Research Standards Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping people to survive, recover, and rebuild their lives. Established in 1933, the IRC operates in over 40 countries and has a workforce of more than 14,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to providing assistance to those affected by conflict and disaster, focusing on health, education, economic wellbeing, and safety. The IRC's mission is to restore dignity and hope to millions by providing vital support and services to those in need, ensuring that they can rebuild their lives and communities.

Job Overview:
The Research Standards Coordinator plays a pivotal role within the IRC Research Pillar, primarily supporting the Institutional Review Board (IRB) to ensure that all research involving human subjects adheres to the highest ethical standards, data protection protocols, and regulatory requirements. This position is responsible for managing the entire lifecycle of IRB submissions, which includes initial triage, protocol number assignment, review coordination, decision communication, and protocol closeout. The Coordinator acts as the main liaison between research teams, IRB reviewers, board members, and external ethics bodies, ensuring smooth communication and compliance throughout the research process. Additionally, the role involves leading training sessions for researchers on standard operating procedures (SOPs), maintaining research resources on the IRC's internal platform (RescueNet), organizing the Research Community of Practice, and facilitating meetings across the Research Pillar, thereby serving as a crucial connective function within the IRC research community.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Research Standards Coordinator's responsibilities are divided into three major areas: IRB Administration and Coordination (approximately 40% of time), Research Quality and Compliance Coordination (approximately 35% of time), and Research Team Support and Facilitation (approximately 25% of time). In terms of IRB administration, the Coordinator manages the full lifecycle of IRB submissions, which includes receiving and triaging incoming protocols, assigning sector-coded IRB numbers, conducting administrative completeness reviews, and recommending review types to the IRB Chair. They coordinate all review logistics, draft IRB decision letters, and maintain complete, audit-ready records of all IRB actions. For research quality and compliance, the Coordinator designs and delivers training for researchers on IRC SOPs, maintains research forms and guidance materials, and supports compliance monitoring. In supporting research teams, the Coordinator organizes the Research Community of Practice, facilitates Research Pillar-wide meetings, and serves as a primary contact for research teams navigating IRB and SOP requirements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in public health, social sciences, research administration, law, or a related field, with a Master’s degree preferred. A minimum of three years of experience in research administration, IRB coordination, or ethics compliance is required. Additionally, candidates should have experience in designing and delivering training programs for research staff, as well as organizing and facilitating collaborative forums such as communities of practice. Experience in humanitarian, international development, or NGO research environments is also essential.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as public health, social sciences, research administration, or law. A Master’s degree is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in research administration and ethics compliance.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least three years of relevant experience in research administration, IRB coordination, or ethics compliance. This experience should include designing and delivering training programs for research staff and facilitating collaborative forums, demonstrating the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders effectively. Experience in humanitarian or international development contexts is highly valued, as it provides insight into the unique challenges faced in these environments.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, particularly in written and verbal communication, as the role requires explaining complex regulatory and methodological requirements to research teams with varying levels of experience. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position may require some international travel to support field-based research activities, estimated at up to 10%. The IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, considering all applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The organization adheres to core values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct, which include Integrity, Service, Equality, and Accountability. IRC is committed to creating a safe environment for all employees and takes necessary actions to prevent harm.