Program and Research Manager

 Sayara International is hiring a Program and Research Manager to join its Sudan team and manage the implementation of Sayara’s programs and research projects in Sudan. This role is full-time and based in Khartoum. Please read the full Terms of Reference below and guidelines on how to apply for this role. We look forward to hearing from you.

Position Description:

Under the overall guidance and supervision of Sayara’s Director – Sudan and working closely with Sayara International’s HQ and other offices, the Program and Research Manager will be directly responsible for managing the implementation of Sayara’s programs and research projects in Sudan. From Sayara’s Khartoum office, you will provide day-to-day management and oversight of project activities, lead business development and proposal writing processes, manage the program and research teams, and conduct other tasks delegated by the Director – Sudan within the Sudan portfolio when necessary.

The Program and Research Manager will provide guidance and leadership to staff and facilitate the organized, smooth running of all activities with clients and other stakeholders from beginning to end of each project to maximize results. In addition, you will take a holistic view of the programs across Sudan to ensure effective design, delivery, and management of projects.

You will also take ownership of all aspects of project management including writing proposals, designing and implementing budgets and workplans, directing fieldwork, managing program staff in the office and in the field, documenting program progress and processes and maintaining positive relations with clients and staff. The Program and Research Manager will report directly to the Director – Sudan.

As Program and Research Manager for our Sudan team, you will contribute significantly to the work Sayara does to build positive change in societies that most need it. You will be working with a welcoming and diverse international team of experienced professionals.

About Sayara International:

Sayara International is a social enterprise combining rigorous research and communication to create positive change in fragile and conflict-affected societies.

Sayara provides complex monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning (MERL) and social and behavior change communication (SBCC) in the most challenging environments. We work on countering disinformation, measuring social cohesion, and assessing education, migration, inclusive governance, climate change, and health.

Diverse perspectives and an emphasis on equity bring strength to Sayara. Gender, inclusion, and intersectional identities are cross-cutting themes across all our internal practices and our programs for governments, civil society organizations, and international institutions.

Sayara has evolved across unstable contexts. Our decentralized structure – with a global leadership network and investment in local talent – enables agility and rapid start-up, while equipping us with unique values and competencies.

Founded in 2003, Sayara operates in 30 countries across Eastern Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, South and Central Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Our teams of professionals are based in field offices in Khartoum, Kyiv (until recently), and Nairobi, with support from our offices in Dubai, London, Marseille, and Warsaw.

Responsibilities:

Program and Research Management – Financial, Administrative, and Human Resources

Manage programs, ensuring optimization of human and financial resources and nurturing a culture of delivering results with the highest performance standards.

In collaboration with relevant teams, develop budgets and facilitate budget approvals and revisions as per Sayara policies and procedures.

Assign duties to staff, oversee workloads, and provide ongoing support to ensure that staff have the tools and capacities necessary to succeed. Organize capacity-building training as required.

Ensure appropriate programmatic and accounting documentation as required by Sayara and preparation of required financial reports. Facilitate transparent and rigorous financial management which will be subject to regular audits and evaluation.

Approve requisitions, follow up on purchase orders and payment requests in Sayara systems and other relevant systems (such as those of our clients), and ensure monthly delivery of program outputs.

Prepare workplans and produce timely reports (both financial and program progress reports), as required by HQ and client reporting systems.

Ensure that Sayara rules and regulations concerning finance, procurement, and human resources are adhered to in close collaboration with the Operations Manager – Sudan.

Support an environment of learning for staff within the programs.

[Note that the Program and Research Manager will be responsible for administration and finance activities which relate to programs/projects. Broader operations, finance, admin, logistics, etc. will be handled by other team members to allow the Program and Research Manager to focus full on the program and research team.]

Program and Research Planning and Implementation

Attend project meetings, both in person and via remote access.

Prepare, collaborate on, and finalize progress reports for clients.

Prepare other articles, reports, and presentations.

Develop strategic documents concerning program planning and implementation, such as policy papers, concept notes, and more.

Work with the Director – Sudan to establish and update office management policies, processes, and reporting systems.

Develop Terms of Reference for program consultants/experts hired on a short-term basis; ensure proper delivery of technical services and submission of technical and other reports.

Ensure proper coordination of program implementation among implementing partners and with government ministries and administrations.

Ensure the timeliness and quality of program outputs as well as timely preparation of reports on achievements and challenges faced within the project.

Ensure delivery of resources and results according to planned targets.

Ensure compliance with client contract and donor agreements.

Promote identification and synthesis of best practices/ lessons learned for organizational sharing and learning.

Management of Research and Program Activities

Lead, plan, and coordinate assigned projects in a timely manner.

Draft inception reports; conduct desk reviews as needed.

Supervise fieldwork (key informant interviews, focus group discussions, etc.); collect and analyze data on a backup basis (archiving systems).

Train and supervise field teams.

Work in a team to write analytical reports.

Manage preparation of research instruments: Key Informant Interview Guides, Focus Group Discussion Guides, Survey Questionnaire, Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks.

Maintain accurate records.

Relationship Management and Business Development:

Establish and maintain strong partnerships with (prospective) clients and stakeholders (government, UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, and civil society organizations).

Attend client meetings and maintain positive, effective communication with clients. Lead technical and financial proposal writing and bid processes.

Support mobilization of resources from different client and partners, including the preparation of bid strategies, concept notes, program briefs, and project documents, as well as organization of client meetings and possible field visits. Attend seminars, workshops, and other meetings, as necessary.

Extract lessons learned to support program improvement.

Desired Skills & Qualifications:

Master’s degree in social science, political science, international relations, international development, or a related field.

8+ years of relevant professional experience, working for international development donor agencies.

Familiarity with strategic communication is considered a plus.

Experience in the international development field, preferably with working experience in program and research management.

Strong knowledge of the international development client market, especially USAID, U.S. State Department, FCDO (or FCO/ DFID), and UN organizations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Excellent English-language skills in writing, editing, formatting, research, and communications. Arabic language skills are desirable. Other regional languages are a plus.

Ability to work independently, as part of a regional/global team, and with minimal supervision.

Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize under pressure to meet tight deadlines consistently.

Ability to work long hours when needed and to take on tasks that may be outside these Terms of Reference.

Strong commitment to high quality work and integrity in all interactions.

Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to engage appropriately with various audiences, and support and coordinate the efforts of other professionals to effectively meet objectives in a timely manner.

Computer proficiency in Windows Operating systems, MS Office, knowledge of donor management databases.

The right to work in the country where you are based (must have this before applying – we do not provide work visas).

Location:

Khartoum, Sudan.

We highly encourage applications from women and people originating from minority groups.

Job Type:

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week), Monday-Friday. Occasionally, overtime may be required.

Salary and Other Info:

Locally competitive. A monthly medical stipend is provided to Sayara staff.

Staff are responsible for their own tax arrangements, pension, and any applicable insurance.

Annual leave days and public holidays are included in each employee’s contract. These vary slightly, depending on the location of the employee and local labor laws.

Duration:

The Program and Research Manager – Sudan will be offered a one (1) year Employment Contract, with a four (4) month probation period and the option for renewal, based on the discretion of, and mutual agreement between Sayara and the Program & Research Manager – Sudan.

Equal Opportunities:

Sayara International is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, political views or activity, or other applicable characteristics. This also applies to all employment practices within our organization.

How to Apply

Please submit your detailed CV and cover letter with up-to-date contact information to jobs@sayarainternational.com. Use “Program and Research Manager – Sudan” as the subject line of your email. Applications must be received by 19 September 2022.

Note that CVs will be screened on a rolling basis and Sayara will offer the position to the candidate who meets the requirements – even if it is before the deadline. We look forward to hearing from you.