Research Associate

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Background/IRC Summary:

The IRC’s Airbel Impact Lab designs, tests, and scales life-changing, cost-effective solutions for people affected by conflict and disaster. By applying the IRC’s deep technical expertise and field experience with a range of skills from the behavioral sciences, human-centered design, rigorous research, and multi-disciplinary problem-solving in humanitarian contexts, we work to develop breakthrough solutions that combine creativity and rigor, openness and expertise, and a desire to think afresh with the experience of a large-scale implementing organization.

Job Overview/Summary: 

This Junior Researcher position sits within the Airbel Impact Lab and supports the Education Unit across multiple research projects. The role focuses primarily on data management and analysis — including cleaning and processing both quantitative and qualitative datasets — as well as synthesizing findings into clear, accessible reports for varied audiences. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career researcher to build hands-on experience in humanitarian education research.

The role reports to the Senior Researcher for Education in the Airbel Impact Lab and works closely with the Education Technical Unit.

Major Responsibilities:

• Conduct quantitative and qualitative research activities across multiple education research projects, including cleaning, organizing, managing, and analyzing data; , ensuring data quality and integrity; and producing high-quality reports for diverse audiences.Support implementation research studies to identify whether education interventions are being delivered as intended, with  appropriate quality and fidelity, and  potential for cost-effectiveness. Support randomized control trials; to identify the impact of interventions on children´s foundational learning and wellbeing. 

• Support an internal education research team by contributing to the advancement of research priorities under the supervision of senior researchers

• Contribute to the dissemination of research findings by drafting reports, briefs, and blog posts for practitioner and policy audiences.

• Collaborate with colleagues within the Education team, Research team and R&D team, and other IRC departments in support of research activities

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements: 

• MA required in Education, Economics, Statistics, or related field.

• Excellent knowledge of quantitative research methods, including inferential statistics and qualitative approaches; exposure to implementation research and causal inference.

• Demonstrated experience in data cleaning, management and analysis; with proficiency in at least one statistical or data analysis tool (e.g. Stata, R, Python).

• Familiarity with qualitative data methods (e.g. thematic analysis, content analysis) is desirable .

• Up to three years of experience in research, data analysis, or a related field; relevant internship, academic research, or volunteer experience will be considered.

• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to present research findings clearly and accessibly for non-specialist audiences; experience drafting reports, summaries, or briefs is an asset

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities, work effectively under pressure, and adapt in a fast-paced team environment.

• Fluent in English required; proficiency in French or Arabic language preferred.

Working Environment: 

• Standard office work environment

This is a remote position open to internal candidates based in countries where IRC operates who have the right to work in their location. Successful candidates will be hired on a local employment contract and according to local salary scale.

This role is open to candidates located and with the right to work in Colombia, Kenya, and United States of America.

Compensation: (US Pay Rate: $80,000-$95,000/yr). Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget.  Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements. 

Professional Standards: All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Why Choose the IRC?

Work that has meaning: Every day at the IRC is a chance to make a difference through a purpose-driven career. Whether you're working directly with communities or providing support behind the scenes, you will be part of a dynamic team that is always innovating, scaling, and testing new and better solutions to ensure the best possible outcomes for the people we serve.

Global scale, dynamic workplace: At the IRC, we believe that the dynamic, global make-up of our team is our strength. When you join us, you're not just starting a job—you will be part of a global organization positively impacting millions of lives in over 40 get to work with colleagues from all around the world—working across time zones and regularly exchanging different ideas, perspectives and insights. You’ll join a team that is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard.  

Challenging work, innovative solutions: We’re committed to excellence and innovation, and pride ourselves in setting industry-leading standards while practicing evidence and data-lead strategies. Come challenge norms, shatter conventions, and pioneer change while working on real, nuanced and complex issues we face in the world today.  

Community centered: We’re an empathetic community that truly cares for one another. Our comprehensive safety and security initiatives ensure a safe work environment, while our continuous learning and development programs provide ongoing opportunities for personal and career advancement.

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Our Typical Recruitment Process

The interview process typically includes three rounds, though the number may vary depending on the role and level of seniority. It usually begins with a conversation with our recruiting team to learn more about you and your goals. This is followed by an interview with a hiring manager or business stakeholder to explore your background and provide more insight into the role. The final round focuses on assessing your role-specific expertise and may be conducted as a panel interview to evaluate your cross-functional strengths. Before extending an offer, we generally conduct reference checks, and after an offer is made, a standard background check is completed. While we strive for consistency, the process may differ based on the role, business unit, location, job type, legal requirements, and other factors.

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