Senior Research Associate (Data Collection), India

About the Role

We are looking for a Senior Research Associate to join our growing Research Operations team, and manage remote data collection with a global network of Research Assistants and partners to collect high-quality data.

Senior Research Associates play a crucial role as the guardians of the 60 Decibels data collection machine. They manage data collection projects end-to-end, receiving a scoped project mandate from our client services team and ensuring the resourcing, timeliness and quality of data collection, primarily by overseeing the work of Research Coordinators who manage remote, part-time Research Assistants (enumerators) and vendors. Key tasks include liaising with the Client Services team to define and clarify the scope of data collection, supervising data collection, conducting data integrity and data quality checks at regular intervals, coaching direct reports (Research Coordinators), and managing performance. Senior Research Associate also partner across teams and functions to implement new systems, processes and workflows. In some cases, they are managing third-party suppliers through the same processes to yield timely and high quality data.

The Senior Research Associate will:

• Liaise with Client Services team to clarify and approve project scope for data collection
• Supervise Research Coordinators to ensure:
  • Data collection systems are properly set up prior to launch and are running smoothly and continuously updated throughout the project (call tracker, survey platform)
  • Research Assistants are adequately trained on data collection protocols, data quality control procedures, project- or survey-specific instructions, how to best extract and capture detailed, verbatim qualitative responses
  • Complete, accurate, clean and consistent data is collected and shared with project teams for analysis and reporting; includes coaching and guidance on establishing custom data quality checks
  • Data collection timelines are met through proactive planning and problem-solving as well as management of Research Assistants and third-party partners
• Identify areas for process improvement and recommend strategies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in data collection and Research Associate management
• Manage several data collection projects simultaneously, prioritizing them to meet revenue obligations by ensuring timely delivery and high-quality results
• Conduct weekly detailed reviews of data collected to ensure data quality, give feedback to Research Coordinators, and ensure errors are addressed before data collection ends
• Communicate project updates to Client Services team, seeking clarification where needed, or updates on progress
• Partner cross-functionally to ensure success of more complex batch projects or initiatives, including setting up workflows and guidelines for initiatives of 30+ projects, suggesting opportunities to improve workflows and efficiencies
• Manage to and report on performance against functional KPIs, including data collection timeliness and data quality
• Manage supplier relationships to ensure high quality, timely data collection is provided as agreed

About You

First and foremost, you bring compassion and dedication to this work because it matters to you. You take pride in delivering high quality data, no matter the complexity or challenges along the way, and have demonstrated success doing this across a range of circumstances.. You have a bias towards action: you don’t shy away from roadblocks but actively tackle problems in a way that leads to the best outcomes and brings teams together. You are a skilled people manager, have a growth mindset, and know the value of being a part of an effective team. More specifically, you bring:

• 7+ years of relevant professional experience; experience managing data collection, market research or impact measurement programs strongly preferred
• Demonstrated success using Microsoft Excel is a mandatory requirement for this role, as you will be working extensively with large and complex datasets, and coaching others to do the same
• Intermediate data analysis skills; able to track sample representativeness, identify patterns or inconsistencies in data, evaluate for completeness and logical flow, set up unique quality checks
• Demonstrated success managing people and high performing teams to deliver desired outcomes; cross-cultural competency a must
• Critical thinking; able to identify roadblocks and potential solutions, evaluate if a solution is fit-for-purpose, seek alternatives when it’s not
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully with diverse teams across different regions. Proven success managing individuals is a key ingredient for success in this role
• Demonstrated experience with managing supplier relationships for high data quality
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks; proven self-starter, proactive problem-solver with strong communication and project management skills
• Demonstrated comfort navigating and learning new tools is a must: we use a combination of Qualtrics, Airtable, Slack and other standard Microsoft and G-Suite tools
• Demonstrated interest in or commitment to tackling global development and social issues.

Interested in applying?

Deadline: Candidates are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

Location: Bangalore, India (hybrid)