The Research Manager will oversee research initiatives of USAID Kathmandu Clean Air Program (Swachchha Hawa) and will assist the CoP with the development and implementation of Swachchha Hawa’s strategy and research programs. S/he will primarily work closely with Swachchha Hawa partner EPIC, particularly its India program, to execute innovative ideas related to energy and environmental policy, manage small research and field teams, and play an instrumental role in developing and expanding its pipeline of applied economics research projects in Nepal. EPIC researchers work hand-in-hand with government and industry partners to identify innovative ideas, pilot them on the ground, and rigorously measure outcomes. This position offers the candidate an opportunity to work closely with EPIC affiliated researchers, as well as other Swachchha Hawa partners, including AIT, ENPHO, One to Watch Private Limited and other stakeholders on important research and policy projects. The Research Manger will build and manage a research team that will support clean air initiatives in the Kathmandu Valley and create and drive strong local partnerships with different stakeholders to advance Swachchha Hawa and EPIC’s mission in Nepal.

The ideal candidate is an experienced field researcher who possesses a mix of economics, analytical, interpersonal & communications skills and is passionate about working with cross-functional groups to drive large-scale impact in energy and environment sector. 

Key Resposibilities

• Assist the CoP with strategic and operational planning, including work planning, and ensure
• compliance with all reporting requirements of USAID and FHI 360.
• Coordinate and oversee the development and implementation of research activities under Swachchha Hawa, in close coordination with partners.
• Provide guidance and support (including but not limited to) to the Swachchha Hawa team on research design, field planning, data collection, data management, power calculations, and analysis.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to drive progress on Swachchha Hawa’s research projects.
• Build, manage and mentor a high functioning research team in Nepal including interns, Research and Senior Research Associates. The manager will support his/her teams, faculty experts leading projects and the South-Asia Director of EPIC in all areas of project execution, maintaining integrity of research design and generating high-quality research outputs.
• Assist in preparation of detailed budgets and work plans in coordination with Swachchha Hawa team and partners and make sure project activities are aligned with project budgets.
• Lead or assist in writing technical proposals, donor deliverables, budgets and work plans, capacity building activities and be responsible for ethical compliance on the research projects and drive forward different workstreams independently.
• Support project partners in conducting research related activities.
• Support other research, policy and communication related tasks of Swachchha Hawa as assigned by CoP, Deputy CoP and FHI 360 Nepal Country Director.