We are seeking a highly skilled professional to fill this critical role, where you will be responsible for [insert key responsibilities]. The ideal candidate will possess [list key requirements], along with a proven track record in [specific skills or experience]. Your duties will include [additional responsibilities], ensuring seamless execution of [specific tasks or objectives]. Collaboration with cross-functional teams will be essential to achieve [stated goals or outcomes]. Strong problem-solving abilities and adaptability are required to navigate challenges effectively. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to [company mission, project, or impact], making it an exciting prospect for an ambitious individual.
The Research Standards Coordinator serves as a key operational function within the IRC Research Pillar, collaborating with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) to uphold rigorous ethical compliance, data protection, and regulatory standards for all research involving human subjects under IRC affiliation. This position oversees the complete IRB submission process—from initial assessment and protocol number allocation through review coordination, outcome dissemination, and finalization of protocols—and acts as the main liaison between research teams, IRB reviewers, board members, and external ethics entities. In addition to IRB administration, the role spearheads researcher training on standard operating procedures (SOPs), curates research resources on Rescue Net, coordinates the Research Community of Practice, and organizes Research Pillar-wide meetings, thereby fostering essential interdisciplinary connections across the IRC research network.
Conducts a variety of critical duties, including managing daily operations to ensure efficiency, overseeing staff performance and productivity, and implementing strategic initiatives to drive organizational growth. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to align objectives, identifies process improvements to enhance operational effectiveness, and maintains compliance with industry regulations and company policies. Additionally, analyzes performance data to inform decision-making, fosters a positive work environment through leadership and mentorship, and resolves complex issues to sustain business continuity.
IRB administration and coordination constitute approximately 40% of the position’s responsibilities. This role involves overseeing institutional review board processes, ensuring compliance with ethical standards, and coordinating submissions and approvals for research protocols.
Oversee the complete IRB submission process, beginning with the receipt and initial assessment of incoming protocols, followed by the assignment of sector-specific IRB identifiers. Perform thorough administrative reviews to verify completeness, then recommend the appropriate review pathway—whether exempt, expedited, or full board—to the IRB Chair. Throughout the lifecycle of submissions, act as the primary liaison between research teams and the IRB, ensuring seamless communication from initial submission through final close out.
Coordinate the scheduling and administration of all review processes, ensuring efficient handling of expedited reviews through the assignment of reviewers and timely distribution of relevant materials. For full board reviews, oversee all pre-meeting preparations, including confirming quorum attendance, verifying potential conflicts of interest, distributing agendas and study documents, and coordinating both in-person venue arrangements and remote call logistics. Prepare and draft all Institutional Review Board (IRB) decision correspondence, submitting these documents to the IRB Chair for final approval within 24 hours following the review decision. Once approved, promptly issue the signed letters to the respective research teams.
Ensure all IRB actions and interactions—such as submissions, determinations, correspondence, reportable events, and protocol closures—are meticulously documented in audit-ready records, with all files promptly and accurately stored in Box and the protocol tracking system in real time.
Oversee continuous regulatory compliance by maintaining the IRB board roster and ensuring timely ethics certificate renewals, managing ORP registration and Federalwide Assurance (FWA) renewal processes, tracking protocol expiration dates, and compiling quarterly IRB update reports for submission to the Institutional Official.
Quality and Compliance Coordination constitutes approximately 35% of the role, encompassing responsibilities focused on ensuring research integrity and adherence to established standards. This function involves meticulous oversight of regulatory requirements, meticulous documentation, and coordination with stakeholders to uphold compliance across all research activities.
Design and implement training programs for researchers and research teams focused on Internal Review Committee (IRC) Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) encompassing Data Collection, Data Analysis, and Data Management and Storage. Additionally, provide guidance on the practical application and oversight of these SOPs. Monitor training completion rates and identify any deficiencies, subsequently compiling and submitting reports to the Director of Research and the Institutional Review Board (IRB) as part of routine quarterly compliance assessments.
Maintain and periodically revise all research forms, templates, and guidance resources housed on Rescue Net to ensure staff access the most current and approved SOPs and IRB standards at all times.
Support quarterly oversight of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) compliance in collaboration with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) Chair and the Data Science Research Lead, while assisting in the detection and resolution of systemic compliance deficiencies throughout the research portfolio.
Operate and maintain AI-enabled tools integral to IRC’s research workflows, while advancing the IRC AI for Research initiative by leading pilot programs with research teams, offering expertise on responsible and ethical AI application, and contributing to the development of researcher guidance aligned with IRC data protection and IRB standards.
Provide research team assistance and coordination, which comprises approximately one-quarter of the role’s responsibilities.
Lead the IRC Research Community of Practice by designing and executing structured convening, managing contributor engagement, and fostering an environment where methodological insights are shared and cross-team collaboration thrives.
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.
As the primary liaison for research teams navigating IRB and SOP requirements, you will create and oversee researcher-facing guidance, frequently asked questions, and submission support resources on Rescue Net.
Assist the IRC’s Data Champions network by organizing methodology clinics and facilitating the transmission of feedback from country teams to the IRB Chair and Board.
Employees will report to the designated manager overseeing their team. This role requires close collaboration with other departments to ensure alignment with company objectives. The position involves regular performance evaluations and feedback sessions to track progress and address any developmental needs. Additionally, the employee will participate in strategic planning meetings to contribute insights and support decision-making processes. Clear communication and adherence to reporting protocols are essential to maintain transparency and accountability within the organization.
The Research Standards Coordinator operates under the oversight of the Director of Research, with the bulk of daily responsibilities fulfilled through close collaboration with the IRB Chair—who spearheads ethical review and board determinations—and the Data Science Research Lead, who manages shared analytical tools, standard operating procedure development, and the research data infrastructure this position supports operationally. These three roles constitute the primary working group for the position. 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 role does not include supervisory duties, it facilitates a collaborative network comprising IRB reviewers and Data Champions across headquarters and global offices. Furthermore, the position liaises with external ethics committees, local IRS, the Office for Human Research Protections (ORP), and partner institutions as dictated by specific study protocols.
Job Requirements:
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as finance, accounting, or business administration, from an accredited institution. A minimum of three years of experience in financial analysis, auditing, or a related role is required. Proficiency in financial software, including ERP systems and advanced Excel, is essential. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to interpret complex data are critical. Excellent communication and teamwork abilities are also necessary to collaborate effectively with stakeholders. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to professional development and ethical standards in financial practices.
A bachelor’s degree in public health, social sciences, research administration, law, or a related discipline is required.
A master’s degree is strongly preferred for this position.
A minimum of three years of professional experience in research administration, Institutional Review Board (IRB) coordination, ethics compliance, or a comparable field is required.
Experienced in developing and implementing training or capacity-building initiatives tailored for research personnel.
Demonstrated expertise in establishing and leading a community of practice, collaborative working group, or comparable interactive forum is required.
Individuals should possess prior experience in humanitarian efforts, international development initiatives, or research conducted within NGO settings.
Proficient in leveraging a diverse skill set and professional capabilities to execute tasks efficiently, this role demands expertise in key areas such as problem-solving, analytical thinking, and adaptability. Candidates must demonstrate strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to convey ideas clearly and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. A commitment to continuous learning and professional development is essential, as is the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining high standards of accuracy and attention to detail. Familiarity with industry-specific tools, technologies, or methodologies is often required to meet performance objectives and drive results.
Accomplished organizational and project management capabilities, enabling the seamless coordination of diverse protocols, training initiatives, and meeting timelines while maintaining a meticulous focus on accuracy and precision.
Proficient in both written and verbal English communication, with the ability to articulate intricate regulatory and methodological requirements in a clear and accessible manner to research teams of diverse experience levels.
Proficiency in document management solutions, such as box or comparable systems, and content management platforms like Rescue Net or similar tools is essential. Additionally, the role requires demonstrated experience in organizing and maintaining structured, audit-ready documentation.
Proficiency in data protection principles, such as Personally Identifiable Information (PII), informed consent, and data minimization, along with adherence to research ethics frameworks like the Belmont Report and FAIR principles, is essential.
A collaborative approach is essential, enabling you to forge strong connections across headquarters and country-level teams within a multifaceted global organization.
Proficiency in utilizing AI-enabled tools within a professional research environment is essential, coupled with a firm grasp of responsible AI use principles such as transparency, human oversight, and ethical considerations pertinent to humanitarian research.
Preferred Qualifications:
– Experience in data analysis, statistical modeling, or related fields.
– Familiarity with programming languages such as Python or R.
– Proficiency in data visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI.
– Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
– Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking capabilities.
– Ability to work both independently and in collaborative team settings.
– A minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience in a fast-paced environment.
Experienced in overseeing Institutional Review Board (IRB) or ethical review procedures, with a solid understanding of 45 CFR 46 (the Common Rule) and the registration mandates set forth by the Office for Human Research Protections (ORP) and the Federalwide Assurance (FWA) system.
Seeking a candidate with a Certified IRB Professional (CIP) certification or who is actively pursuing certification.
Proficiency in submitting Pre-Analysis Plans to recognized registries such as 3ie’s RIDE, the AEA RCT Registry, or ClinicalTrials.gov is necessary.
Proficient in qualitative and mixed-methods research methodologies, along with an understanding of their ethical considerations within humanitarian settings.
Professionals should possess a proven track record in utilizing or deploying AI-powered solutions within research initiatives, data-driven projects, or knowledge management systems. Familiarity with artificial intelligence applications in these domains is essential, along with hands-on experience in integrating such tools to enhance efficiency, accuracy, or decision-making processes. Candidates must demonstrate expertise in leveraging AI technologies to process, analyze, or organize complex datasets, driving innovation and operational improvements in their respective fields.
The professional setting encompasses a dynamic and collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and productivity. Employees are expected to adhere to company policies and maintain a high standard of professional conduct at all times. The role may require occasional travel or remote work, depending on project demands. Additionally, the position entails engaging with cross-functional teams to achieve shared objectives and deliver exceptional results. Proficiency in relevant software and tools, along with strong communication skills, is essential for success in this environment.
International travel, comprising up to 10% of the role, may be necessary to facilitate field-based research initiatives.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
3 years
