Program Manager, Research

Company Overview

GiveDirectly has successfully disbursed over $1 billion in direct cash transfers to more than two million individuals living in poverty across 15 countries since 2011, advocating cash transfers as scalable, cost-effective, and dignified aid grounded in research. Recognized by major media such as The Economist, NPR, TED, and The Washington Post, and named one of Time100’s Most Influential Companies of 2026, the organization emphasizes a candid, analytical, and flat culture promoting ownership and professional growth.

Role Overview

The Program Manager, Research leads the comprehensive implementation of research and learning projects in the field, specifically for the Canva project and potentially all Malawi-based research initiatives. Partnering closely with the Senior Manager, this position transforms strategic research plans into actionable operations by building systems, nurturing partnerships, and ensuring rigorous and timely research delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and uphold field protocols reflecting the Senior Manager’s research vision.
• Supervise ongoing data collection and research activities including monitoring and evaluation (M&E), internal surveys, and additional data sources.
• Guarantee that field activities conform to project timelines, quality benchmarks, and ethical standards.
• Coordinate operational synchronization between academic research teams and programs regarding scheduling and data exchange.
• Design, program, and oversee surveys via platforms such as SurveyCTO, CommCare, and coordinate with technical teams to meet data collection needs.
• Validate that survey tools align precisely with research aims prior to deployment.
• Implement and maintain rigorous data quality controls across all collection streams including sample validation and field oversight.
• Conduct literature and desk reviews to ensure data and methodology align with prevailing evidence and best practices.
• Produce sampling protocols, assist in survey design strategies, and analyze data to extract insights aiding organizational decision-making.
• Draft initial versions of research reports, presentations, and summaries for supervisor review.
• Integrate results from various surveys and studies into compelling communications for internal stakeholders and external donors.
• Manage project operations including coordination with finance and compliance teams, budget tracking, timeline maintenance, and proactively address potential delays or conflicts.
• Engage in external meetings with academic and partner organizations to ensure alignment with internal plans and act as a liaison for operational concerns.
• Lead hiring, supervision, and development of the field research team including direct management of the Field Manager and recruitment efforts to sustain research capacity.

Qualifications and Experience

• 5 to 7 years of progressive research program management experience, preferably in international development, NGOs, academic, or high-growth settings.
• A relevant academic degree such as in Economics, Social Sciences, Public Policy, or Research Methods; advanced degrees preferred.
• Deep commitment to evidence-driven poverty alleviation aligned with GiveDirectly’s values.
• Proven ability to manage research programs encompassing study design, partner collaboration, quality control, ethics compliance, and dissemination.
• Experience with data collection platforms like SurveyCTO and CommCare; analytical tools including Stata, R, or Python; and data visualization tools such as Adobe, Canva, or Flourish.
• Strong people management skills with a history of building efficient research teams and establishing robust processes.
• Collaborative leadership style with effective interpersonal communication across diverse groups.
• Excellent written and verbal communication to simplify complex research for varied audiences.
• Adaptable to fast-paced, uncertain environments with intellectual curiosity and learning agility.

Other Important Information

GiveDirectly is an equal opportunity employer committed to nondiscrimination and safeguarding of all stakeholders. All new hires undergo thorough background and reference checks to ensure protection against misconduct. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward abuse or exploitation. Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process and employment to support diverse needs upon request. Referral rewards are offered for successful hires at managerial and senior levels.