Researcher

Job Overview:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the leading providers of high-quality programming for refugees resettling to the United States. Switchboard is a one-stop resource hub for refugee service providers in the United States (U.S.), supported by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) and implemented by the IRC. More information about Switchboard can be found at www.SwitchboardTA.org.

Switchboard is seeking to hire a Researcher to improve the capacity of refugee service providers to deliver evidence-based and evidence-informed services. Specifically, this role will focus on improving and expanding Switchboard’s online evidence database in order to make the best-available research evidence accessible to resettlement service providers in the U.S.The Researcher will report to a Senior Researcher and collaborate closely with various research, innovation, evaluation, and learning initiatives within the IRC.

Major Responsibilities:

• Develop and advise on a range of evidence products designed to strengthen outcomes related to practice.
• Identify relevant and pressing evidence gaps in the literature and collaborate with colleagues to implement effective strategies to address these.
• Lead on the conceptualization, development, and implementation of high-quality empirical research studies that address Switchboard’s research and evidence priorities, using both qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Lead on the development of high-quality and publishable literature reviews.
• Present the state of evidence externally, contributing to Switchboard and IRC thought leadership.
• Supervision, mentorship and oversight of staff and interns.
• Support for the dissemination of evidence and optimizing its implications for research and practice—e.g. reviewing infographics, participating in webinars, and supporting the development of evidence maps.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• Master’s or doctoral degree in a relevant field (health, social work, social science, education, etc.).
• At least 10 years of demonstrated research experience, including experience carrying out systematic searches (such as evidence mapping, literature reviews, systematic reviews or similar) or interpreting systematic reviews.
• Strong understanding of the field of implementation science.
• Familiarity with implementation outcomes and measures.
• Strong background in research on resettlement, asylum, and integration.
• Strong record of peer reviewed publication.
• Strong qualitative and quantitative analysis and interpretation skills.
• Ability to identify policy and practice implications, based on evidence.
• Understanding of research designs used to generate causal inference.
• Ability to write brief summaries of research in non-technical language.
• Demonstrated ability to work to deadlines and produce high-quality products.
• Demonstrated ability to lead research teams through the research project cycle.
• Demonstrated mentorship qualities.
• Demonstrated familiarity and/or experience with Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)-funded refugee resettlement and integration services.
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.

Working Environment:

• Fully remote working environment.

Compensation: Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

US Benefits: The IRC offers a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. All US employees are eligible for sick time, a 403b retirement savings plans: up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus an 3-7% additional IRC contribution, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

In addition, full-time employees are eligible for 10 US paid holidays, 20-25 paid time off days, disability & life insurance, medical, dental, and vision insurance (employee contribution starting at $135, $7, and $5 per month respectively) and FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs. Part-time employees are eligible for a proportionate amount of paid time off. These additional benefits apply to employees who work at least 6 months within a 12 month time period.