Senior Researcher

Senior Researcher – Onsite (Charlottesville, VA)

ORB International is a growing small business providing research and analytics services to public and private sector clients in over 125 countries. We specialize in opinion research in complex environments and support monitoring and evaluation, strategic planning, and decision-making for government, foundation, and international development clients.

We offer great benefits, interesting and challenging work, and the opportunity to build skills and experience in international quantitative and qualitative research.

The Senior Researcher position is a mid-level role that is primarily project management based. This position offers the opportunity to manage and conduct primary research, including monitoring and evaluation, across Latin America, Mexico and Western Africa. Our work covers some of the most important contemporary issues (security, intel, defense, etc.); this role will suit someone with a keen interest in international politics and a background in research.

• Coordinating with local research teams in a variety of countries to collect quantitative and qualitative data
• Leading project delivery from design to reporting, ensuring work aligns with ORB standards. Anticipate delivery needs and maintain high standards under pressure.
• Taking initiative in solving complex data issues - generates new ideas and offers solutions
• Traveling internationally to train interviewers for research projects
• Managing data collection and assuring high-quality data
• Analyzing data and writing reports that have a clear argument, evidence and narrative
• Keeping abreast of relevant news in regions of study
• Training, developing and daily management of Junior Level Researchers

Bachelor’s degree required in Data Analysis, Political Science, International Studies, Economics or related field in which analysis, research, deductive reasoning and writing, and intellectual rigor are taught. MA in the Social Sciences preferred.

• 4 years of SURVEY RESEARCH experience in an international setting including managing or previously conducting field interviews or focus groups
• High proficiency with quantitative data (using Excel/SPSS) and excellent writing skills
• Working knowledge of additional data analysis tools and software such as NVIVO, Dedoose, STATA, ArcGIS are a plus
• Highly organized with a continuous improvement mindset
• Ability to provide creative solutions in a fast-paced environment
• Leadership experience within a team environment
• Basic understanding of budgeting
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally
• General knowledge of the politics, economics, and societies of Africa, Central Asia, and Mexico
• Foreign language fluency is strongly preferred;
  French and Spanish
• Preference given to candidates with M&E background; knowledge of the methods and techniques of monitoring and evaluation, including developing survey questionnaires, drawing and sample and assessing the quality of resulting data

ORB offers a comprehensive benefits package including generous paid time off and profit sharing.