International Center for Research on Women (ICRW)
Senior Research Scientist for Women & Youth Economic Opportunity & Security
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
About ICRW
The International Center for Research on Women (ICRW) advances rights and opportunities for women and girls to ensure a more gender-equal world. For over 47 years, ICRW has been the world’s leading non-profit organization building evidence and promoting solutions to improve the lives of women, girls, and other marginalized groups. Our research, advocacy, and advisory programs focus on economic opportunity, women’s health, gender norms, positive youth development, sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender-based violence, and equitable workplaces. Our partners and clients include community-based and nongovernmental organizations, bilateral and multilateral agencies, foundations, philanthropists, corporations, governments, and academic and financial institutions.
Overview of the Role
Position: Senior Research Scientist for Women & Youth Economic Opportunity & Security
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Department: Research and Programs
The Senior Research Scientist will provide strategic direction on research, technical assistance, and evaluation in the field of women’s and youth economic empowerment (WEE). The incumbent will lead proposal development, research design and implementation, mentor junior staff members, and secure resources for team projects. Additional responsibilities include producing high-quality publications, presenting at conferences, engaging with media, and managing project finances and budgets. The role may also extend to other areas such as health, climate vulnerability, and gender norms.
Key Responsibilities
Research Leadership
- Design, direct, and supervise research studies in collaboration with local and international teams.
- Develop methodologies and analytical tools.
- Supervise data analysis and interpretation.
- Produce high-quality reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
- Lead research dissemination and policy translation efforts.
Strategic Leadership and Program Development
- Provide strategic direction and technical oversight for the ICRW Africa’s Women and Youth Economic Opportunity and Security program.
- Set program priorities and oversee project budgets.
- Cultivate partnerships and alliances to ensure program success and sustainability.
Grantsmanship
- Lead the development of research proposals and concept notes.
- Identify new funding opportunities in collaboration with the Director of Research & Programs and other ICRW units.
Internal Collaboration
- Work closely with the Monitoring and Evaluations Manager and the Communications Specialist to meet program goals and ensure timely communication of evidence.
Representation
- Maintain professional reputation through publishing and speaking engagements.
- Represent ICRW in the media, coalitions, and with partners, donors, and stakeholders.
Qualifications and Experience
Education
- Master’s degree in International Development, Economics, Gender and Development, Development Studies, or related Social Sciences.
- Ph.D. or additional equivalent experience is preferred.
Experience
- Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in multidisciplinary research, evaluation work, and policy analysis related to WEE.
- Proven research experience in Africa.
- Strong academic publication record.
- Experience in policy translation, advocacy, and engagement activities.
- Proven ability to provide training, capacity strengthening, and technical assistance.
- Significant experience in project, partnership, and budget management, as well as donor stewardship.
Skills and Competencies
- Deep understanding of issues and debates in women and youth economic opportunity and wellbeing.
- Expertise in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research.
- Proficiency in analytical software such as SPSS, STATA, SAS, Atlas.ti, NVivo, or similar applications.
- Strong knowledge of monitoring and evaluation principles and methodologies.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, including staffing, work plans, deliverables, timelines, and budgets.
- Maturity and diplomacy in dealing with multiple stakeholders.
- Strong supervisory and mentoring skills.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to communicate research findings to a range of audiences.
- Team player with the ability to collaborate with colleagues, partners, and donor organizations.
- Fluency in English is required; proficiency in French is an additional advantage.
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary Range: KES 7,347,000.00 – KES 9,180,000.00 per year (KES 612,250 – KES 765,000 per month).
- Benefits: This position is eligible for ICRW’s full benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, professional development opportunities, and work-life balance perks.
Application Process
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their CV and cover letter to adminkenya@icrw.org. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled, with early applications strongly encouraged.
Additional Information
ICRW has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse. All employment offers are conditional upon satisfactory references and a commitment to uphold Safeguarding standards as stipulated in our Safeguarding Policy, with a particular focus on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Child Safeguarding. This position will also be subject to robust reference and background screening checks.
ICRW is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under state or local law, where applicable.
Due to the large volume of responses, we receive, ICRW Africa is not able to provide candidacy status on an individual basis. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
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We wish you the best in your application. The Kenyan Job Finder is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not charge any application or recruitment fee, whether refundable or not.
To apply for this job email your details to adminkenya@icrw.org
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