Research Manager

Language and Learning Foundation

Job Description – Research Manager 

About LLF

Language and Learning Foundation (www.languageandlearningfoundation.org) is a New Delhi-based non-profit organization with the vision of enhancing equitable student learning, especially language and literacy development, through the professional development of teachers and teacher educators, building/sharing knowledge, and implementing projects in collaboration with state governments. LLF currently works with 7 state governments across the country.

About the programs:

Language and Learning Foundation (LLF) is a New Delhi based non-profit organisation with the vision of enhancing equitable student learning, especially language and literacy development, through professional development of teachers and teacher educators, building/sharing knowledge and implementing projects in collaboration with state governments. LLF is a system-focused and impact-driven organization dedicated to addressing the foundational learning crisis in collaboration with the national and state governments in India. Over the past 8 years, we have improved foundational learning outcomes of 850,000+ children and classroom processes of 2,50,000+ teachers and teacher educators across 8 states. LLF currently works with 8 state governments across the country.

Position Description

Lead LLF's research initiatives, driving programmatic and ecosystem-driven studies. Implementing comprehensive methodologies, you'll contribute to evidence-based improvements in education, collaborating with stakeholders and ensuring impactful program design modifications across diverse geographies.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Programmatic research:

1. Identify and inquire into specific themes of the program that require strengthening, through process evaluations and other appropriate research methodologies. This would include making visits to the field and engaging with the program team to understand the program intervention in detail 
2. Design and manage research studies across specific programmatic themes, as well as other studies that serve the larger organisational interest, eg, classroom practices, teacher beliefs and attitudes, textbook/curriculum review etc 
3. Assist programmatic teams by providing specific feedback from research study findings and help them make changes in program design across project sites, namely Uttar Pradesh Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan & any other states where LLF operates 

Larger ecosystem-driven research: 

1. Undertake larger (including longitudinal) research studies on critical thematic areas identified by the education ecosystem. Eg, Multilingual Education, addressing multi-grade multi-level situations in classrooms. Project sites for these studies could include geographies outside LLF . 
2. Identify and work with project partners across organisations as well as leading researchers in early learning, on identified themes 
3. Manage and oversee research studies end to end including design, overseeing data collection, data analysis and report writing, as well as dissemination.
4. Ensuretimelyimplementationofresearchprojectswithastrongfocusonexecutionandquality assurance - including data validity checks, analysis / interpretation and editorial support 

Study Designs and Data Collection 

1. Develop clear and concise study designs for 5-7 small studies, incorporating inputs from the academic and state teams. 
2. Create tools and guidelines to facilitate data collection from the field. 
3. Visit schools and field locations to gather data and document best practices.
4. Guide and orient the field team to ensure accurate information gathering. 

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather information on existing processes and identify areas for evaluation. 

1. Analyse current processes to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement. 
2. Conduct data collection through interviews, surveys, observations, and data analysis tools. 
3. Analyse data and make recommendations 

Recommendations and Implementation 

1. Interpret data to identify trends, patterns, and areas of improvement. 
2. Prepare brief reports and presentations summarising the study findings. 
3. Make data-driven recommendations to support teams and facilitate changes in program design across projects. 
4. Prioritise improvement opportunities based on data analysis and stakeholder input. 

Support teams by providing specific feedback from process study findings and help them make changes in program design across projects 

1. Identify and prioritize improvement opportunities based on data analysis and stakeholder input. 
2. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop actionable recommendations for enhancements. 
3. Create detailed reports and presentations outlining evaluation findings, recommendations, and implementation plans. 

Educational Qualifications, Skills and Experience: 

1. Post Graduate degree from a reputed institute with focus on research methods including quantitative analysis. Higher degree (M.Phil /PhD) preferred. 
2. At least 5 years of experience of having worked in research projects, preferably in the area of Primary Education (desirable) 
3. Knowledge of a wide range of research methodologies and techniques, including qualitative and quantitative approaches 
4. Ability to analyse complex qualitative and quantitative data 
5. Ability to engage actively with leading researchers in India and around the world. 
6. Ability to commission and monitor research and exercise a degree of innovation and creative problem-solving 
7. Should have a thorough understanding of evaluative research design and its application in different settings and contexts 
8. This position will require field travel. 

How to Apply:

Interested persons may apply through this link with the latest CV and a covering note indicating current and expected salary. Please note, only shortlisted candidates will be informed.

LLF is an equal opportunity employer. Women and differently abled persons are encouraged to apply