About BARM

Barm Research and Innovation Center is an independent, non-profit research institution. It studies Afghanistan's needs and challenges and develops practical solutions through applied research, strategic studies and innovation. Its work covers administration, economy and development, education and culture, science and technology, politics and international relations, health and the environment.

The Research Manager leads all research work at BARM and reports to the Head of Office. The role plans studies, supervises research staff, checks quality and ethics, coordinates expert review, and turns findings into useful reports and proposals. The Research Manager gives technical clearance; the Head of Office gives final institutional and publication approval.

Key Responsibilities

A. Core Responsibilities

• Prepare BARM's research strategy, annual agenda, workplans and research policies for approval by the Head of Office.
• Select priority research topics based on national needs, evidence and consultation.
• Lead the full research process from concept and methodology to data collection, analysis, reporting and follow-up.
• Check that each study is useful, ethical, realistic and technically sound.
• Review reports and policy briefs, request corrections, give technical clearance and turn findings into practical recommendations.

B. Supervisory Responsibilities

• Assign work, set deadlines, supervise research staff and review their performance.
• Guide staff in research design, fieldwork, data analysis, report writing, ethics and responsible use of AI.
• Protect data quality, consent, confidentiality and secure storage throughout each study.
• Coordinate expert review and provide short progress and risk reports to the Head of Office.

C. Cross Departmental Responsibilities

• Work with the Administrative Manager on approved budgets, staffing, procurement, travel and logistics without overriding financial or administrative rules.
• Send technically cleared products to the Publications and Communications Manager for editing, translation, design and dissemination.
• Check the accuracy of research messages and charts; publication requires final approval from the Head of Office.
• Maintain research partnerships and represent BARM only when authorized by the Head of Office.

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in research Methods or a relevant social science, policy, statistics, development, education, health or public administration field. Research-focused degrees are preferred, and doctorate holders will be given priority.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in research, policy analysis, evaluation or applied studies, including at least two years in research supervision or management.
• Demonstrated experience leading complete research projects from design and fieldwork through analysis, reporting, review and use of findings.
• A record of at least 10 completed research studies or substantial publications; recognized international journal publications are strongly preferred.
• Ability to prepare or improve research policies, procedures, templates and quality-control systems where these do not yet exist.

Technical Skills and Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of quantitative, qualitative and mixed-method research, data analysis and report writing.
• Practical proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially advanced Excel, and in KoboToolbox or ODK.
• Working proficiency in at least one statistical package: SPSS, Stata, R or Python.
• Ability to use NVivo, Atlas.ti or a similar tool when managing qualitative research.
• Knowledge of research ethics, source verification, data protection, plagiarism control and responsible AI use.
• Fluency in Pashto or Dari, working ability in the other national language, and professional English.

Skills and Abilities

• Research leadership and strategic judgement
• Analytical thinking and evidence-based decision-making
• Team supervision, coaching and accountability
• Clear writing, communication and stakeholder coordination
• Integrity, confidentiality and delivery under pressure

Submission Guideline

Applicants who meet the above requirements should apply through the BARM Research and Innovation Center’s official website.

How to Apply

Visit https://barmric.org/en/opportunities/research-manager and click the apply now button, create your applicant profile, and submit your application through the online job portal. Applicants who already have a profile may log in and apply directly.

Please prepare and upload the following documents as part of your application:

·       An updated CV clearly showing relevant research and management experience.

·       A concise cover letter explaining suitability for the position.

·       A list of at least 10 completed studies or publications, with links where available.

·       One research or policy-writing sample and two professional references.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. BARM may verify qualifications, experience, authorship, publications and professional references. Recruitment is merit-based, and the selected candidate must comply with BARM policies on ethics, confidentiality, data protection, conflicts of interest and professional conduct.