Research Director, USAID Analytical Services V (ASV)

This opportunity is contingent on contract award, which is expected to be confirmed June 2025.

OPPORTUNITY

This is an opportunity to influence the international development sector by advancing USAID's democracy, human rights, and governance objectives. As the Research Director for the Analytical Services V (ASV) initiative, you will collaborate with USAID's Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG) and global Missions to conduct innovative, evidence-based analyses that inform and strengthen programmatic approaches worldwide.

In this role, you will lead a diverse portfolio of analytical tasks, including DRG assessments, political economy analyses, and research on cross-sectoral issues such as gender equality, climate change, and anti-corruption. You will guide multidisciplinary teams of experts and local partners to deliver high-quality, actionable insights that address USAID's complex and evolving needs. If you are passionate about leveraging research to drive impactful change and excel at fostering collaboration across diverse stakeholders, we encourage you to apply.

About Environmental Incentives

At Environmental Incentives, our purpose is to create the conditions for human and natural communities to thrive. We do this by helping our clients improve the performance of conservation and development programs. Our clients trust us to design and support implementation of programs that (1) use evidence to develop pragmatic strategies within complex systems, (2) center local stakeholder experiences and facilitate collective action, and (3) produce results that support learning about what works. Environmental Incentives is an employee-owned Public Benefit Corporation and a certified B Corporation withoffices located in Washington, DC, South Lake Tahoe, San Diego, Nairobi, and Addis Ababa. Our remote staff and consultants are based in multiple states within the United States, and across five continents.

ONGOING RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide Expert Technical Service

• Lead and manage all aspects of research, analysis, and technical assistance activities, ensuring the highest quality and rigor in study design, implementation, and deliverables.
• Oversee the development and application of systematic, documented, and replicable methodologies for data collection, analysis, and evaluation, ensuring transparency in processes and decisions made by research teams.
• Design and implement innovative, diverse, and gender-sensitive methodologies to address USAID's DRG objectives, incorporating gender analysis tools to inform data collection, reporting, and analysis.
• Provide strategic guidance to local universities, research organizations, and networks to strengthen long-term research capacity and foster knowledge sharing aligned with USAID's priorities.
• Develop and execute dissemination plans tailored to diverse audiences, ensuring stakeholders and decision-makers benefit from research findings and investments.
• Generate and share knowledge on best practices, serving as a thought leader in advancing democracy, human rights, and governance within USAID and the broader international development community.
• Support USAID Missions and operating units by delivering high-quality technical assistance and fostering a culture of learning and innovation across the DRG portfolio.

Manage Teams

• Oversee the recruitment, onboarding, and performance management of the team, including consultants, ensuring they meet technical and methodological standards for each task.
• Provide clear guidance, expectations, and support to team throughout the lifecycle of tasks to ensure timely and high-quality deliverables.
• Collaborate with the Project Director to prioritize tasks, allocate resources effectively, and address emerging challenges.
• Strengthen the capacity of research teams by mentoring consultants and local partners in research methods, tools, and best practices.

QUALIFICATION

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree with ten (10) years of relevant experience in DRG research, learning and analysis.
• Minimum three (3) years' experience managing research initiatives or tasks, preferably for USAID or other international development organizations.
• Demonstrates experience designing and implementing systematic, documented, and replicable research methods, including transparent documentation of processes and decisions.
• Demonstrated experience applying different research frameworks/methodologies and best practices in research utilization and dissemination.
• Proven experience collaborating with local partners to build on their research capabilities, enhance their knowledge base, and strengthen their capacity to conduct analytical work that aligns with and advances USAID's objectives.
• Exceptional proficiency in written and spoken English.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field related to Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG) or a closely related discipline.
• Expertise in one or more of the following technical areas: advancing e-governance and digital democracy; strengthening free and fair elections; promoting justice and human rights; fostering inclusive governance; supporting independent media and civic engagement; driving evidence-based policymaking; and implementing anti-corruption strategies.
• Supervisory experience overseeing research teams, including consultants and local partners.
• Demonstrated understanding of Grants Under Contract (GUC) and experience leveraging grants as a tool to achieve technical objectives and strengthen program outcomes.
• Fluency in an additional language, particularly one relevant to USAID's priority regions, is highly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex research findings clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage dynamic workflows and shifting priorities in a research-focused environment.
• Excellent facilitation skills for designing and leading research planning sessions, stakeholder consultations, and dissemination events, both in-person and virtual.
• Knowledge of USAID programming, approaches, and policy.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Eligible for USAID facility access or security clearance.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States with no restrictions.
• Criminal background check required.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The starting salaryrangefor this positionis$149,000-$176,000per year.

Environmental Incentives offers acompetitivebenefitspackagethat includes:

• 100% employer-funded medical, dental, long-term and short-term disability, and life insurance for employees, and the option to enroll in supplemental life insurance.
• Highly competitive 401k contributions that start on day one of your employment. We offer environmentally responsible investment options.
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time. You'll also get paid time off opportunities each year to vote and volunteer at a charity of your choice!
• As an Employee Stock Ownership company, you'll share in our success and benefit from company growth.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your application immediately. On a rolling basis throughout the application period, we will review applications and contact qualified candidates for additional information.

ENVIRONMENTAL INCENTIVES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

We are committed to developing an inclusive work environment for allemployees, where diversity of thought, style, culture, and skill is valued in support of individualperformance and potential, as well as our business goals and mission. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity orexpression, or and othercharacteristicprotected by federal, state or local laws.

ReasonableAccommodation:

Applicants with disabilities may contact Environmental Incentives coordinators via telephone, e-mail, and other means to request and arrange for accommodations. If you need assistance to accommodate a disability, you may request an accommodation at any time. Please contact Human Resources:

Aleedra Straughter

Chief People Officer

Phone: (771) 210-1173

E-mail:careers@enviroincentives.com