Director of Research & Innovation

The Director of Research & Learning leads Shamiri’s research, evidence generation, and organizational learning agenda. The role ensures that Shamiri’s programs, interventions, and innovations are grounded in rigorous scientific evidence, continuously improved through learning, and translated into real-world impact at scale. As Shamiri enters its next growth chapter, the organization is moving from proving the model works to achieving impact at scale. This transition requires a fundamental rethinking of how research and learning function—shifting from validation alone to a dual learning engine that combines high-certainty evidence generation with rapid, applied optimization.
Why this role
The organization requires a highly capable Research & Learning function that can:
• Operate a dual-engine learning system: an Evidence Engine for high-certainty knowledge generation (RCTs, causal inference) and an Optimization Engine for rapid, applied learning (A/B tests, implementation experiments)
• Lead the decomposition and zone classification of intervention components—distinguishing what is fixed (Zone A), adaptable with evidence (Zone B), and operational (Zone C)
• Conduct randomized and quasi-experimental evaluations that answer questions critical to government adoption and scale
• Generate evidence that informs delivery decisions, model simplification, cost reduction, and technology development
• Integrate research findings into real-time learning cycles for service delivery, tech, and clinical teams
• Maintain partnerships with universities, research collaborators, and scientific advisors
• Support Shamiri’s thought leadership through publications, policy briefs, and field-building communications
A senior leader is needed to ensure methodological rigor, govern adaptation decisions through explicit frameworks, and create clear pathways for evidence to inform practice at scale.

Roles and responsibilities

Leadership of the Research & Learning Agenda & Team
• Provide strategic vision and operational oversight for all research and learning activities.
• Manage and mentor senior research associates, learning & optimization associates, data science staff, and other research personnel.
• Oversee resource allocation, staffing, timelines, and workflows across the division.
• Create a cohesive, collaborative, and high-performing team culture oriented toward learning and impact.
Dual-Engine Learning System
• Operationalize Shamiri’s “Learning While Scaling” framework as a core organizational system.
• Lead the Evidence Engine: design and execute high-certainty studies (RCTs, cluster trials, pragmatic trials) answering whether interventions work, for whom, through what mechanisms, and at what cost.
• Lead the Optimization Engine: establish infrastructure for rapid experimentation (A/B tests, factorial designs, implementation pilots) to improve delivery, reduce costs, and enhance implementation.
• Ensure both engines operate as a coordinated system with shared data infrastructure, documentation, and governance.
Model Decomposition & Zone Classification
• Complete decomposition of Shamiri’s intervention model into constituent components (theory of change, behavior-driver mapping, component inventory).
• Assign components to certainty zones: Zone A (core mechanisms requiring RCT before modification), Zone B (directionally validated requiring systematic evaluation), Zone C (operational details requiring monitoring).
• Establish escalation and de-escalation triggers governing when components move between zones based on accumulating evidence.
• Ensure zone classification logic is understood and used organization-wide, not just within research.
Research Governance & Adaptation Review
• Convene and staff the Adaptation Review Board (ARB)—the decision-making body for adaptation approvals, zone reclassifications, and resource allocation across learning engines.
• Coordinate with the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) for external scientific guidance on Evidence Engine studies and results interpretation.
• Ensure all adaptation decisions are documented, transparent, and governed by pre-specified criteria rather than ad hoc judgment.
Research Strategy & Study Design
• Lead development of the organization’s annual research agenda, reconciling prior trials, ongoing research, and strategic priorities.
• Design randomized controlled trials, cluster trials, pragmatic trials, and hybrid effectiveness-implementation designs.
• Guide sampling strategies, power analyses, study protocols, and pre-registration.
• Ensure all studies meet high standards of methodological rigor and ethical protection.
• Provide direction on qualitative, mixed-methods, and mechanism research where needed.
Research Implementation & Quality Assurance
• Oversee day-to-day execution of research studies across sites and delivery models.
• Ensure accurate, ethical, and high-quality data collection practices.
• Build systems for monitoring study fidelity, adherence to protocols, and research integrity.
• Troubleshoot study issues and support teams to ensure timelines are met.
Data Systems, Measurement & Analysis
• Oversee development of measurement frameworks, assessment tools, and analytical approaches.
• Ensure data is managed securely and in line with ethical standards.
• Guide advanced statistical analysis and interpretation.
• Collaborate with Technology team on data integration between research systems, shamiriOS, and shamiriAI.
• Lead development of dashboards, learning cycles, and reporting tools for internal use.
Organizational Learning & Decision Support
• Build systems to translate research findings into practical insights for service delivery, tech, and clinical teams.
• Establish regular cross-team learning reviews where Optimization Engine and Evidence Engine share findings.
• Translate findings into updates to playbooks, training materials, and supervision protocols.
• Support rapid experimentation and iterative improvement of interventions within Zone B and Zone C boundaries.
• Provide evidence-informed recommendations to senior leadership.
Publications, Knowledge Management & Thought Leadership
• Lead development of academic manuscripts, conference presentations, policy briefs, and internal knowledge products.
• Support team members in writing, editing, and submitting publications.
• Contribute to Shamiri’s communications strategy through research-backed thought leadership content.
• Maintain organized internal archives of research protocols, datasets, and findings.
Partnerships & External Engagement
• Build and maintain partnerships with universities, research institutions, and collaborators.
• Represent Shamiri in research networks, conferences, working groups, and advisory bodies.
• Support grant writing and reporting related to research activities.
• Ensure alignment between research partners and programmatic priorities.
Ethics, Compliance & Risk Management
• Oversee IRB submissions, renewals, and compliance.
• Ensure staff follow ethical standards in data collection, participant protection, and data use.
• Manage research risk and safeguarding procedures across all study activities.

Requirements

Qualifications
• Master’s or equivalent advanced degree in psychology, economics, public health, behavioral science, education, epidemiology, or related field. PhD preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in research management or applied research settings, with demonstrated experience leading research teams and managing complex studies.
• Strong record of authorship in peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience in program evaluation, implementation science, or mental health research preferred.
• Experience designing and running rapid-cycle experiments or operational research is a strong advantage.
• Proficiency in quantitative analysis (R, Python, or equivalent) required. Note: We do not use STATA, SPSS, or similar paid analytical tools. Qualitative methods experience is an advantage.
• Experience with field-based data collection in low-resource, school-based, or community settings is preferred.
• Experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa or similar contexts is strongly preferred.

Key Competencies
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Deep expertise in research design, implementation, and analysis
• Strong understanding of randomized trials, experimental methods, quasi-experimental designs, and mixed-methods approaches
• Ability to design and operate rapid learning systems alongside rigorous evidence generation
• Excellent analytical judgment and ability to translate findings into actionable recommendations
• Advanced knowledge of measurement, psychometrics, and youth mental health outcomes
• Excellent written communication and scientific writing skills
• Strong project management capability
• High ethical standards and commitment to research integrity
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse internal and external partners
• Comfort operating at the intersection of research rigor and operational realities of scale