Consultant – PlayMatters Ethiopia Implementation Research Principal Investigator

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations, operating in over 40 countries. The IRC is seeking a senior researcher to serve as Principal Investigator for an implementation research study within the PlayMatters initiative—a four-year education program running from July 2026 to June 2030 that aims to improve holistic learning outcomes for children aged 3–12+ affected by conflict in Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Uganda. The consultancy is based in Addis Ababa with travel to field sites for data collection, and the PI will co-lead the study alongside the IRC’s Director of Education Research.

Key Responsibilities

• Co-lead the national-level implementation research study in close collaboration with the IRC’s Director of Education Research
• Secure national Institutional Review Board (IRB) ethical approval for the study
• Build and sustain key research partnerships with relevant government, academic, and NGO stakeholders
• Oversee data collection processes, quality assurance, and longitudinal analysis across baseline, midline, and endline phases
• Produce cleaned datasets and comprehensive written reports at each study phase
• Develop manuscripts suitable for submission to peer-reviewed academic journals
• Disseminate findings at local and national levels to support policy influence and program advocacy

Requirements

• A Doctorate degree (PhD or EdD) in education, child psychology, statistics, or a closely related field
• At least 10 years of experience conducting research on education programs—including foundational learning, girls’ education, and education in emergencies—in complex or challenging contexts
• A demonstrated track record of influencing policy at national and subnational levels
• Strong statistical skills including proficiency in multi-level modeling and causal inference methods (experimental and quasi-experimental designs)
• Knowledge of psychometrics is highly desirable; experience with Stata is preferred and familiarity with Dedoose is a plus
• Experience with mixed-methods and qualitative research approaches
• A record of peer-reviewed publications in education or related fields
• Excellent written and spoken English
• A valid, renewed business license

How to Apply

Submit your application through the employer’s official application page: https://theirc.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External_Careers/job/Consultant—PlayMatters-Ethiopia-Implementation-Research-Principal-Investigator_JR00003750.