We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated individual to join our team in the capacity of [Job Title]. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in [specific field or industry], with a proven track record of [key responsibility or achievement]. Responsibilities include [list key duties, e.g., managing projects, analyzing data, or developing strategies], alongside collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution of objectives.
The role demands proficiency in [essential skills, e.g., software, tools, or methodologies], along with exceptional problem-solving abilities and a commitment to delivering high-quality results. Candidates must demonstrate [required qualifications, e.g., years of experience, certifications, or education]. Additionally, strong communication and organizational skills are imperative to thrive in this dynamic environment.
This position offers the opportunity to contribute to [specific company goals or initiatives], while working alongside industry leaders in a collaborative and innovative setting.
The Research Standards Coordinator serves as a key operational function within the IRC Research Pillar, collaborating closely with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) to uphold stringent ethical compliance, data protection, and regulatory accountability for all IRC-affiliated research involving human subjects. This role oversees the complete IRB submission process—from initial assessment and protocol numbering to coordinating reviews, communicating decisions, and finalizing closures—and acts as the primary liaison among research teams, IRB reviewers, board members, and external ethics organizations. In addition to IRB management, the Coordinator leads researcher training on standard operating procedures, curates research resources on Rescue Net, organizes the Research Community of Practice, and facilitates Research Pillar-wide gatherings, thereby fostering essential connections across the IRC research network.
Oversee and execute a comprehensive range of critical duties within this role, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and operational standards. Duties include managing cross-functional teams, developing strategic initiatives, and implementing process improvements to enhance productivity and efficiency. Additionally, analyze performance data, identify trends, and provide actionable insights to senior leadership to support informed decision-making. Collaborate closely with department heads to align goals, allocate resources effectively, and foster innovation across all projects. Maintain compliance with industry regulations and internal policies while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and accountability.
The role involves overseeing Institutional Review Board (IRB) administration and coordination, which comprises approximately 40% of the position’s responsibilities.
Oversee the entire IRB submission process, from intake to closure: screen and prioritize incoming protocols, assign categorized IRB numbers, perform administrative completeness assessments, advise the IRB Chair on the appropriate review category (exempt, expedited, or full board), and act as the primary liaison between research teams and the IRB throughout the submission and post-approval phases.
Coordinate all aspects of review logistics, ensuring efficient handling of expedited reviews by overseeing reviewer assignments and material distribution. For full board reviews, oversee pre-meeting preparations, including confirming quorum, verifying conflicts of interest, distributing agendas and materials, and coordinating venue and remote call arrangements. Compose all 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 the research teams.
Maintain comprehensive, audit-ready documentation of every IRB action and interaction—including submissions, determinations, correspondence, reportable events, and protocol closures—while ensuring all files are stored accurately in Box and the protocol tracking system in real time.
Oversee continuous regulatory compliance by administering the IRB board roster and tracking ethics certificate renewal deadlines, handling ORP registrations and Federalwide Assurance (FWA) renewals, tracking protocol expiration dates, and compiling quarterly IRB update reports for the Institutional Official.
Research Quality and Compliance Coordination constitutes approximately 35% of the role, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and maintaining high-quality research practices throughout all activities. This responsibility involves overseeing documentation, conducting audits, and implementing compliance measures to mitigate risks and uphold institutional integrity. Additionally, the position requires collaboration with cross-functional teams to align research protocols with applicable guidelines, fostering an environment of accountability and precision in all research-related processes.
Design and implement training programs for researchers and research teams focusing on IRC Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Data Collection, Data Analysis, and Data Management and Storage, ensuring comprehensive understanding of their implementation and monitoring processes. Maintain records of training completion and identify any deficiencies, subsequently reporting these to the Director of Research and the Institutional Review Board (IRB) as part of quarterly compliance assessments.
Maintain and refresh all research forms, templates, and guidance materials on Rescue Net to ensure staff have access to resources that reflect the most current approved SOPs and IRB standards.
Collaborate with the IRB Chair and the Data Science Research Lead to oversee quarterly assessments of SOP compliance, while actively identifying and resolving systemic compliance deficiencies throughout the research portfolio.
Operate and maintain AI-enabled tools integral to IRC’s research workflows, supporting the IRC AI for Research initiative by piloting these tools with research teams, providing guidance on responsible and ethical AI utilization, and assisting in the development of researcher guidance aligned with IRC data protection and IRB standards.
The role entails providing support and facilitation to the research team, accounting for approximately 25% of the position’s responsibilities.
Oversee the organization and coordination of the IRC Research Community of Practice, ensuring its seamless operation as a dynamic resource for methodological learning and cross-team knowledge exchange. Plan and facilitate regular convening while managing contributors to foster an active and collaborative environment.
Organize and lead Research Pillar-wide meetings by preparing agendas in collaboration with the Director of Research, coordinating logistics, and ensuring follow-through on action items.
Act as the primary liaison for research teams addressing IRB and SOP compliance, while designing and updating researcher-focused guidance documents, 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.
The position reports to a designated supervisor or manager within the organization, ensuring clear accountability and alignment with departmental objectives. This role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams to achieve strategic goals while adhering to established protocols. The individual in this role will receive direct guidance and feedback to support professional growth and operational efficiency.
The Research Standards Coordinator operates under the supervision of the Director of Research and collaborates closely with the IRB Chair—who presides over ethical evaluations and board determinations—as well as the Data Science Research Lead, who manages shared analytical tools, standard operating procedure development, and the research data infrastructure this position supports. These three partnerships constitute the primary operational framework for the role. Additionally, the Research Standards Coordinator engages routinely with the Institutional Official, Data Stewards, Principal Investigators, Data Managers, Analysts, and the IT/Box Administrator. While the position has no supervisory responsibilities, it organizes and facilitates collaboration among IRB reviewers and Data Champions across headquarters and field offices, and interfaces with external ethics entities, local IRS, ORP, and partner institutions as dictated by individual study protocols.
Seeking a qualified candidate to fulfill the necessary prerequisites for this role. The ideal applicant must possess a minimum of five years of relevant experience, along with a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, as well as proficiency in industry-standard software and tools. Additional requirements include excellent communication abilities, a collaborative mindset, and the capacity to manage multiple deadlines efficiently. Prior leadership experience and a track record of successful project delivery are highly desirable. A commitment to continuous learning and professional development is also expected.
A bachelor’s degree in fields such as public health, social sciences, research administration, law, or a related discipline is required.
A master’s degree is strongly preferred as a prerequisite for this position.
A minimum of three years of relevant experience in research administration, IRB coordination, ethics compliance, or a comparable field is required.
Accomplished in designing and facilitating training or capacity-building initiatives specifically tailored for research personnel.
Skilled in establishing and leading a community of practice, working group, or similar collaborative forum.
Professional experience in humanitarian settings, international development initiatives, or research within non-governmental organizations is required.
Demonstrated expertise in relevant technical and interpersonal abilities, coupled with proven performance in key functional areas, is essential for success in this role. Candidates must possess strong analytical capabilities, problem-solving aptitude, and the capacity to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams. Proficiency in industry-standard tools, methodologies, and frameworks is required, along with a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, are necessary to articulate complex concepts clearly and engage stakeholders at all levels. Additionally, a results-driven mindset, adaptability to evolving priorities, and a customer-centric approach are critical attributes for achieving organizational objectives.
Demonstrated proficiency in organizing and overseeing projects, with a capacity to coordinate multiple protocols, training initiatives, and meeting schedules concurrently while maintaining meticulous attention to detail.
You must possess exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English, with a proven ability to articulate intricate regulatory and methodological requirements in a clear and accessible manner to research teams of diverse experience levels.
Skilled in utilizing document management solutions (such as box or similar) and content management systems (like Rescue Net or comparable platforms), with a proven ability to maintain well-organized and audit-compliant records.
Proficiency in data protection principles, such as personally identifiable information (PII), informed consent, and data minimization, along with research ethics frameworks, including the Belmont Report and FAIR principles, is required.
Demonstrates strong collaboration skills, fostering partnerships across both headquarters and regional teams within a multifaceted global organization.
Proficiency in utilizing AI-enabled tools within a professional research environment is essential, coupled with a solid grasp of responsible AI utilization principles—such as transparency, human oversight, and ethical considerations—specifically as they pertain to humanitarian research.
Demonstrated experience with [specific skills/tools] and familiarity with [relevant industry standards] are advantageous. A background in [related field or discipline] is considered a strong plus. Candidates who possess knowledge of [specific methodologies or frameworks] will be given special consideration. Proficiency in [relevant software or technical competencies] is highly desirable. Prior involvement in [specific type of projects or initiatives] is beneficial.
Proven expertise in overseeing Institutional Review Board (IRB) or research ethics review procedures, with a comprehensive understanding of 45 CFR 46 (Common Rule) guidelines and the registration mandates set by the Office for Human Research Protections (ORP) and Federalwide Assurance (FWA).
Seeking candidates with a CIP (Certified IRB Professional) certification or those actively pursuing this credential.
Proficiency in the registration processes for Pre-Analysis Plans, including platforms such as 3ie RIDE, the AEA RCT Registry, or ClinicalTrials.gov, is required.
Proficiency in qualitative and mixed-methods research methodologies, including a comprehensive understanding of their ethical implications within humanitarian settings, is required.
Professionals with a background in utilizing or developing AI-powered solutions within research, data analysis, or knowledge management environments are encouraged to apply. Familiarity with artificial intelligence technologies and their practical applications in these domains is essential. Candidates should demonstrate prior engagement with AI-driven tools or systems tailored to enhancing research efficiency, extracting insights from data, or optimizing knowledge organization and retrieval.
In this role, you will operate within a dynamic, collaborative workspace that fosters innovation and productivity. The position requires adherence to established safety protocols and professional standards to ensure a secure and efficient operational environment. Teamwork and clear communication are essential, as you will engage with colleagues across various departments to achieve shared objectives. The ability to adapt to evolving demands while maintaining high performance is crucial in this fast-paced setting. Additionally, you may be required to utilize specific tools or systems to support daily tasks and contribute to the organization’s goals.
International travel may occasionally be necessary—up to 10% of the time—to facilitate on-site research initiatives.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
3 years
