[Hiring] Director, Strategic Research & Evidence @World Vision

Role Description

Lead World Vision's applied research, evidence generation and learning translation function, using child data across the partnership - Annual Impact Measurement (AIM/AIM+), programme monitoring, evaluations, operational research and commissioned studies - to produce decision-useful, externally credible evidence. The role commissions and leads applied research, evidence synthesis and university partnerships; translates findings into actionable learning and strategic insight; and ensures evidence informs programme quality, fundraising, policy influence and senior leadership decisions. Child Data Analytics & Insights retains ownership of analytics, dashboards, data products and analytical services.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Statistics, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Public Health, Data Science, Economics, Social Sciences, International Development, Evaluation, Implementation Science, or a related research-intensive discipline.
• Formal training in quantitative methods, research design, evaluation, data analysis, or equivalent professional experience.

Requirements

• At least 12 years of progressive experience in applied research, evidence synthesis, impact evaluation, statistics/biostatistics, epidemiology, public health, economics, data science, or development/humanitarian evidence roles, including senior multi-country leadership responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a research and evidence agenda or portfolio across multiple countries, sectors, stakeholders and evidence products.
• Proven technical expertise in quantitative and/or mixed-methods research using large household survey or programme datasets, including sampling, weighting, variance estimation, subgroup/equity analysis, trend or change analysis, and clear articulation of what claims evidence can and cannot support.
• Experience synthesising evidence across multiple data sources, including AIM/AIM+, programme monitoring, evaluations, operational research, grant/sponsorship evidence, external datasets and commissioned studies.
• Experience commissioning and overseeing external research studies, including research questions, TORs/RFPs, protocols, analysis plans, quality assurance, ethical review, data-use agreements, publication plans and dissemination plans.
• Demonstrated experience translating evidence for senior leaders, programme teams, donors, boards and external audiences, including technical writing for non-technical decision-makers.
• Proven ability to work across sectors such as health, nutrition, WASH, livelihoods, child protection, climate/resilience, fragile contexts, humanitarian programming, and faith and development, drawing on sector specialists where required.
• Experience building or managing partnerships with universities, research institutes, donors, foundations or external technical partners.
• Strong applied skills in statistical software and/or data pipelines such as R, Python, Stata, SPSS or equivalent; familiarity with business intelligence tools such as Power BI or equivalent.
• Proven experience leading virtual, matrixed and cross-cultural teams and influencing senior stakeholders without relying solely on direct line authority.

Benefits

• For positions filled in the United States, the typical salary range for this role is $102,700 to $136,930 USD.
• Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, job level, internal equity and budget.
• Exact salary offers will be determined by factors such as the candidate's skills, qualifications, experience and geographic location.

Company Description

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organisation with a mission centred on following Jesus Christ in service to the world´s most vulnerable children. Therefore, in all locations to the fullest extent legally permissible, the successful applicant will affirm our core documents, observe conduct compatible with Christian principles, serve at a high level of professional ethics and strive to act in accordance with cultural sensitivities. Furthermore, regular attendance with team and office devotions, chapel and prayer gatherings are expected in line with policies in the World Vision host location and its departments.