Associate Director, Research

About the role

The Associate Director, Research leads IPA Nigeria’s research function, providing strategic and technical oversight for all studies in the country program. Reporting to the Country Director, this senior manager ensures high‑quality, compliant, and timely delivery of research projects while shaping the research agenda and supporting business development.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee the entire research portfolio, reviewing project plans, data management practices, and protocols to guarantee quality and adherence to IPA standards.
• Approve key research outputs such as pre‑analysis plans, data quality reports, and final analyses before submission to donors or investigators.
• Directly manage high‑priority or complex studies, acting as the primary contact for lead researchers and handling financial management.
• Supervise all Research Managers, set performance expectations, conduct regular reviews, and foster professional development.
• Promote a culture of rigor, collaboration, and continuous learning, ensuring teams have the tools, templates, and guidance needed.
• Contribute to senior leadership discussions, operational planning, and cross‑functional coordination.

Required profile

• Extensive experience leading large‑scale research programs in an NGO or development context.
• Proven track record of ensuring methodological rigor, ethical compliance, and donor satisfaction.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing research teams and driving performance.
• Ability to engage senior stakeholders, including donors and principal investigators.

Required skills

• Data management
• Research design
• Statistical analysis