The humanitarian and development sector relies heavily on high-quality research, evidence-based programming, and data-driven decision-making to improve the lives of vulnerable populations around the world. As one of the world's leading humanitarian organizations, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) continues to strengthen its commitment to research excellence by recruiting talented professionals who can support the organization’s global research and learning agenda.
The Research Standards Coordinator position at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is an exciting opportunity for experienced professionals in research management, monitoring and evaluation, public health, social sciences, and international development. This role is designed for individuals who are passionate about ensuring research quality, maintaining ethical standards, and supporting impactful humanitarian programs through rigorous evidence generation.
For professionals seeking a meaningful career that combines research, humanitarian action, and global impact, this position offers an outstanding opportunity to contribute to one of the most respected organizations in the world.
About the International Rescue Committee (IRC)
The International Rescue Committee is a global humanitarian organization that responds to some of the world's most pressing crises. Founded in 1933, IRC provides emergency relief, recovery assistance, and long-term development support to people affected by conflict, natural disasters, displacement, and poverty.
Today, IRC operates in more than 40 countries and numerous communities worldwide, helping millions of people rebuild their lives and achieve self-reliance.
The organization works across several key sectors, including:
- Health and Nutrition
- Education
- Economic Recovery and Development
- Child Protection
- Women's Protection and Empowerment
- Governance and Human Rights
- Emergency Response
- Research and Innovation
Through evidence-based approaches, IRC continually seeks to improve the effectiveness of its programs and maximize impact for vulnerable populations.
Position Overview
The Research Standards Coordinator plays a critical role in supporting IRC's research portfolio by ensuring that research activities adhere to established quality standards, ethical guidelines, and organizational policies.
The successful candidate will collaborate with researchers, technical advisors, country offices, and external partners to strengthen research processes and maintain consistency across studies and evaluations.
This role requires a strong understanding of research methodologies, ethics review processes, data quality assurance, and international research standards.
Key Responsibilities
Research Quality Assurance
One of the primary responsibilities of the Research Standards Coordinator is ensuring the quality of research conducted across IRC programs.
Key duties include:
- Reviewing research protocols
- Supporting quality assurance processes
- Ensuring compliance with research standards
- Promoting best practices in study design
- Supporting data quality improvement initiatives
These activities help ensure that research findings are reliable and actionable.
Ethical Research Compliance
Research involving human participants requires strict adherence to ethical principles.
Responsibilities include:
- Supporting ethics review submissions
- Monitoring compliance with ethical guidelines
- Ensuring participant protection measures
- Promoting responsible research practices
- Providing guidance on informed consent procedures
Strong ethical oversight is essential for maintaining research integrity.
Policy and Standards Development
The coordinator will support the development and implementation of research policies and standards across the organization.
Tasks may include:
- Updating research guidelines
- Developing standard operating procedures
- Supporting policy implementation
- Providing technical guidance to research teams
This ensures consistency across IRC's global research activities.
Training and Capacity Building
A key aspect of the role involves strengthening research capacity within IRC teams.
Responsibilities include:
- Organizing research training sessions
- Supporting staff development initiatives
- Creating learning resources
- Promoting knowledge sharing
Building staff capacity helps improve overall research quality and effectiveness.
Collaboration with Research Teams
The Research Standards Coordinator will work closely with:
- Research Directors
- Technical Advisors
- Monitoring and Evaluation Specialists
- Country Program Teams
- External Research Partners
Collaboration ensures that research projects align with organizational goals and standards.
Data Quality and Documentation
Maintaining accurate and organized research documentation is another important responsibility.
Tasks include:
- Reviewing research documentation
- Supporting data management practices
- Monitoring data quality standards
- Ensuring compliance with organizational requirements
These processes contribute to the credibility and usability of research findings.
Required Qualifications
Applicants are expected to possess a strong academic and professional background in research and development.
Typical qualifications include:
- Master's degree in Public Health, Social Sciences, International Development, Statistics, Research Methods, or related field
- Several years of experience in research management or coordination
- Experience working in humanitarian or development settings
- Knowledge of research ethics and compliance processes
- Strong understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods
- Experience supporting research projects and evaluations
A doctoral degree may be considered an advantage for some applicants.
Essential Skills
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
Research Expertise
A strong understanding of research design, methodology, and implementation.
Analytical Thinking
Ability to assess research quality and identify areas for improvement.
Communication Skills
Excellent written and verbal communication abilities for working with diverse stakeholders.
Organizational Skills
Strong project management and coordination capabilities.
Attention to Detail
Ability to review complex documents and ensure compliance with standards.
Collaboration
Experience working across multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
Why Work with IRC?
The International Rescue Committee is recognized globally for its humanitarian impact and commitment to innovation.
Benefits of working with IRC include:
Global Impact
Employees contribute directly to improving the lives of vulnerable populations worldwide.
Professional Development
IRC invests in staff learning and career growth.
International Exposure
Professionals collaborate with experts from around the world.
Meaningful Work
The organization addresses some of the world's most urgent humanitarian challenges.
Diverse Work Environment
IRC promotes inclusion, diversity, and cross-cultural collaboration.
Who Should Apply?
This position is ideal for:
- Research Coordinators
- Monitoring and Evaluation Specialists
- Public Health Researchers
- Social Science Researchers
- Development Professionals
- Data Quality Specialists
- Program Evaluation Experts
Candidates with experience in humanitarian research and evidence generation will find this opportunity particularly relevant.
Career Growth Opportunities
Working as a Research Standards Coordinator can open pathways to senior positions such as:
- Research Manager
- Senior Research Advisor
- Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Director
- Technical Advisor
- Research Director
- Global Evidence and Learning Specialist
The role provides valuable experience in research governance and quality management within an international organization.
Application Process
Interested candidates should:
- Review the official job description carefully.
- Prepare an updated CV highlighting relevant research experience.
- Develop a strong cover letter demonstrating expertise in research standards and ethics.
- Submit the application through the designated recruitment portal.
Applicants should ensure that all required documents are submitted before the closing date.
Application Deadline
Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible. The position may close once a suitable candidate is identified or when the application deadline is reached.
Application Link
Visit IRC Careers: https://theirc.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/External_Careers/job/Bogota-
Colombia/Research-Standards-Coordinator_JR00003684
Final Thoughts
The Research Standards Coordinator position at the International Rescue Committee offers a unique opportunity for experienced research professionals to contribute to evidence-based humanitarian programming on a global scale. By ensuring high research standards, promoting ethical practices, and supporting learning across the organization, the successful candidate will play a critical role in strengthening IRC's impact worldwide.
For individuals passionate about research excellence, humanitarian action, and global development, this role represents an exciting and rewarding career opportunity.
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