Precision Development is recruiting a Senior Research Manager to support its work in designing, testing, and scaling digital agricultural solutions across Africa. The position is based in Nairobi or Addis Ababa, with hybrid or home-based flexibility depending on work authorization.
The role sits at the intersection of research, policy, and implementation, reflecting a growing trend in international development: using rigorous evidence to directly shape real-time program decisions.
Bridging Research and Real-World Agricultural Systems
The organisation focuses on delivering targeted, data-driven information to smallholder farmers. The Senior Research Manager plays a key role in ensuring that research is not isolated from implementation but embedded into programme design and operational delivery.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing a portfolio of research and innovation projects
- Translating evidence into program and policy decisions
- Supporting the design and scaling of digital agricultural services
- Ensuring research findings inform service delivery improvements
- Collaborating with government and implementation partners
This integration of research and practice reflects a shift toward applied evidence systems in agriculture and development economics.
Designing and Managing Rigorous Field Research
A central part of the role involves leading high-quality research initiatives, including experimental and quasi-experimental designs. The work focuses on understanding what interventions improve outcomes for farmers and why.
Core research responsibilities include:
- Designing and implementing randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
- Running A/B tests and rapid user experiments
- Overseeing survey design and field data collection
- Ensuring compliance with ethical research standards
- Managing Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes
- Supervising data quality, analysis, and interpretation
The role requires strong technical expertise in research methodologies and a deep understanding of behavioural and development economics.
Data Analysis and Evidence Generation
The position demands advanced quantitative skills, particularly in econometrics and statistical analysis. Research findings are expected to directly inform program decisions and strategic direction.
Key analytical functions include:
- Using tools such as R or Stata for data analysis
- Interpreting complex datasets for decision-making
- Synthesizing academic and field evidence
- Producing insights for program improvement
- Supporting data-driven decision frameworks
The emphasis is on turning large datasets into actionable insights that improve agricultural service delivery.
Collaboration Across Research and Implementation Teams
Unlike traditional academic roles, this position requires close collaboration with operational teams. Research is used not only for evaluation but also for continuous program improvement.
Key collaboration responsibilities include:
- Working with cross-functional program teams
- Supporting operational troubleshooting in the field
- Translating research findings into implementation adjustments
- Coordinating with external partners and governments
- Contributing to strategic program planning
This ensures that evidence generation is tightly linked to real-world impact.
Managing Research Systems and Field Operations
The Senior Research Manager also oversees the operational side of research implementation. This includes managing teams, coordinating fieldwork, and ensuring consistency across multiple projects.
Key management responsibilities include:
- Supervising research and associate-level staff
- Overseeing field data collection and survey implementation
- Managing partnerships with implementing organisations
- Ensuring timelines, budgets, and research protocols are met
- Maintaining documentation and research transparency
Strong organisational skills are essential due to the complexity of multi-country research programmes.
Advancing Digital Agriculture Innovation
A major focus of the role is supporting digital tools and services that improve agricultural outcomes. These interventions are designed to deliver timely, relevant information to farmers using mobile and digital platforms.
Key innovation areas include:
- Digital advisory services for farmers
- Behavioural nudges and information systems
- Scalable technology-based agricultural solutions
- Cost-effective delivery models tested through experimentation
- Integration of research insights into digital platforms
The goal is to improve productivity, income, and resilience for smallholder farmers in low- and middle-income countries.
Ethical Research and Evidence Standards
Given the involvement of human participants, the role places strong emphasis on research ethics and compliance. Ensuring the protection of participants and the integrity of data is a core requirement.
Key ethical responsibilities include:
- Developing and maintaining IRB-approved protocols
- Ensuring informed consent in field studies
- Managing data privacy and security standards
- Upholding international research ethics guidelines
- Ensuring transparency in research reporting
This reinforces the organisation’s commitment to responsible and credible evidence generation.
Communication and Knowledge Sharing
The role also involves translating research into accessible formats for internal and external audiences. Findings are not only used for academic purposes but also for policy influence and programme scaling.
Key communication responsibilities include:
- Writing research briefs and reports
- Contributing to policy and funding proposals
- Producing presentations and knowledge products
- Sharing insights with stakeholders and partners
- Supporting organisational learning systems
Clear communication is essential for ensuring research has practical impact beyond technical audiences.
Skills, Experience, and Technical Expertise
The position requires advanced academic and technical qualifications, reflecting its senior research leadership level.
Essential requirements include:
- Master’s or PhD in economics, agricultural economics, or related field
- Experience managing large-scale research projects in Africa
- Strong knowledge of RCTs and impact evaluation methods
- Proficiency in R, Stata, or similar tools
- Experience with survey platforms such as SurveyCTO or ODK
- Strong writing and analytical communication skills
- Experience managing teams and partnerships
- Familiarity with field research and program implementation
A Role at the Intersection of Evidence and Development Impact
This Senior Research Manager position reflects the growing importance of evidence-based programming in international development. It combines rigorous academic research with practical implementation in agricultural systems that directly affect millions of smallholder farmers.
By linking data science, behavioural economics, and field operations, the role ensures that research is not only produced—but actively used to improve livelihoods and strengthen food systems across Africa.
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