Research Technology Specialist & Analyst

Primary Job Function: Collaborating closely with management, research, statistics, and administrative teams, the core responsibilities of this position are to assist with seamless adoption, effective utilization, and continued development of advanced survey research technologies. Assist with the design, manage, and analyze survey research projects to address a wide variety of research topics in countries across the world. Ensure high-quality and transparent design, data, and decisions to our clients. Assist with technology strategies created for the betterment of high-quality and transparent design, data, and decisions to our clients.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Technology

• Set up and onboard vendors to new and existing technologies.
• Develop processes for D3’s CAPI software and new technologies.
• Conduct quality assurance and the testing of technologies.
• Complete development research as needed by the team.
• Handle user support communication for D3’s CAPI software and new technologies.
• Provide support to research and statistics team for technology use and integration.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Research

• Manage and execute research projects.
  • Evaluate and develop technical specifications from research proposals and project awards.
  • Develop and manage timelines for survey research projects.
  • Lead field partners on project execution.
  • Implement D3’s in-house interviewing software, Research Control Solutions (RCS).
  • Track project progresses and meet various internal and external reporting requirements.
  • Communicate all details of a research project’s specifications, design, implementation, and results across a variety of deliverables.
• Implement survey research standards and knowledge.
  • Collaborate with in-house methodologists on appropriate survey design and methodology.
  • Evaluate and test questionnaires for appropriate formatting, question design, and cultural context; make recommendations for changes.
  • Coordinate and monitor questionnaire translation.
  • Scripting and testing questionnaires in interviewing platforms (CATI, CAPI, CAWI).
  • Evaluate and create training materials for field teams; participate in field team training.
  • Develop and implement quality control plans.
• Research and utilize knowledge of international affairs.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert on the research population for a project.
  • Stay informed about current events and issues that may affect the findings or implementation of survey research in your country of expertise.
  • Interpret and contextualize the data to write executive summaries and other analytical reports.
• Perform high-quality and consistent data management and analysis of survey data.
  • Prepare complete SPSS data formats to accurately reflect the survey management, questionnaire content, and analytical goals for a given research project.
  • Create and edit complex SPSS syntax for quality control and data processing.
  • Merge SPSS datasets across multiple time periods or countries with similar data formats
  • Summarize survey data by generating tables and graphics.
  • Analyze survey data using descriptive and inferential statistics.
• Create internal training materials and process documents; lead training for staff on existing and emerging D3 processes.
• Mentor analysts in the development of skills required to successfully implement research projects.
• Perform capacity building and development of D3's field partners.
• Stay current with scholarly publications of survey methodology, statistical analysis, and data quality through self-initiated reading and research.
• Support with proposal writing and business development as needed.
• Collaborate with and provide support to other research staff to meet project requirements.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Experience, Knowledge, and Skill Requirements: (Minimum requirements for the position.)

• 2-3 years of related work experience
• Experience with SPSS, Stata, R, or similar software
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
•  Exposure to application development and software development lifestyle (SDLC)
• Excellent professional communication, interpersonal skills, and ability to work as part of a team with demonstrated ability to bridge communication between technology developers and social science researchers
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and initiative
• Ability to work flexibly in a rapidly paced environment with changing priorities.
• Desirable: Foreign language skills in Arabic, Farsi, Pashto, Spanish, French, or others

Education and Training Requirements: (Minimum requirements for the position.)

• Bachelor’s degree in international studies, Political Science, Economics, Sociology or related field
• Background or training in survey research.
• Desirable: Master's degree or equivalent

Additional Requirements: 

• Willingness to travel to represent D3 and to meet with D3 vendors. Willingness to consider traveling to regions that may be at risk
• Ability to pass a U.S. Government background investigation.
• General office tasks including using a computer in an indoor office setting

Equal Employment Opportunity: D3 has a corporate commitment to equal employment opportunity.  In that spirit, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, gender, age, religious affiliation, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, U.S. veteran status, or any other categories protected by federal, state, or local law.

BENEFITS: D3 offers all full-time employees comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as life insurance, dependent care, identity protection, flexible leave, 12 paid holidays, and occasional bonus plans.