World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organisation working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision is dedicated to working with the world’s most vulnerable people regardless of their religion, caste, gender or ethnicity. World Vision has been in Sri Lanka since 1977 working in relief and development projects in 20 districts across the country. At World Vision we are passionate about children and are committed to bringing fullness of life to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. Every day for thirty five years, that is what our team at World Vision has been doing. We are looking for dynamic individuals to join us on our journey of caring. Research Officer Location: Based in Colombo with travel JOB PROFILE The position will develop a solid evidence base through research that feeds into organizational strategy and programming decisions making processes in ensuring World Vision Lanka(WVL) adopts timely changes to strategic priorities & program design based on evidence based research findings . The position will generates learning through well designed research studies and in bringing knowledge and expertise to the organization through collaborations with external research institutions and other stakeholders and from external knowledge sources. Assist technical programmmes by providing necessary learning and researching guidance MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES Designs and implements research studies that feeds into organizational strategic decision making- Ensure WVL adopts timely changes to strategic priorities & program design based on evidence based research findings – 40%

• Identify research priorities with proper rationale based on organisation strategy and past performance and issues and trends in the development sector
• Conceptualize research themes and formulate research designs
• Timely completion of research concepts, proposals and research project plans
• Formulate recommendations based on the internal and external research findings
• Device methodologies and time bound plans to ensure recommendations are adopted in to strategic and programmatic advancement
• Ensure ethical consideration in research products to facilitate publicizing WVL research in
• WVL adopts timely changes to strategic priorities and program designs based on evidence based research findings
• Produce high quality research reports

High quality analysis and collaborative research work with internal stakeholders for effective technical programming and implementation of the country strategy- Increased internal stakeholder engagement in research, learning & evidence based porgramme decision making – 20%

• Establish, build and sustains effective relationships with internal stakeholders and depart knowledge of research to them to ensure applying them in work assignments
• Formulate appropriate methodologies for collaborative research with WV colleagues within and outside the EE&I team
• Review literatures and analyses similar studies related to the issues
• Develop and test appropriate tools those are essential to the research projects (such as questionnaires, structured group discussions etc.)
• Supervise the collection and collation of both quantitative and qualitative data, including fact finding missions
• Produce research based user friendly information to internal stakeholders

Effective management of knowledge:WVL and partnership Knowledge management processors are benefitted by WVL research initiatives &WVL learn from partnership level and external research knowledge bases – 20%

• Create new knowledge using different development approaches and recommend alternative course of action that is needed to increase the efficiency of WVL programming and impact
• Contributing to create new knowledge based on research outputs
• Effective participation in information sharing and learning initiatives, such as case study and technical paper writing, conferences, and webex meetings.
• Summarize complex information and present in accessible and user friendly ways  Maintain high quality research based information that is relevant to organization and share when and where essential
• Utilize relevant research reports, statistical reports and other literatures in the development sector periodically

Collaboration with external research stakeholders - WVL establishes influential partnerships with leading external research institutions; both national and international-10%

• Identify areas for collaborative research and establish partnership universities and other research institutes that focus on formulating innovative solutions development issues
• Develop and maintain strong collaborative working relationships with WV support offices
• Dissemination of research in national/international forums/journals

Resource acquisition through research partnerships – Grants & partnership efforts are strengthened by appropriate research and evidence bases – 10%

• Identify potential research opportunities that are relevant to WV and find resource support from other institutions
• Formulate research proposals and plans to secure funding to carry out researches
• Facilitate research that provide evidences to corporate partnerships and resource acquisition departments in developing grant proposals

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

• A Master degree in Social Sciences, International development, Statistics, Community Development or any relevant professional qualification with independent research work, demonstrates the capacity for critical analysis and application of specialist knowledge.
• Minimum 05 years of experience in research in development sector
• Minimum 3 years’ progressive experience design and implementing evidence based programme quality related processes within an organization
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Sinhala or Tamil.
• Thorough understanding of the development context, preferably with experience in conducting fact-finding programs, data collation & the evaluation of field based raw data
• Experience in networking with government/institutional donors, working in a consultancy company, an international organisation or such other entity.
• Operational knowledge of MS Office Suite & statistical packages including SPSS, Epi etc& working knowledge of statistics and methodology for data analysis
• Strong organizational, facilitation, interpersonal and cross cultural skills
• Excellent inter-personnel relationship skills
• Ability to work in a team in a cross-cultural environment
• Willing & able to travel domestically & internationally upto 40% of the time

PREFERRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

• Excellent conceptual thinking and analytical skills

• Excellent use of statistical packages and presentation skills
• Self-motivated, capable of working innovatory
• Ability to influence and contribute effectively for departmental strategic planning
• Ability to design and execute a facilitation process with appropriate and relevant facilitation tools
• Ability to get consensus and collaboration across many business units; ability to explain complex concepts in layman's language
• Knowledge on holistic development and vulnerable context
• A satisfactory knowledge & understanding of LEAP/TDI/ DPA standards and related DME Processes
• Excellent knowledge about research philosophies, principles, definitions, scientific tool and techniques
• Expert knowledge of information presentation techniques and interpret them
• Commitment to WV's Ministry Framework, the vision, mission, core values and guiding principles
• Minimum 3 years’ progressive experience design and implementing evidence based programme quality related processes within an organization
• Experience with World Vision programmes will be an advantage
• Knowledge & experience on technical sector based programs

World Vision Lanka offers a competitive remuneration package based on individual competence and skills. If you meet the required criteria and wish to apply for this or any of the available vacancies, select the position you wish to apply for & submit your on-line application with your CV and details of three non-related referees on or before the given closing date. Only short listed candidates will be notified. This offer of employment is made contingent upon the successful completion of all applicable background checks, including criminal record checks. World Vision is committed to the protection of children and does not employ staff whose background is not suitable for working with children