Job Overview:
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 protection protocols, and regulatory compliance for all IRC-affiliated research involving human subjects. This position oversees the complete IRB submission process—from initial assessment and protocol numbering through review facilitation, outcome dissemination, and finalization of protocols—and acts as the primary liaison among research teams, IRB reviewers, board members, and external ethics oversight entities. In addition to IRB coordination, the role spearheads researcher training on SOPs, curates research resources on Rescue Net, arranges the Research Community of Practice, and coordinates Research Pillar-wide meetings, thereby fostering essential collaboration and connectivity across the IRC research network.
Oversees key operational functions, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives while maintaining high standards of efficiency and quality. Develops and implements strategic initiatives to enhance performance and drive sustainable growth. Manages cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration and accountability to achieve collective goals. Monitors industry trends and competitive dynamics to inform decision-making and strategic planning. Ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies to mitigate risks and uphold organizational integrity.
IRB administration and coordination activities comprise approximately 40% of the position’s responsibilities. This role involves overseeing institutional review board processes, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and managing submissions, reviews, and approvals for research protocols. Effective coordination between investigators, committee members, and regulatory agencies is essential to maintain ethical research practices and streamline approval timelines.
Manage the complete lifecycle of IRB submissions, including receiving and prioritizing incoming protocols, assigning sector-coded IRB numbers, performing administrative completeness assessments, recommending the appropriate review type to the IRB Chair, and serving as the primary liaison between research teams and the IRB throughout the entire submission process, from initial submission to study close out.
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 conflicts of interest, distributing agendas and materials, and arranging venue and remote call setups. Draft IRB decision letters and submit them to the IRB Chair for approval within 24 hours of the review decision, then promptly issue the signed letters to research teams.
Ensure all IRB-related documentation—including submissions, determinations, correspondence, reportable events, and protocol closures—is meticulously recorded, maintained in audit-ready condition, and promptly stored in Box and the protocol tracking system in real time.
Oversee continuous regulatory compliance efforts by administering the IRB board membership 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 submission to the Institutional Official.
Conducting quality and compliance coordination activities accounts for roughly 35% of the position’s responsibilities, ensuring adherence to established standards and regulatory requirements while maintaining research integrity and accuracy.
Design and implement training programs for researchers and teams on IRC Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) pertaining to Data Collection, Data Analysis, and Data Management and Storage, emphasizing practical implementation and oversight methods for each SOP. Additionally, monitor training completion rates, identify knowledge gaps, and prepare quarterly compliance reports to be submitted to the Director of Research and the IRB as part of ongoing regulatory adherence efforts.
Ensure all research forms, templates, and guidance materials housed on Rescue Net remain current and compliant by conducting routine updates, aligning them precisely with the most recent approved SOPs and IRB standards to support staff with accurate and reliable resources.
Support the quarterly monitoring of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) compliance in collaboration with the IRB Chair and the Data Science Research Lead, assisting in the identification and resolution of systemic compliance gaps throughout the research portfolio.
Operate and maintain AI-enabled tools integral to IRC’s research workflows, while supporting the IRC AI for Research initiative. This involves piloting tools in collaboration with research teams, advising on the responsible and ethical application of AI, and assisting in the creation of researcher guidance that aligns with IRC’s data protection and IRB standards.
Research team support and facilitation comprises approximately 25% of the role’s responsibilities, involving the provision of administrative assistance, coordination of team activities, and ensuring the smooth operation of research initiatives. This position demands a proactive approach to problem-solving, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with researchers and stakeholders to enhance productivity and efficiency. Strong organizational skills, proficiency in project management tools, and excellent communication abilities are essential to effectively support the team’s objectives and maintain alignment with research goals.
Organize and lead the IRC Research Community of Practice by developing and executing regular meetings, coordinating contributors, and maintaining the community as an active hub for methodological learning and cross-team knowledge sharing.
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 seeking assistance with IRB and SOP compliance, while designing and updating researcher-facing resources, including guidance documents, FAQs, and submission support materials, within the Rescue Net platform.
Support the IRC’s network of Data Champions by facilitating methodology clinics and ensuring feedback from country teams is communicated to the IRB Chair and Board.
The position involves reporting to a designated manager or supervisor, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and maintaining clear communication channels to facilitate efficient workflow and accountability within the team.
The Research Standards Coordinator operates under the supervision of the Director of Research, with primary responsibilities managed through close collaboration with the IRB Chair—who spearheads ethical reviews and board determinations—and the Data Science Research Lead, who provides oversight of shared analytical tools, standard operating procedure development, and the research data infrastructure that this position supports operationally. These three core partnerships define the role’s functional framework. Additionally, the position engages consistently 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 serves as the liaison with external ethics bodies, local IRS, ORP, and partner institutions, as dictated by specific study protocols.
We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented professional to fill this critical role. The ideal candidate will possess a minimum of three years of experience in a related field, along with a strong background in [specific skill or industry, if applicable]. Proficiency in [specific software, tools, or methodologies] is essential, and familiarity with [relevant regulations, standards, or best practices] is highly advantageous. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are required to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders. Additionally, the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and efficiency is crucial. A bachelor’s degree in [relevant field] or equivalent experience is preferred, though exceptional candidates with alternative qualifications may be considered.
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 for this position.
Minimum three years of professional experience in research administration, Institutional Review Board (IRB) coordination, ethics compliance, or an equivalent field is required.
Seasoned in developing and implementing training or capacity-building initiatives tailored for research personnel.
Proven track record in establishing and leading collaborative forums such as communities of practice or working groups.
Proven track record of engagement in humanitarian initiatives, international development projects, or research conducted within NGO settings.
Demonstrates a robust proficiency in a range of technical and interpersonal skills, enabling effective performance in dynamic work environments. Exhibits strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and problem-solving acumen to address complex challenges efficiently. Maintains adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning to stay abreast of industry advancements. Possesses excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to articulate ideas clearly and collaborate seamlessly with cross-functional teams. Demonstrates leadership potential through initiative, accountability, and a results-driven mindset. Adheres to high ethical standards and professional integrity in all professional interactions and decision-making processes.
Demonstrated expertise in organizing and directing projects, with the capacity to oversee numerous protocols, training initiatives, and meeting timelines concurrently while maintaining meticulous attention to detail.
Exceptional proficiency in both written and spoken English is essential, enabling the ability to articulate intricate regulatory and methodological requirements with clarity to research teams of diverse experience levels.
Skilled in utilizing document management platforms such as box or equivalent solutions, as well as content management systems like Rescue Net or similar tools, with a proven ability to maintain structured, audit-compliant records.
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 working approach is required, with strong interpersonal skills to foster connections across HQ and country-level teams within a complex international organization.
Proficient in utilizing AI-powered tools within a professional research framework, coupled with a strong grasp of responsible AI principles—such as transparency, human oversight, and ethical considerations—specifically as they pertain to humanitarian research.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in software development, preferably with a focus on web applications.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or JavaScript.
• Experience with frameworks like React, Angular, or Django.
• Familiarity with version control systems like Git.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently or in a team.
• Excellent communication skills and a passion for continuous learning.
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).
Candidates must possess CIP (Certified IRB Professional) certification or be actively pursuing certification.
Proficiency in registering Pre-Analysis Plans through recognized platforms such as the 3ie RIDE registry, the AEA RCT Registry, or ClinicalTrials.gov is required.
Proficiency in qualitative and mixed-methods research methodologies, along with a thorough understanding of their ethical implications in humanitarian settings, is required.
Professional experience in leveraging or deploying AI-powered solutions within research, data analytics, or knowledge management environments is required.
The professional environment is fast-paced and collaborative, with a focus on teamwork and innovation. Employees are expected to adapt to changing priorities while maintaining high productivity and efficiency standards.
International travel, comprising up to 10% of the role, may be necessary to facilitate on-site research activities.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
3 years
