@fhi360.org.

FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.

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