University of Greenwich

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: / Social Scientist (Quantitative Socio-economic Methods) / Grade: AC 2
Department: / NRI: Livelihoods and Institutions Departments (LID) / Date of Job Evaluation:
Role reports to: /

Head of Livelihood and Institutions Department

Direct Reports
Indirect Reports:
Other Key contacts: / NRI M&E project Leaders, Project team members
This role profile is non-contractual and provided for guidance. It will be updated and amended from time to time in accordance with the changing needs of NRI, the Department and the requirements of the job.
PURPOSE OF ROLE:
NRI is seeking to recruit a Social Scientist to join a dynamic team of social and natural scientists working on research and innovation in rural and natural resource development. The postholder may become involved in various aspects of NRI research, consultancy and teaching, but the primary duty will be:
·  To contribute expertise in advanced quantitative methods to NRI’s work in Monitoring, Evaluation and Impact Assessment.
The postholder will work primarily with a small group of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) specialists to: design data collection instruments and analysis methods appropriate to the needs of M&E projects; support data collection by NRI partners; support the management and administration of M&E projects, assist with the preparation of M&E bids and the consolidation of learning from NRI experience in M&E and impact assessment. The postholder will play an important role in implementing and supporting these key M&E functions, however, in addition, the work is likely to include research activities within the Department, not necessarily M&E related.
The postholder will be working on programmes in some or all of the following areas.
·  Evaluation and impact assessment of initiatives supporting private sector engagement in development
·  M&E of policy initiatives, e.g. in relation to land and agriculture.
·  M&E of projects seeking to reduce vulnerability and promote adaptation to climate change
·  M&E of the effects of project interventions on social diversity, gender and poverty
The postholder will be required to support NRI taught programmes in areas of their personnel expertise.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Team Specific:
1.  Contribute to the design and implementation of monitoring, evaluation and impact assessment projects and programmes in NRI’s focus areas.
·  Contribute to the design of data collection instruments for baseline, monitoring and final surveys.
·  Support NRI partners in data collection and analysis, during visits to developing countries or by email/Skype.
·  Design and conduct data analysis and write up results for final reports for clients.
·  Plan, implement and document the appropriate storage and archiving of datasets
·  Support project leaders in management and administration of multi-county projects.
·  Assist with the preparation of M&E bids for GEFA and other programmes.
·  Engage in the consolidation of learning from NRI experience in M&E and impact assessment.
·  Inputs to taught undergraduate and post-graduate programmes in areas of the postholders technical competence.
·  Represent NRI in meetings (in UK, developing countries and elsewhere) with clients, partners and organisations under evaluation.
Generic:
·  Contribution to the synthesis and preparation of research results for wider communication to different audiences.
·  Publication of results in international journals.
·  Providing support to collaborators from other institutions, particularly those from overseas.
·  Being proactive in identifying, winning and carrying-out consultancy and research commissions on a full cost-recovery basis, so as to contribute to the delivery of group income targets.
Managing Self
·  Working within NRI systems of accounting for your time and relevant operational costs, initially in support of Project Leaders, later assuming the role of Project Leader yourself.
·  Maintain own continuous professional development (CPD).
·  Continuously strengthen effective interpersonal skills.
Core Requirements
·  Adhere to and promote the University’s Equality and Diversity policies.
·  Ensure compliance with Health & Safety regulations.
·  Support and promote theUniversity’sSustainabilitypolicies, including the Carbon Management Plan,and carry out duties in a resource efficient way, recognisingthe shared responsibility ofminimising the university's negative environmental impacts wherever possible.
Additional Requirements:
·  The post-holder must be prepared to undertake a significant amount of travel in the UK and overseas and work flexible hours as required by specific circumstances.
·  Any other duties appropriate to the post and grade.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:
·  Added value through knowledge of quantitative methods to NRI M&E/impact assessment work
·  High quality reports on aspects of M&E/impact assessment in NRI projects
·  Contribution to successful proposals for M&E projects
·  Meeting personal targets for client commissioned work
KEY RELATIONSHIPS (Internal & External):
·  Head of Department
·  NRI M&E, learning and impact specialists
·  Leaders of NRI projects
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
Experience
Experience in research and/or development with an international focus, including a period of field work in a rural area of a developing country
Experience of the design and use of quantitative methods in research/consultancy projects focussed on agricultural or natural resources or social development for the poor
Experience in statistical analysis of quantitative data sets and presentation of results
A basic knowledge and understanding of international development issues
Skills
Evidence of database design and analysis skills, experience with statistical packages
Good problem solving skills and ability to operate on own initiative
Demonstrably good writing skills
Good interdisciplinary team working, communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to multi-task and produce work to client specifications and tight deadlines
Sensitivity to specific social, cultural and institutional contexts and ability to communicate with stakeholders at different levels
Computer literate (Word, Excel, Internet, Outlook, Powerpoint)
Qualifications
A higher degree in economics/environmental economics, sociology, social anthropology, development studies or interdisciplinary socio-economic and natural science qualifications (or equivalent) / Desirable
Experience
Experience of working in a tertiary education or research environment.
Experience of monitoring and evaluation, impact assessment, or project evaluation
Experience of teaching and/or capacity strengthening
Skills
Good presentational and facilitation skills
Qualifications
PhD or willingness to register for a PhD
Ability to work in a second international language, especially French, Spanish or Portuguese.
Signature(s)

Date of issue……………… …..