Senior Research and Learning Officer (SRLO)

Job Description:

Senior Research and Learning Officer (SRLO)

Position: Senior Research, and Learning Officer (SRLO)

Reports to: Nepal Country Director (NCD)

Coordinates with: Program, Communications, Operations

Supervises: N/A

Location: Nepal Country Office, Lalitpur, with at least 25% field visits.

Grade & Band: 4-5/ 1-5.

A. Background:

dZi Foundation is a US-based non-profit organization working with rural communities in Nepal to achieve prosperity by eliminating barriers to basic needs, fostering opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, and building their capacity to catalyze transformational change. dZi adopts a new five-year strategic objective (2024- 2029) guided by past learning, adaptation to the emerging policy and development contexts, and an improved focus on partnership, local ownership, and sustainability beyond external investment to realize the journey to shared prosperity.

B. Position Overview

Senior Research and Learning Officer (SRLO) plays a crucial role in dZi Foundation/ Nepal, contributing to knowledge development, research initiatives, and learning strategies. This position is responsible for conducting high-quality research, managing learning programs, and supporting evidence-based decision-making across the organization.

C. Key Responsibilities

1) Research and Knowledge Generation

• Conduct original research on key issues related to the organization's focus areas, including international development, evidence-informed policymaking, and youth development.
• Produce high-quality research outputs such as policy briefs, reports, position papers, and factsheets for various audiences.
• Develop and implement research protocols and quality assurance measures.
• Stay current with developments in public policy, legislation, best practices, and relevant initiatives in the sector.
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data to identify trends, key findings, and learning opportunities.

2) Learning and Capacity Building

• Coordinate and implement learning initiatives, including online and in-person training programs, webinars, and workshops.
• Support the development and execution of the organization's learning strategy.
• Design and deliver capacity-building activities for staff and partners.
• Organize and facilitate knowledge-sharing events, such as conferences and seminars.

3) Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

• Contribute to the development and implementation of MEL frameworks across programs.
• Support data collection, analysis, and reporting for monitoring and evaluation purposes.
• Identify and document lessons learned, best practices, and success stories.
• Promote the use of data and evidence to inform decision-making and improve program effectiveness.

4) Knowledge Management and Dissemination

• Manage and maintain knowledge management systems and databases.
• Develop user-friendly and engaging ways to present research findings and learning outcomes.
• Collaborate with the communications team to disseminate research results and learning materials.
• Support the production of publications, including annual reports and impact assessments.

5) Collaboration and Partnerships

• Work closely with program teams to integrate research and learning into project design and implementation.
• Engage with external partners, including academic institutions, think tanks, and peer organizations.
• Represent the organization in relevant forums and networks related to research and learning.
• Under the direct supervision of the Nepal Country Director (NCD), all the research and learning activities will be don

D. Required Qualification and Skills

1) Education and Experience

• Master's degree in a relevant field such as international development, economics, gender studies, social sciences, or public policy.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in research, process and result documentation, monitoring and evaluation, or knowledge management roles, preferably in the regional and national level non-profit sector.
• Experience working in or with think tanks, policy research institutes, advocacy and network organizations, or international development organizations is highly desirable.

2) Skills and Competencies

• Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills, including experience with data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• Excellent writing and communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality reports and presentations.
• Proficiency in using research tools, data analysis software, and knowledge management systems.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in cross-cultural and multidisciplinary teams.
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in additional languages is an advantage.

3) Personal Qualities

• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• Adaptability and willingness to travel for fieldwork and partner engagements.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Passion for international development and evidence-based approaches to social change.
• The Senior Research and Learning Officer role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to knowledge generation and capacity building in dZi Foundation/ Nepal supporting evidence-informed practices and fostering a culture of learning and innovation.

E. Application Process

Please submit an updated CV, cover letter with salary expectation, and two professional references to vacancy.np@dzi.org by December 13, 2024, with the Subject Title “Application for SRLO". In addition, please also submit your applications through Google Form

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for further processing. Telephone inquiries will not be entertained. dZi Foundation/ Nepal reserves all the rights to reject any or all applications without assigning any reasons.

dZi Foundation/ Nepal is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates from minority and marginalized backgrounds are encouraged to apply. However, applicants shall not be discriminated against by caste, religion, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, or medical condition.