Research Programme Director

Position Title:	Research Programme Director
Location:	This position is open to candidates working remotely or based in Somalia.
Reports to:	Executive Director
Contract Type:	Full-time
Duration:	1 year with possible extension]
Start Date:	September 2025
Deadline of the applications:	15^th August 2025

1. Background

The Civil Institute for Research and Strategic Initiatives (CIRSI) is an independent, Somali-led policy think tank committed to advancing high-impact research, thought leadership, and evidencebased interventions addressing the multifaceted social, economic, and governance challenges facing Somalia and other fragile states in Sub-Saharan Africa. Founded on the principles of local ownership and methodological rigor, CIRSI applies context-sensitive and empirically grounded research to shape inclusive, resilient, and transformative development outcomes.

CIRSI is uniquely positioned to conduct research in hard-to-reach areas through its deep-rooted networks, engagement with local researchers, and a strong presence across Somalia’s key regions. The Institute’s methodological integrity, combined with its data-driven ethos and nuanced understanding of socio-political dynamics, ensures that CIRSI’s work produces robust, actionable insights that are locally validated and policy-relevant.

Headquartered in Somalia with regional offices in Mogadishu, Garowe, and an administrative presence in Nairobi of Kenya, CIRSI leverages its cross-border infrastructure to enhance research collaboration, policy dialogue, and regional engagement. As a bridge between grassroots realities and national and global policy processes, CIRSI contributes to the co-creation of sustainable solutions and the reform of public policy architecture in fragile contexts.

2. Position Summary

The Research Programme Director will provide strategic and technical leadership for CIRSI’s research portfolio. The role involves designing and overseeing research programmes, building institutional partnerships, managing research teams, and ensuring that the institute produces high-quality, policy-relevant evidence across its focus areas. The director will also lead the development of an annual research and learning agenda, coordinate assignments, and contribute to institutional growth and impact.

3. Key Responsibilities

A. Technical Leadership of Research Programmes

Provide visionary leadership in the development and implementation of research programmes that align with CIRSI’s strategic priorities and thematic focus areas.
Ensure the adoption and continuous improvement of rigorous research methodologies and innovative approaches that address complex development challenges.
Lead the design of research studies that integrate multidisciplinary perspectives, ensuring inclusivity of social, economic, environmental, and technical dimensions.
Monitor global and regional research trends, emerging issues, and policy shifts to keep the programmes relevant and forward-looking.
Facilitate the incorporation of cross-cutting themes such as gender equality, youth empowerment, climate resilience, and social inclusion into all research activities.
Foster a culture of scientific excellence, ethical research practice, and data integrity across all research initiatives.

B. Research Coordination and Quality Assurance

Oversee the entire research lifecycle by coordinating planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation activities.
Assign and manage research tasks to team members, ensuring clarity of roles, timelines, and deliverables.
Conduct regular technical reviews and quality checks on research protocols, data collection instruments, and analysis outputs to maintain high standards.
Facilitate collaborative engagements with external experts and peer reviewers to validate research findings and methodologies.
Manage the approval and publication process of research outputs, including internal review cycles, editorial oversight, and compliance with publication ethics.

Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges or bottlenecks that arise during research execution.

C. Networking and Partnership Development

Develop and implement a strategic engagement plan to establish and strengthen partnerships with relevant academic institutions, policy think tanks, international development agencies, donor organizations, and government entities.
Actively participate in regional and international research networks, working groups, and conferences to increase CIRSI’s visibility and influence.
Negotiate and manage formal collaboration agreements, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), and joint research initiatives.
Identify and pursue new funding opportunities by preparing competitive research proposals and grant applications in alignment with CIRSI’s research agenda.
Serve as the primary liaison and advocate for CIRSI’s research interests among key stakeholders, enhancing the institute’s credibility and reputation.

D. Team Management and Capacity Building

Provide leadership and mentorship to a diverse research team, promoting a positive, productive, and inclusive work environment.
Develop individual work plans, set clear performance expectations, and conduct regular performance appraisals.
Identify capacity gaps and design tailored training programmes to enhance technical skills, research ethics, and professional development.
Promote knowledge sharing and collaboration within the team through regular meetings, workshops, and peer-learning sessions.
Oversee the recruitment, onboarding, and supervision of research fellows, interns, and consultants, ensuring alignment with programme goals.

E. Annual Research and Learning Agenda Development

Lead participatory processes to gather inputs from internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders for the formulation of the annual research and learning agenda.
Analyze contextual changes, policy priorities, and emerging knowledge gaps to set timely and relevant research priorities.
Ensure that the agenda reflects CIRSI’s strategic goals, donor requirements, and the needs of vulnerable and marginalized groups.

Develop a detailed implementation plan for the agenda, including resource allocation, timelines, and monitoring mechanisms.

Regularly review and update the research agenda based on evaluation findings, emerging evidence, and stakeholder feedback.

F. Knowledge Translation and Policy Engagement

Develop strategies to effectively translate complex research findings into accessible, actionable knowledge tailored for diverse audiences including policymakers, practitioners, and the public.
Lead the production and dissemination of knowledge products such as policy briefs, technical reports, research summaries, blogs, infographics, and multimedia content.
Facilitate policy dialogues, workshops, and learning events that foster engagement between researchers and decision-makers.
Monitor the uptake and impact of research findings on policy formulation and programme design.
Collaborate with communication teams to ensure consistent messaging and branding of CIRSI’s research outputs.

4. Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

Master’s degree in economics, Sociology, International Development, Development Studies, Agricultural Economics, Climate Change, Resilience, or related fields.
PhD is highly desirable and considered a value-add.

Experience

At least 2 years of experience in leading or coordinating research in relevant thematic areas.
Demonstrated experience in managing multidisciplinary research programmes.
Strong publication records in academic or policy-related outlets is an advantage.
Experience in team management, stakeholder engagement, and partnership development.
Experience in working with or within international development organizations, universities, think tanks, or research institutions.

5. Key Competencies

Excellent research design, qualitative and/or quantitative analysis skills.

Strong knowledge of development and resilience-related issues in [Insert relevant regional context].
Proven leadership and team-building abilities.
Effective communicator with strong writing and presentation skills.
Proficiency in English is required; knowledge of [Insert local/regional language if relevant] is an asset.
Strong organizational, strategic thinking, and project management capabilities.

6. Deliverables and Performance Indicators

Annual research and learning agenda developed and implemented.
High-quality research outputs produced and disseminated.
Strong partnerships developed and maintained.
Research capacity of team enhanced.
Evidence of influence on policy and practice through research engagement.

7. Terms of Engagement

The role will be based at CIRSI Institute’s headquarters or remote with possible travel to field sites and partner institutions.
Compensation and benefits will be commensurate with experience and institutional salary scales.

8. Application Process

Qualified and interested candidates are invited to submit their applications by [Insert Application Deadline]. Applications must include the following documents:

Cover Letter outlining the candidate’s motivation, relevant experience, and alignment with the role and CIRSI’s mission (maximum 1 page).
Curriculum Vitae (CV) clearly detailing academic qualifications, professional experience, and relevant publications or research outputs (maximum 6 pages).
Two professional references, including names, titles, contact information, and nature of professional relationships.
A sample of written work or publication (e.g., research paper, policy brief, technical report) that demonstrates the applicant’s analytical and writing skills.

Application Submission:

All application materials should be compiled into a single PDF file and submitted via email to:

jobs@cirsiinstitute.org cc: cirsiinstitute1990@gmail.com Subject line: Application – Research Programme Director

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews and may be requested to complete a written assessment or deliver a brief presentation related to a relevant research theme.

CIRSI is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and local leadership. We particularly encourage applications from qualified female candidates of all nationalities.