Research Manager

Salary between 67.631 - 84.538 Euro

Job Type: Full-Time

Fixed term (18 months)

Location: IB (International Baccalaureate®) Global Centre, The Hague

Hybrid working opportunity

About the IB

If you're looking to work for a global organisation with a meaningful mission, and with colleagues all over the world, then the International Baccalaureate® (IB) may have the ideal opportunity for you! The International Baccalaureate provides world-class educational services to over 5,500 schools across 159 countries. A career at IB is not just a job; it’s an opportunity to work with an innovative world leader in education services and contribute to our 50-year mission of creating a better and more peaceful world. Apply now to join our global organisation where we empower our employees to thrive and make a difference.

About the job

The Research Manager is an essential role within the Research and Design (R&D) department, leading the design, implementation and management of research projects that support the strategic agenda of the department and the organisation. The jobholder engages in commissioned and internal research projects as assigned by the Senior Research Manager. The Research Manager provides end-to-end management, oversight and accountability of externally commissioned research projects. The jobholder serves as IB representative in negotiating and implementing commissioned research agreements with external research vendors such as education research centers, institutes, universities, worlwide. The jobholder provides research thought leadership to ensure that current and future development of the IB programmes and services is informed by valid educational theories and findings based on rigorous research methods.

The role requires extensive knowledge of education research methods (quantiative, qualitative and mixed methods), critical thinking competencies for evaluating the quality of research proposals and deliverables, advanced written and oral communication, project planning and management skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with external researchers and IB staff across the organization.

The post-holder reports directly to the Senior Research Manager.

Role and responsibilities

Contribute to the planning, design and execution of the Research & Design department agenda

• Along with the Senior Manager and Head of Research & Design, contributes to the planning and execution of the long-term research agenda, with attention to education research projects related to foresight, exploration, design and implementation of IB programmes
• Examines and provides accurate information to the Senior Research Manager regarding the availability of data sources for research projects.

Leads the design, implementation and management commissioned research projects

• Manages efficiently all aspects of the research projects in their portfolio, from development to completion. Responsible for direct management of 3-5 commissioned and/or internal research projects annually.
• Prepares high quality RFPs that lead to the submission of quality research proposals
• Selects appropriate and qualified vendors based on proposals submitted
• Manages effective communications with external vendors
• Provides timely and accurate feedback on interim and final reports and throughout the duration of projects
• Together with the Senior Research Manager, ensures that the commissioned and internal research projects apply the most current and rigorous methodologies, quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques, resulting in valid conclusions in line with the standards of the field of educational research.

Engages in internal research projects and related activities

• Engages in data analyses and research projects as assigned by the Senior Research Manager. Such projects may include new research projects on the department’s research calendar, and other projects prioritized by the Executive Team and the Head of Research.
• Ensures that projects are conducted to the highest standards of professional and technical quality
• Conducts internal dissemination activities, presentations and workshops to IB staff, in connection to the research projects and activities in their portfolio.

Contributes to the research stakeholder engagement and communication activities

• Represents the research department on internal committees, working groups, and other collaborations, determined in consultation with the Senior Research Manager.
• Engages in internal dissemination activities, including presentations and workshops to IB staff; ensures that researched findings are shared with relevant stakeholders and considered for decision making and continous improvement across the organization, determined in consultation with the Senior Research Manager.
• Engages in external dissemination activities, including participation in educational research and IB global conferences, determined in consultation with the Senior Research Manager
• Expands/maintains expertise in one or more areas of educational research and international education, sufficient to function as an in-house expert.

About you

• Doctoral degree in educational research or related field (e.g., programme evaluation, educational psychology, educational measurement, statistics, psychology)
• At least two years of experience in conducting educational research and evaluation studies, preferably in an international context, applying qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods
• Experience in managing research projects, grants and/or contract proposals, with high research standards, timeliness, and on-budget execution
• Knowledge of the IB as an organization as well as the many contexts in which IB stakeholders operate and interact with the IB
• Familiarity with the data sources available for research in the field of education
• Experience in presenting research to diverse audiences
• Experience in drafting concise, high-level research summaries and briefings, scientific articles, in the area of education
• Proficiency in using software packages for education/social sciences data analysis such as SPSS, SAS, R, Nvivo
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft suite (i.e. Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint)
• Excellent communications skills (both written and verbal)
• Excellent analytic and critical thinking abilities
• Excellent organization skills, including the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment within and across departments and divisions
• Apply appropriate quantitative and/or qualitative techniques to collect and analyze data
• Proven commitment to meet the agreed timeline, as negotiated with line manager/head of research
• Ability to provide timely, constructive, and relevant feedback on a research methodology, research tools or report
• Excellent problem solving and analytic and critical thinking abilities
• Proven commitment for high research standards
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and achieve results under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively and positively with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels and across multiple cultural contexts
• Excellent attention to detail in developing research proposals, documents and other resources
• Receptive to feedback and continuous improvement

In addition to your salary, we offer an attractive range of benefits including: [Will vary by region]

• employer pension contribution
• 25 Days annual leave, plus public holidays, with the choice to buy up to 5 days additional annual leave
• Life assurance
• Flexible working hours
• Excellent continuous professional development
• 2.5% Flexible benefits allowance

Applications will be accepted until 5 April 2025.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement: We are committed to building a working environment that values respect, diversity, and compassion. The International Baccalaureate is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified applicants.