Research Associate

Background/IRC Summary:

The International Rescue Committee helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC works with people forced to flee from war, conflict and disaster and the host communities that support them, as well as with those who remain within their homes and communities. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure.

IRC reaches over a million children annually with education and child protection programs in 25 countries around the world. The Education technical unit defines the vision and strategic priorities for all of IRC’s education a programs. The team provides evidence-based and contextually-relevant technical support to programs, with the goal of ensuring they are technically sound and achieving the outcomes we seek.

The IRC’s Airbel Impact Lab designs, tests, and scales life-changing, cost-effective solutions for people affected by conflict and disaster. By applying the IRC’s deep technical expertise and field experience with a range of skills from the behavioral sciences, human-centered design, rigorous research, and multi-disciplinary problem-solving in humanitarian contexts, we work to develop breakthrough solutions that combine creativity and rigor, openness and expertise, and a desire to think afresh with the experience of a large-scale implementing organization.

Job Overview/Summary:

This Junior Researcher position sits within the Airbel Impact Lab and supports the Education Unit across multiple research projects. The role focuses primarily on data management and analysis — including cleaning and processing both quantitative and qualitative datasets — as well as synthesizing findings into clear, accessible reports for varied audiences. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career researcher to build hands-on experience in humanitarian education research.

The role reports to the Senior Researcher for Education in the Airbel Impact Lab and works closely with the Education Technical Unit.

Major Responsibilities:

• Conduct quantitative and qualitative research activities across multiple education research projects, including cleaning, organizing, managing, and analyzing data; , ensuring data quality and integrity; and producing high-quality reports for diverse audiences.
  • Support implementation research studies to identify whether education interventions are being delivered as intended, with appropriate quality and fidelity, and potential for cost-effectiveness.
  • Support randomized control trials; to identify the impact of interventions on children´s foundational learning and wellbeing.
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• Support an internal education research team by contributing to the advancement of research priorities under the supervision of senior researchers
• Contribute to the dissemination of research findings by drafting reports, briefs, and blog posts for practitioner and policy audiences.
• Collaborate with colleagues within the Education team, Research team and R&D team, and other IRC departments in support of research activities
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• MA required in Education, Economics, Statistics, or related field.
• Excellent knowledge of quantitative research methods, including inferential statistics and qualitative approaches; exposure to implementation research and causal inference.
• Demonstrated experience in data cleaning, management and analysis; with proficiency in at least one statistical or data analysis tool (e.g. Stata, R, Python).
• Familiarity with qualitative data methods (e.g. thematic analysis, content analysis) is desirable .
• Up to three years of experience in research, data analysis, or a related field; relevant internship, academic research, or volunteer experience will be considered.
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to present research findings clearly and accessibly for non-specialist audiences; experience drafting reports, summaries, or briefs is an asset
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities, work effectively under pressure, and adapt in a fast-paced team environment.
• Fluent in English required; proficiency in French or Arabic language preferred.

Working Environment:

• Standard office work environment

This is a remote position open to internal candidates based in countries where IRC operates who have the right to work in their location. Successful candidates will be hired on a local employment contract and according to local salary scale.

This role is open to candidates located and with the right to work in Colombia, Kenya, and United States of America.

Compensation: (US Pay Rate: $80,000-$95,000/yr). Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Professional Standards: All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.