Research Specialist - Program Measurement

Who We Are

International Justice Mission (IJM) is the global leader in protecting vulnerable people from violence around the world. Our team of over 1,200 professionals are at work worldwide in over 30 offices. Together we are on a mission to rescue millions, protect half a billion, and make justice unstoppable.

We are a global community that cares for one another. We believe that the way we work is as important as the results we achieve. We provide professional excellence with joy and celebration to all those we serve.

The Need

For over 25 years, IJM has pioneered the work to protect vulnerable people from violence. 9 out of 9 times in the last decade, IJM's Justice System Strengthening Projects have reduced slavery and violence between 50 and 85% for very large populations of people in poverty. As we grow to expand our impact to protect 500 million people from violence, we are seeking a Research Specialist for the South Asia region (internal title: Manager, Program Measurement).

This role ensures that evidence and learning are integrated across all programmatic areas, supports technical capacity building, and fosters collaboration with internal teams and external partners to advance justice system transformation in South Asia. They will serve as key experts for IJM South Asia's research portfolio across India and Bangladesh.

This position is based in the Washington, DC area and is available to be hybrid (onsite Tuesdays & Thursdays). It reports to the Regional Director, Program Resourcing & Advancement, and is only available for candidates with the right to work in the US.

Responsibilities:

Leadership and Management

Lead the prioritization, design, and implementation of the regional research agenda across South Asia projects.

Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to strengthen MERL systems and ensure alignment with country strategies and global standards.

Build credibility for IJM's research by engaging academic partners, industry experts, and other key audiences.

Adapt the research agenda as needed to reflect updates in IJM's global vision, mission, and strategic priorities.

Coordinate with IJM's Global Measurement Team on research policies, standards, and guidance.

Networking and Partnership

Partner closely with global measurement teams, program staff, subject matter experts, and external collaborators on research initiatives.

Support dissemination of IJM South Asia research findings and elevate visibility of the portfolio.

Represent IJM in relevant research forums, networks, and communities of practice.

Develop and strengthen partnerships with research institutions and organizations across the region.

Participate in IJM's community of spiritual formation as part of organizational life.

Policies and Procedures

Provide technical guidance on research data security, documentation, storage, and disposal practices aligned with organizational standards.

Review and refine research-related policies to ensure consistency with industry best practices.

Translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations that strengthen justice system responses and reduce targeted crimes.

Training and Development

Train or coordinate training for staff on research methods, tools, sampling approaches, data management, and analysis.

Contribute to broader training efforts related to measurement, project management, and other core areas connected to research standards.

Research, Program Management, and M&E

Provide technical guidance for protection studies across IJM South Asia.

Support additional research projects outside protection studies by offering methodological and technical expertise.

Participate in research steering committees and oversight bodies for specific studies.

Ensure research partners deliver high-quality outputs and reports.

Provide strategic insights on how research should inform program design, planning, and implementation.

Collaborate with South Asia Communications and MERL teams to ensure accuracy and clarity in research-related communications.

Conduct comparative analyses across studies to identify trends, innovations, and improvement opportunities.

Lead or support research initiatives and learning activities that advance program excellence.

Documentation, Reporting, and Data Management

Perform data analysis for research studies and program datasets.

Assess evidence and insights to inform strategic decision-making and strengthen program quality and impact.

General

Provide subject matter expertise and support for South Asia research initiatives as requested.

Qualifications:

Graduate degree in a relevant discipline with formal training in research methods required; PhD preferred;

At least 8 years of professional experience conducting research in complex program environments;

Demonstrated expertise in research design, methodology, sampling, and implementation;

Experience applying experimental or quasi-experimental research designs;

Background working on issues related to forced labor, modern slavery, or other hidden or vulnerable populations;

Proven experience serving as a principal investigator or lead researcher for studies conducted in South Asia;

Hands-on field research experience in South Asia (India or Bangladesh) preferred, including experience working in comparable contexts;

Prior experience managing adverse events in research studies and ensuring compliance with ethical research standards;

Demonstrated ability to apply current and emerging research methods related to forced labor, modern slavery, or hidden populations, with a strong eye for innovation;

Ability to design research that accounts for real-world operating conditions and adapt plans when ideal conditions are not available;

Proven track record of generating meaningful, actionable insights that inform program decisions and strengthen outcomes;

Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex research for executive, technical, and non-technical audiences;

Experience collaborating effectively across diverse teams and working within a matrixed environment;

Experience publishing peer-reviewed research and presenting at academic or industry conferences;

Demonstrated commitment to ethical research standards and responsible data practices; and

Experience developing and managing research budgets, timelines, and project schedules.

Critical Qualities:

Eager commitment to IJM's Core Values: Christian, Professional and Bridge-Building;

Exceptional collaborator with diverse teams from various backgrounds - including technical and non-technical staff;

Exceptional negotiation, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills; and

High credibility with staff and partners.

Application Process:

Upload Resume, Cover Letter & Statement of Faith* in one PDF document.

*What is a statement of faith?

A statement of faith should describe your Christian faith and how you see it as relevant to your involvement with IJM. The statement can either be incorporated into the cover letter or submitted as a separate document and should include, at a minimum, a description of your spiritual disciplines (prayer, study, etc.) and your current fellowship or place of worship.

What does IJM have to offer?

Comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision benefits

Monthly commuter and parking benefits in the DC metro area

Retirement benefit options

Paid leave starting at 23 days

12 holidays (plus early release the day prior)

Daily, quarterly, and annual community spiritual formation

Robust staff care resources

IJM holds strict safeguarding principles and a zero tolerance to violations of the Safeguarding Policy, Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy, and Code of Ethics. Candidate selection is based on technical competence, recruitment, selection and hiring criteria subject to assessing the candidate's value congruence and thorough background, police clearance, and reference check processes.

At IJM, we're committed to building a diverse workforce through fair and equitable employment practices. IJM encourages people of any race, color, age, sex, marital status or political ideology to apply for employment. While we welcome everyone into this work, we truly believe that the work we are doing is God's work, not our own, and practice spiritual disciplines together daily. That's why we legally require under SEC. 2000e-1 [Section702] of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that all employees practice a mature orthodox Christian faith, as defined by the Apostles' Creed.

IJM requires a background check, police clearance and thorough review of references with an employment offer and/or employment contract.