Research Coordinator

A Mixed Method Study Comparing the relative impact of programs aimed at increasing women’s financial access

and programs that address gender norms and male engagement in addition to financial services in Liberia:

The Gender Transformative Approach for Savings and Internal Lending Communities (SILC) Study

About CRS

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) began working in Liberia in 1957, with a permanent Country Program Office opening in 1990, supporting relief and development operations in the country. CRS Liberia has proudly maintained a strong reputation and relationship with partners and the communities we serve in the country by implementing a multi-sector program portfolio.

Job Summary:

With guidance from the Principal Investigators and CRS Research Lead, the Research Coordinator will provide day-to-day management and support of research activities and research team members in Liberia investigating the impact of the Gender Transformative Approach for SILC (GTA4SILC). The research study evaluates the layering of GTA4SILC on CRS-led Liberia’s Rural Savings for the Future Phase 2 Project. This research study continues through the end of FY26 (September 2026). The position is budgeted through 2026, Dependent upon the renewal of funding each new fiscal year.

Job Roles and Responsibilities:

• Ensure all research-related tasks are conducted on time through proactive communication with all members of the research team.
• Support Principal Investigators (PIs) with the preparation of research protocol and amendments as guided.
• Help secure the University of Liberia Institutional Review Board approval of the research and subsequent amendments, if necessary, following up on the submitted application.
• Support the CRS Liberia team in recruiting quantitative and qualitative enumerators.
• Manage day-to-day relationships with enumerators, ensuring professionalism and quality work.
• Contribute to the testing and refinement of data collection tools.
• Plan and coordinate the training of enumerators for the research study.
• Support PIs in preparing training guides for enumerators training under the leadership of the PIs.
• Co-facilitate the enumerator’s training under the leadership of the PIs.
• Coordinate and assist with the quantitative baseline data collection activities in strict accordance with study protocol under the leadership of the PIs and CRS research Lead.
• Coordinate and assist with the quantitative and qualitative end-line data collection activities in accordance with study protocol under the leadership of the PIs and CRS Research Lead.
• Interact with the in-country program team to coordinate data collection activities and monitoring of the project implementation to support process-related data collection.
• Assist the PIs in monitoring study data to ensure the quality and completeness of quantitative and qualitative data as it is collected and hold regular progress meetings with the PIs and CRS Research Lead (frequency to be determined depending on project activities).
• Monitor adherence to study protocols by all members of the research and local implementation teams on an ongoing basis, and proactively and timely communicate any challenges or irregularities to the PIs.
• Maintain regular communication with the study’s PIs and CRS Research Lead.
• Support data entry, data cleaning, data analysis and dissemination efforts, including contributing written content for manuscript drafts, CRS reports, and multimedia projects.
• Support the preparation of annual narrative and financial reports and submit them to the Research Lead/ Headquarters Research Lead for review and submission to OverOps.
• Participate in forums that provide the opportunity to share progress on the research locally and nationally in Liberia, and to highlight and promote CRS’ work.
• Participate in regular stakeholder coordinating meetings between CRS Liberia & HQ, and 2PIs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in social science or related field with application to community-based research with vulnerable populations, preferred.
• Experience with gender norms and gender-based violence research, required.
• Experience with human subjects’ research protections and protocols, is required.
• Experience in planning and managing surveys, developing and refining data collection tools, and in managing data quality assessments and oversight.
• Experience in the application of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research, is required.
• Experience and skills in managing relationships with partners and peer organizations with diplomacy and tact.
• Ability to engage with a range of stakeholders including, host country government officials and peer organizations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft applications (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) is required.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, required.
• Willingness to travel throughout Bong & Nimba Counties, required.
• Citi or other research ethics training certificate, preferred. Those who do not have a research ethics training certificate will need to take the course as part of this

Desirable attributes:

• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and a focus on quality of work.
• Ability to prioritize work, take initiative and work with minimal direction.
• Ability to manage multiple data collection activities and study sites concurrently.
• Ability to manage schedules, meet deadlines and communicate challenges/delays to the PIs and CRS Research Lead in a timely manner.
• Adaptability to changes in work duties, responsibilities, and requirements.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Liberian Pidgin English. The ability to speak Kpelle, Gio, and Mano is an advantage.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to take direction and respond positively to feedback.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound judgments and decisions and offer innovative solutions.
• Good presentation and facilitation skills
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented
• Ability to prioritize participant safety as part of overall research study goals.

Travel Required: No, international travel and only travel within Monrovia City, Bong and Nimba Counties.

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and are used by each staff member to fulfil his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Integrity
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Builds Relationships
• Develops Talent
• Strategic Mindset
• Accountability & Stewardship

Key Working Relationships

Supervisory: CRS Research Lead

Internal: CRS HQ, CRS WARO, CRS Liberia

External: Principal Investigators, Local Implementation Partner, University of Liberia, government entities

Applications:

Please send a resume/CV to LR_HR@crs.org by May 24, 2024, with the subject line “Research Coordinator.” No phone calls, please. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity; however, if you don’t hear from us after two months of the vacancy deadline, kindly note that your application was not successful.

CRS follows an equal opportunity policy and actively encourages diversity welcoming applications from all especially women and people living with a disability.

By applying to this job, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Further, I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviours related to the above safeguarding-related topics.

***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skills, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people – especially children and vulnerable adults – to live free from abuse and harm.