Lead of Research and Partnerships, USAID SPARK (Hybrid)

Job Description

The Institute of International Education (IIE) is looking to hire a Lead of Research and Partnerships for the anticipated USAID Strategic Partnerships for Advancing Research and Knowledge (SPARK) program.

SPARK will fund locally-led research in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), in collaboration with researchers in the U.

S., to develop and disseminate solutions to local and global challenges.

We invite you to join a team united by a single goal : to transform our interconnected world into a network of more peaceful and equitable societies.

IIE’s team members share a belief that when education transcends borders, it opens minds, enabling people to go beyond building connections to solving problems together.

Learn more about IIE, our culture and commitment to DEIA here .

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Job Summary

The Lead of Research and Partnerships will provide technical expertise and oversight of SPARK research and partnership activities, including responsibility for supporting the development and release of Research Calls under SPARK.

They will lead the selection process for subaward partnerships and research teams and be the primary coordinators between USAID M / B / IOs wishing to create new Research Calls and potential research teams and local universities.

The Lead of Research and Partnerships will have expertise in research partnership development and will lead development of the SPARK partnership framework.

They will also lead and facilitate the SPARK co-creation and co-design processes to support the development of SPARK program descriptions, as well as those conducted with prospective grantees during the application process.

Essential Functions :

Works with USAID ITR / R to develop and lead process for conducting outreach to Missions to garner buy-in for SPARK research opportunities, in collaboration with the program’s Communications Specialist.

Leads co-creation process with Missions, ITR / R, and local stakeholders to develop grant opportunities that align with Mission priorities.

• Develops a grants program and partnership development process that is inclusive and demand-driven and supports equitable partnerships between US and LMIC researchers and institutions.
• Co-designs and leads implementation of SPARK’s capacity strengthening efforts for applicants and grantees.
• Supports underserved and LMIC institutions to apply for grants that align with self-identified capacity strengthening needs, in alignment with USAID’s Local Capacity Strengthening Policy.
• Engages with primary stakeholders at grantee organizations; provides access to coaching, experts, and resources; and connects and cultivates networks to expand the impact of their grant activity.
• Applies principles of Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) to lead ongoing, proactive co-design, development and refinement of the partnership and grants management activities with grantees, partners, USAID ITR / R and relevant Missions, and SPARK team to identify strategies to support SPARK goals.
• Collaborates with the MEL Specialist to develop evaluation frameworks, key performance indicators, and measurement tools for grantees aligned with overall SPARK evaluation framework.

Reviews grantee data and metrics, and reports outcomes, successes, and recommendations to develop and adapt the strategy, approach, and interventions.

• Oversees knowledge capture and management to share best practices and effective methodologies aligned with SPARK goals among grantees.
• Coordinates with Program Director, Assistant Director of USAID Programs, and Grants Manager to identify and coordinate grants program activities.
• Develops a roster of technical specialists in higher education and training development which can support grantees.
• Coordinates with Grants Manager to monitor and mitigate risks to grantees’ compliance with contract requirements.

This position is contingent on funding.

Job Requirements

Education and Work Experience :

Requires a bachelor's degree and at least eight (8) years of related work experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

• Bachelor’s degree in international development or related field.
• Experience collaborating with local organizations, preferably with higher education institutions.
• Demonstrated experience working with universities, researchers, research organizations, or networks of researchers in support of addressing complex research problems.
• Demonstrated experience supporting international collaboration, preferably in research and higher education partnerships;

as well as policy development and enactment processes, preferably in LMIC environments.

• Experience in grants management.
• Experience in conducting outreach for research and / or stakeholder buy-in.
• Understanding of and experience in working with USAID missions.
• Excellent facilitation skills and experience.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills; must be accurate, detail-oriented and follow through on assignments.
• Proven strong team building, capacity building and management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and analytic skills for presentations and reporting.
• Fluency in English.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

• Minimum of five (5) years experience coordinating or managing multi-award research programs preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year of non-U.S.-based field experience conducting research in one or more LMICs strongly desired.
• Master’s degree or other advanced degree preferred.

Salary Range : $90,314 - $109,190. A candidate’s salary is determined by various factors including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, job-related knowledge, skills, abilities, internal organizational equity, and geographic region.

IIE offers a robust suite of benefits to team members including medical, dental, and vision plans, paid time off and holidays, student loan and tuition reimbursement programs, professional development reimbursement program, retirement plans and a family medical leave benefits.

Please visit our careers page for further details.

The Institute of International Education ( IIE ) has a hybrid work environment that allows team members a combination of in-office work and telework at any of the locations listed above.

Work Conditions & Physical Demands :

Essential functions are performed in a general office setting with low noise. Job demands may require long periods of sitting;

telephone work and / or computer work, as well as interactions with other team members and external stakeholders. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

IIE is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.