We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled professional to join our team in the position of [Job Title]. This role focuses on [briefly describe primary function, e.g., developing innovative solutions, managing complex projects, or enhancing operational efficiency]. The ideal candidate will possess a [degree, certification, or experience, e.g., Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, PMP certification, or 5+ years in project management], along with proficiency in [key skills, e.g., data analysis, cloud computing, or team leadership]. Responsibilities include [list 2-3 core duties, e.g., designing scalable software architectures, leading cross-functional teams, or optimizing supply chain logistics]. Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving abilities are essential, as the role requires collaboration with stakeholders to [achieve a specific outcome, e.g., drive business growth, implement strategic initiatives, or improve customer satisfaction].
The Research Standards Coordinator serves as a key operational figure within the IRC Research Pillar, collaborating closely with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) to uphold rigorous ethical standards, data security, and regulatory compliance for all IRC-affiliated research involving human participants. This role oversees the complete IRB submission process—including initial triage, protocol numbering, review coordination, outcome dissemination, and protocol finalization—and acts as the primary liaison between research teams, IRB reviewers, board members, and external ethics oversight bodies. In addition to IRB management, the Coordinator spearheads researcher training on standard operating procedures, curates research resources on Rescue Net, fosters the Research Community of Practice, and facilitates institutional meetings across the Research Pillar, thereby strengthening collaboration and cohesion within the IRC research ecosystem.
Oversees a comprehensive range of critical duties encompassing strategic planning, operational management, and team leadership to drive organizational success. Facilitates cross-functional collaboration, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives while maintaining high performance standards. Develops and implements innovative policies, processes, and best practices to optimize efficiency, productivity, and compliance across all departments. Analyzes key performance indicators, financial data, and market trends to inform data-driven decision-making and long-term growth strategies. Leads and mentors senior-level staff, fostering a culture of accountability, professional development, and continuous improvement. Ensures adherence to regulatory requirements, ethical standards, and industry best practices to mitigate risks and uphold organizational integrity.
IRB administration and coordination constitute approximately 40% of the time commitment for this role, encompassing critical responsibilities in overseeing research compliance and ensuring adherence to ethical standards. This position demands meticulous attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects while maintaining precise documentation and regulatory compliance. The role requires collaboration with investigators, research teams, and regulatory bodies to streamline approval processes, facilitate timely reviews, and uphold the highest standards of research integrity and participant protection.
Oversee the complete lifecycle of IRB submissions by receiving and prioritizing incoming protocols, assigning sector-coded IRB numbers, performing administrative completeness reviews, advising the IRB Chair on the appropriate review type (exempt, expedited, or full board), and acting as the primary liaison between research teams and the IRB from initial submission through project close out.
Coordinate all review logistics by overseeing the assignment and distribution of materials for expedited reviews, and for full board reviews, handle pre-meeting preparations such as confirming quorum, verifying conflicts of interest, distributing agendas and materials, and arranging venue and remote call setups. Prepare all IRB decision letters and submit them to the IRB Chair for approval within 24 hours of the review decision, followed by promptly issuing the signed letters to the research teams.
Ensure all IRB actions and interactions—such as submissions, determinations, correspondence, reportable events, and protocol closures—are meticulously documented and maintained in audit-ready condition. Verify that all records are accurately and promptly filed in Box and the protocol tracking system in real time.
Oversee regulatory compliance activities on an ongoing basis: administer the IRB board roster and track renewal deadlines for ethics certifications, coordinate ORP registration and Federalwide Assurance (FWA) renewals, track protocol expiration dates, and compile quarterly IRB update reports for submission to the Institutional Official.
Research Quality and Compliance Coordination comprises approximately 35% of the position’s responsibilities, focusing on ensuring adherence to regulatory standards, maintaining data integrity, and overseeing quality assurance protocols to support research initiatives. This role involves meticulous documentation, regular audits, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to mitigate risks, streamline processes, and uphold compliance with institutional, federal, and industry-specific guidelines. Additionally, the position requires a keen attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to interpret complex regulations to implement effective compliance strategies.
Design and provide instructional programs for researchers and research teams focused on IRC Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Data Collection, Data Analysis, and Data Management and Storage, ensuring comprehensive coverage of their implementation and oversight. Monitor and document training completion, then compile and submit reports on identified training gaps to the Director of Research and the IRB as part of the quarterly compliance monitoring process.
Consistently review and refresh all research forms, templates, and guidance materials housed on Rescue Net to guarantee that staff resources remain compliant with the most recent SOPs and IRB standards.
Support quarterly evaluations of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) compliance in collaboration with the IRB Chair and the Data Science Research Lead, while assisting in the detection and resolution of systemic compliance challenges within the research portfolio.
Operate and maintain AI-enabled tools integral to IRC’s research workflows, while contributing to the IRC AI for Research initiative by piloting these tools with research teams, offering guidance on responsible and ethical AI application, and assisting in the creation of researcher guidance aligned with IRC data protection and IRB standards.
Research Team Support and Facilitation, comprising roughly 25% of responsibilities, entails providing comprehensive assistance to the research team through logistical coordination, resource allocation, and administrative oversight to ensure seamless project execution and optimal productivity.
Organize and lead the IRC Research Community of Practice by planning and hosting recurring meetings, managing contributors, and sustaining an engaged platform for methodological education and collaborative knowledge-sharing across teams.
Facilitate and structure Research Pillar-wide meetings by preparing agendas in collaboration with the Director of Research, coordinating logistics, and ensuring follow-through on assigned action items.
Act as the primary liaison for research teams addressing Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) compliance; design, curate, and update researcher-focused guidance resources, FAQs, and submission support materials within the Rescue Net platform.
Provide assistance to the IRC’s network of Data Champions by organizing methodology workshops and facilitating the transmission of feedback from country teams to the IRB Chair and Board.
Reports to the [Job Title], forming part of the [Department/Team Name] under direct supervision. Collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and project goals. Provides regular updates on progress, performance metrics, and key deliverables to the reporting manager. Assists in the development and implementation of strategic initiatives while adhering to established policies and procedures.
The Research Standards Coordinator operates under the oversight of the Director of Research, though the position’s primary responsibilities are executed in close collaboration with the IRB Chair—who leads ethical evaluations and board determinations—and the Data Science Research Lead, who manages shared analytical resources, standard operating procedure development, and the research data infrastructure this role supports. These three roles constitute the central operational framework for the position. Additionally, the Research Standards Coordinator regularly engages 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 field offices, and interfaces with external ethics bodies, local institutional review boards, the Office for Human Research Protections (ORP), and partner institutions as dictated by individual study requirements.
Must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. Minimum of 3 years of experience in software development, with proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++. Familiarity with agile methodologies and version control systems like Git is required. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment are essential. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are necessary to effectively convey technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends.
A bachelor’s degree in public health, social sciences, research administration, law, or an equivalent discipline is required.
A master’s degree is strongly preferred for this position.
A minimum of three years of experience in research administration, IRB coordination, ethics compliance, or a comparable position is required.
With a proven track record in developing and implementing training initiatives or capacity-building programs specifically tailored for research personnel, you will bring valuable expertise to our team.
Seasoned in orchestrating and leading a community of practice, collaborative working group, or comparable interactive forum.
Applicants should possess prior professional exposure to humanitarian efforts, international development initiatives, or research conducted within nongovernmental organizations.
We are seeking candidates who possess a strong blend of technical expertise, interpersonal abilities, and industry-specific knowledge to excel in this role. The ideal applicant should demonstrate proficiency in key competencies such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability to dynamic environments. Familiarity with relevant tools, software, or methodologies is essential, as is the capacity to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams. Additionally, strong communication skills—both written and verbal—are required to convey complex ideas clearly and engage stakeholders at all levels. Candidates must exhibit a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth, ensuring alignment with evolving industry standards and organizational objectives.
Demonstrated proficiency in organizing and overseeing projects, alongside exceptional coordination abilities to handle diverse protocols, training initiatives, and meeting timetables concurrently while maintaining meticulous attention to detail.
The candidate must possess strong written and verbal communication abilities in English, capable of articulating intricate regulatory and methodological standards in an accessible manner to research teams with diverse experience levels.
Proficiency in document management platforms such as box or similar solutions, along with content management systems like Rescue Net or comparable tools, is required. Additionally, the role necessitates experience in maintaining structured records that are ready for audit reviews.
Proficient in data protection principles, including Personally Identifiable Information (PII), informed consent, and data minimization, as well as research ethics frameworks such as the Belmont Report and FAIR principles.
A collaborative approach is essential, enabling the ability to cultivate strong connections across both headquarters and country-level teams within a multifaceted international organization.
Proficiency in utilizing AI-driven tools within a professional research setting, coupled with a solid grasp of responsible AI utilization principles—such as transparency, human oversight, and ethical considerations pertinent to humanitarian research—is essential.
Preferred Qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, along with at least three years of hands-on experience in software development. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++ is essential, and familiarity with frameworks like Django or Spring is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, excellent communication skills, and the capacity to collaborate effectively within a team. Experience with cloud services (e.g., AWS, Azure) and version control systems (e.g., Git) is a plus. A Master’s degree or relevant certifications may further strengthen an application.
Proven expertise in overseeing Institutional Review Board (IRB) or research ethics review procedures, with a comprehensive 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 who are actively pursuing this credential.
Proficiency in registering pre-analysis plans through established platforms such as 3ie’s RIDE, the AEA RCT Registry, or ClinicalTrials.gov is required.
Possesses a solid understanding of qualitative and mixed-methods research methodologies, along with a thorough grasp of their ethical implications within humanitarian settings.
Professionals with hands-on experience in developing or deploying AI-powered solutions within research initiatives, data-driven projects, or knowledge management frameworks are encouraged to apply. Familiarity with integrating artificial intelligence technologies to enhance workflows, extract insights, or organize information is highly valued. Candidates should demonstrate prior engagement with AI tools tailored to these domains, ensuring they can contribute effectively to innovative problem-solving and process optimization efforts.
We foster a dynamic and collaborative workplace where innovation and teamwork thrive. Our environment encourages open communication and mutual respect, enabling employees to reach their full potential. We prioritize work-life balance, offering flexible arrangements to accommodate diverse needs. Professional development opportunities are abundant, supporting continuous learning and career growth. Safety and well-being are paramount, with policies and resources in place to ensure a secure and healthy workspace.
International travel, amounting to up to 10% of the role, may be necessary to facilitate field-based research activities.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
3 years
