We are seeking a highly motivated professional to fill this pivotal role, where you will play a key part in driving our team’s success through innovative solutions and strategic execution. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record of [specific skills or experience, e.g., “managing cross-functional projects”] and a deep understanding of [relevant industry or field]. You will be responsible for [key responsibility, e.g., “leading initiatives to optimize operational efficiency”] while collaborating closely with stakeholders to achieve organizational goals. A strong background in [specific area, e.g., “data analysis or project management”] and exceptional problem-solving abilities are essential. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that shape the future of our organization, making it an excellent fit for those eager to advance their career in a dynamic environment.
The Research Standards Coordinator serves as a key operational leader within the IRC Research Pillar, collaborating closely with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) to uphold rigorous ethical standards, data protection protocols, and regulatory compliance for all research involving human subjects affiliated with the IRC. This position oversees the complete IRB submission process—from initial assessment and assignment of protocol numbers to coordinating reviews, communicating decisions, and concluding protocols—and acts as the primary liaison between research teams, IRB reviewers, board members, and external ethics organizations. In addition to IRB management, the Coordinator spearheads researcher training on standard operating procedures, curates research resources on Rescue Net, hosts the Research Community of Practice, and organizes Research Pillar-wide meetings, establishing this role as an essential hub for collaboration across the IRC research network.
Oversee and execute key duties encompassing strategic planning and operational oversight to ensure organizational objectives are met with precision and efficiency. Lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project execution, fostering alignment with company goals while maintaining high standards of accountability. Develop and implement policies, procedures, and performance metrics to enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and mitigate risks across departments. Conduct regular assessments to evaluate team performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement targeted solutions to optimize outcomes. Serve as a liaison between senior leadership and staff to facilitate transparent communication, resolve conflicts, and promote a cohesive work environment. Ensure compliance with industry regulations and internal guidelines to uphold legal and ethical standards.
The role involves overseeing and managing Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes, which constitutes approximately 40% of the position’s responsibilities. This includes ensuring compliance with ethical standards, coordinating IRB submissions, and facilitating smooth review procedures. Additionally, the position requires meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational skills to handle the administrative demands of IRB operations effectively.
Oversee the complete IRB submission process, from initial receipt and triage of incoming protocols to the assignment of sector-coded IRB numbers. Conduct thorough administrative reviews to assess completeness, recommend the appropriate review category (exempt, expedited, or full board) to the IRB Chair, and act as the primary liaison between research teams and the IRB throughout the submission, review, and close out phases.
Coordinate all aspects of review logistics, ensuring efficient management of reviewer assignments and timely distribution of materials for expedited reviews. For full board reviews, oversee pre-meeting preparations, including confirming quorum, verifying conflict of interest disclosures, distributing agendas and materials, and coordinating venue arrangements and remote call setups. Additionally, draft all IRB decision letters, submit them to the IRB Chair for approval within 24 hours of the review decision, and promptly issue signed letters to the research teams once finalized.
Oversee the meticulous organization and maintenance of comprehensive, audit-ready records encompassing all IRB actions and communications—such as submissions, determinations, correspondence, reportable events, and protocol closures—while guaranteeing that all documentation is accurately filed in Box and the protocol tracking system in real time.
Oversee continuous regulatory compliance initiatives by administering the IRB board roster and ensuring timely ethics certificate renewals, coordinating ORP registration and Federalwide Assurance (FWA) renewal processes, tracking protocol expiration dates, and compiling quarterly IRB update reports for the Institutional Official.
Research Quality and Compliance Coordination accounts for approximately 35% of the position’s responsibilities, encompassing the oversight and maintenance of adherence to regulatory standards, quality assurance protocols, and institutional guidelines. This role involves the systematic evaluation of research processes to identify compliance gaps, implementing corrective measures, and ensuring alignment with federal, state, and internal policies. Key duties include coordinating with investigators, institutional review boards (IRS), and regulatory agencies, as well as developing and disseminating compliance training programs to foster a culture of research integrity. The incumbent will also monitor audit findings, track corrective actions, and prepare comprehensive reports to demonstrate regulatory compliance to stakeholders.
Design and administer training programs tailored for researchers and research teams, focusing on IRC Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for data collection, analysis, and management, including implementation methodologies and monitoring techniques. Additionally, oversee the tracking of training completion and compile reports highlighting any deficiencies for submission to the Director of Research and the IRB as part of the quarterly compliance assessment.
Maintain and periodically refresh all research forms, templates, and guidance documents housed on Rescue Net to ensure staff have access to resources that consistently reflect the most current approved SOPs and IRB standards.
Provide assistance in conducting quarterly evaluations of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) compliance in collaboration with the IRB Chair and the Data Science Research Lead, while aiding in the detection and resolution of systemic compliance deficiencies throughout the research portfolio.
Operate and maintain AI-enabled tools integrated within IRC’s research workflows, facilitating the AI for Research initiative by piloting these tools with research teams, offering expert guidance on responsible and ethical AI deployment, and assisting in the development of researcher guidance that aligns with IRC’s data protection and IRB standards.
The Research Team Support and Facilitation role constitutes approximately 25% of the position’s responsibilities. This includes providing administrative assistance and operational support to ensure seamless collaboration among team members. Responsibilities encompass organizing meetings, managing documentation, and facilitating communication to enhance productivity and efficiency within the research team.
Oversee the planning and execution of the IRC Research Community of Practice, ensuring its operations as a dynamic hub for methodological learning and cross-team knowledge exchange. Facilitate regular convening and coordinate contributors to maintain an active and engaged community resource.
Organize and lead Research Pillar-wide meetings by preparing agendas in collaboration with the Director of Research, managing logistics, and ensuring follow-through on action items.
Act as the primary liaison for research teams addressing IRB and SOP compliance inquiries; curate and update researcher-focused guidance, frequently asked questions, and submission support resources within Rescue Net.
Support the IRC’s network of Data Champions by organizing methodology clinics and facilitating the flow of feedback from country teams to the IRB Chair and Board.
Reporting Structure: The selected candidate will report directly to the Chief Financial Officer, collaborating closely to ensure alignment with strategic objectives and financial governance standards. This role will serve as a key liaison between senior leadership and department heads, facilitating transparent communication and cohesive decision-making processes. The incumbent is expected to provide precise, actionable financial insights to support executive-level planning and operational efficiency.
The Research Standards Coordinator operates under the supervision of the Director of Research, with the majority of daily responsibilities executed in collaboration with the IRB Chair—who oversees critical ethical review processes and board determinations—and the Data Science Research Lead, responsible for shared analytical tools, standard operating procedure development, and the operational framework of research data infrastructure that this role supports. These three key partnerships constitute the primary operational framework for the position. Additionally, the Research Standards Coordinator engages frequently with the Institutional Official, Data Stewards, Principal Investigators, Data Managers, Analysts, and the IT/Box Administrator. While the role does not include supervisory duties, it facilitates coordination among a network of IRB reviewers and Data Champions across headquarters and regional offices, and interacts with external ethics entities, local IRS, ORP, and collaborating institutions as mandated by specific study protocols.
Job Requirements include a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, along with a minimum of three years of experience in software development. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++, as well as strong problem-solving abilities and excellent communication skills. Familiarity with agile methodologies, cloud technologies, and version control systems is highly desirable. The role requires the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, adapt to changing priorities, and deliver high-quality solutions within defined timelines.
A bachelor’s degree in public health, social sciences, research administration, law, or a closely related discipline is required.
A master’s degree is strongly preferred.
Minimum of three years of experience in research administration, IRB coordination, ethics compliance, or a related field is required.
Experienced in developing and executing training or capacity-building initiatives tailored for research personnel.
Skilled in establishing and leading a community of practice, working group, or comparable collaborative platform to foster engagement and shared learning.
Proficiency in humanitarian, international development, or NGO research settings is required.
Seeking a professional who excels in key skills and possesses the necessary competencies for success in this role. The ideal candidate must demonstrate proficiency in [specific skills, e.g., project management, data analysis, or communication], alongside a strong ability to [relevant competencies, e.g., problem-solving, leadership, or adaptability]. Proficiency in [specific tools or methodologies, if applicable] is essential, as is a track record of [specific achievements or experiences]. The position requires the capacity to [specific task or responsibility], with an emphasis on [core requirement]. A commitment to continuous improvement, collaboration, and excellence is fundamental to thriving in this position.
Demonstrated proficiency in organizational and project management, with the capacity to oversee diverse protocols, training initiatives, and meeting timelines concurrently while maintaining meticulous attention to precision.
Proficient in both written and spoken English, with a strong ability to articulate intricate regulatory and methodological requirements in a clear and accessible manner to research teams, regardless of their experience levels.
Demonstrated expertise in document management solutions such as box or equivalent platforms, along with content management systems like Rescue Net or similar tools, and a proven ability to maintain meticulously organized, audit-ready records.
Proficient understanding of data protection principles, including Personally Identifiable Information (PII), informed consent, and data minimization, as well as established research ethics frameworks such as the Belmont Report and FAIR principles, is required.
A collaborative approach is essential, enabling you to cultivate strong connections with both HQ and country-level teams within a complex international organizational structure.
Proficiency in utilizing AI-enabled tools within a professional research environment is required, coupled with a thorough grasp of responsible AI utilization principles—such as transparency, human oversight, and ethical considerations—as they pertain to humanitarian research.
Highly desirable qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, preferably in computer science, engineering, or a closely related discipline. Candidates should demonstrate at least three years of hands-on experience in software development or a related technical role, with a proven track record of delivering robust, scalable solutions. Familiarity with industry-standard programming languages, such as Python, Java, or C++, and experience with version control systems like Git are essential. Additionally, exposure to cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud) and DevOps practices is advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication skills, and a collaborative mindset are also highly valued.
Experienced in overseeing Institutional Review Board (IRB) or ethical review procedures, with a strong understanding of 45 CFR 46 (Common Rule) and the registration mandates set forth by the Office for Human Research Protections (ORP) and Federalwide Assurance (FWA).
Seeking candidates with a Certified IRB Professional (CIP) certification or those actively pursuing this credential.
Proficiency in registering Pre-Analysis Plans through established platforms such as 3ie RIDE, the AEA RCT Registry, or ClinicalTrials.gov is required.
Proficient in employing qualitative and mixed-methods research methodologies, with a strong understanding of their ethical implications within humanitarian settings.
Experience working with or implementing AI-enabled tools in a research, data, or knowledge management context
We maintain a collaborative workspace that fosters innovation and professional growth. Safety protocols are strictly followed to ensure a secure environment for all employees. Diverse perspectives are valued, as we believe they enhance problem-solving and creativity. Continuous learning opportunities are encouraged to support career development and skill enhancement.
International travel may occasionally be necessary to facilitate on-site research activities, accounting for a maximum of 10% of the role’s responsibilities.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
3 years
