Oxfam is a global organization that fights inequality to end poverty and injustice. We offer lifesaving support in times of crisis and advocate for economic justice, gender equality, and climate action. We demand equal rights and equal treatment so that everyone can thrive, not just survive.

Employees can live in any of the following states:  MD, VA, WV, DE, NJ, NY, RI, MA, ME, VT, NH, CT, NC, DC

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Senior Researcher will support the efforts of Oxfam’s programs and campaigns pertaining to issues involving the private sector by conceiving of, conducting, managing, and supporting research that advances the private sector strategy. In particular, research efforts will focus on understanding how the private sector can be more responsible in respecting labor and human rights, paying living wages and income within their supply chains, practicing more sustainable agricultural practices, and reducing inequality, political capture and greenhouse gas emissions. The Senior Researcher will focus on how corporations drive inequality and how to structure corporations in a way that is more equitable and inclusive. The Senior Researcher will also seek to drive cross-cutting research that links issues of business and human rights and poverty to Oxfam’s efforts around inequality and racial and gender justice.

The Senior Researcher will be responsible for disseminating research products and findings, and for projecting Oxfam’s thought leadership on these issues into the wider community of practice.
The position will also be responsible for providing strategic advice on campaign and programmatic efforts that seek to drive changes in the private sector and to meet the needs of low-income people and communities in a sustainable manner. In this respect, the position is expected to engage in fundraising and policy formulation, as well as campaign and program development.
The Senior Researcher will also lead the department’s monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) strategies and activities to strengthen the knowledge base and thought leadership capabilities of PSD by working with the team to ensure that quarterly reports, annual operating plan reviews and evaluations are regularly conducted on PSD’s work.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead research for PSD

• Identify the research and knowledge needs of Oxfam America’s private sector agenda. Conduct and commission research and analysis to ensure that PSD’s work is supported by a sophisticated, accurate and current evidence base.
• Lead PSD’s review of OUS and OI research scopes of work and publications that contain a private sector focus and provide feedback on analytical rigor and areas of concern.
• Plan, design, manage and implement high-profile research projects around strategic private sector themes with a focus on agenda-setting and thought leadership.
• Provide PSD staff with guidance on the development of research projects and scopes of work.
• Analyze and evaluate research outputs to help inform decision-making within PSD and beyond.
• Set the research agenda for PSD and prepare and present proposals for new research projects.
• Forge relationships with private sector actors, academic institutions, thought leaders and funders working at the nexus of business and inequality and human rights.
• Fundraise for Oxfam’s work on issues at the nexus business and inequality and human rights.
• Provide strategic support for programming and campaigns on issues at the nexus of business and inequality and human rights.
• Handle other related research tasks as requested by the Research or PSD directors.

Lead Monitoring Evaluation and Learning for PSD

• Lead on the strategic planning process for PSD in collaboration with team management, staff, and external facilitator.
• Lead the development of PSD’s project-level MEL frameworks, systems, tools, guidance materials and capacity and mentor staff supporting MEL work.
• Commission external evaluations, manage evaluation budgets, and oversee consultant contracts.
• Build MEL capacity of Oxfam staff and partners in country through sharing of MEL tools, lessons, and approaches.
• Participate in the development, adaptation and refinement of MEL methods, tools, and guidance materials in OUS for strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, knowledge sharing, organizational learning, communications and reporting and sustainable capacity building, ensuring highest standards of quality, effectiveness and accountability.
• Provide MEL quality assurance, working with project staff on data quality standards, proper mix of quantitative and qualitative data, the use of data, information systems, data analysis and other skills. Incorporate MEL goals into annual operating plans.

POSITION EXPECTATIONS

• Will travel up to 6-8 weeks annually.
• Will stay abreast of professional standards, trends and issues affecting this set of responsibilities, demonstrating continuous learning of the field.
• Will work effectively and collaboratively in support of building a team-based, problem-solving work culture treating all persons with dignity and respect and will be familiar with and committed to Oxfam America’s mission, values, and goals.
• Will have a fundamental understanding of gender justice and diversity within key areas of responsibility and a commitment to promoting gender justice, racial equity, and diversity in our workplace and programs.
• Within key areas of responsibility, will have a commitment to and be accountable for activities contributing towards a safe and accountable workplace environment, projects and relationships for staff, partners, and the communities we serve.

• PHD in a relevant social science or development studies, or a combination of education and experience.
• 7-10 years of demonstrated experience in research project management, comparative analysis, and MEL; including a minimum of 5 years of direct experience in area of expertise years.
• Knowledge in the fields of business, inequality and human rights, governance, political economy, and international development, including the role of the private sector in development.
• Research experience in issues around business, human rights, inequality and agri-food systems, climate change.
• Strong interpersonal communication and writing skills.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Strong skills in qualitative research methods.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and under pressure.
• Ability to work in team settings and independently.
• Motivated self-starter able to operate with little direction and on multiple, diverse fronts simultaneously, with careful attention to detail and accuracy.
• A superior set of cross-cultural diplomatic skills and experience, balancing various stakeholder needs.

PREFERRRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity with specific industries of interest to Oxfam, including inequality, extractives industries, agriculture, climate change, finance, pharmaceuticals, apparel, supermarkets, and retailers.
• Familiarity with Oxfam’s policy and campaigning areas of work (such as economic justice, climate change, aid effectiveness, humanitarian assistance, trade, food, and security, etc.).
• Proficiency in a second language (Spanish preferred).
• Experience living and working overseas, preferably in developing countries.
• Publication in peer-reviewed academic journals.

Salary Range $90,000 - 95,000

DC Union - Exempt - Grade H

Oxfam America is a Gender Just organization and an equal opportunity employer. We have a zero tolerance policy for any sexual harassment, exploitation, and/or abuse. We welcome all persons to apply and do not discriminate. We take measures to prevent discrimination against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

We are an E-Verify employer.

For more information, please click on the following links:
E-Verify Participation Poster: English / Spanish
E-Verify Right to Work Poster: English | Spanish