JOB DETAILS:

Position Overview

Maarifa Consult is seeking a committed, positive, and results-oriented Head of Research & Evaluation to lead our research and evaluation portfolio. The successful candidate will oversee end-to-end delivery of research assignments—including Research, Evaluations, Assessments, Training, and Operational studies—and manage a team of staff and consultants. They will be responsible for ensuring quality and timeliness in execution, while also supporting technical proposal writing and business development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead applied research, evaluation, and assessment studies across multiple sectors.

• Supervise the research and evaluation team, providing technical oversight and performance management.

• Manage independent consultants and field enumerators to ensure high-quality delivery of assignments within timelines.

• Supervise data collection teams through activities such as back checks, high-frequency checks, and spot checks.

• Oversee data quality assurance to ensure accuracy, reliability, and validity of data for analysis.

• Guide the preparation and presentation of evaluation findings and research results for diverse audiences, including clients, partners, and communities.

• Organize and participate in key data collection activities including interviews, focus group discussions, and stakeholder consultation meetings.

• Lead the drafting and review of inception reports, final evaluation reports, and related deliverables.

• Participate in business development by contributing to the writing of technical and financial proposals.

• Provide regular progress updates to clients and contribute to strategic meetings.
• Carry out any other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Required Education

• Master’s Degree in a relevant field such as Statistics, Monitoring & Evaluation, Social Sciences, Public Health, Development Studies, Agricultural Economics, Education, social sciences, Project Planning and Management, or Economics.
• Candidates with a Postgraduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation and at least 3 years of relevant experience are also encouraged to apply.

Experience & Skills

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in research and evaluation, including experience leading evaluation teams.

• Proven expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.

• Experience designing and conducting operational research, midterm/final evaluations, and assessments.

• Strong skills in data collection tool development, data analysis, interpretation, synthesis, and reporting.

• Proficiency in statistical and qualitative analysis software (e.g., SPSS, STATA, R, NVivo,PowerBi, etc).

• • Commitment to work, a POSITIVE ATTITUDE, and a willingness to learn and grow professionally.

• Excellent organizational, writing, communication, and negotiation skills.

• Ability to document and communicate evaluation findings to technical and non-technical audiences.

• Experience working with international development organizations, governments, and CSOs.

• Strong ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and meet tight deadlines.

• High level of attention to detail, initiative, flexibility, and professionalism.

• Fluency in spoken and written English is required.