Research, Evaluation and Reporting Specialist

Job description

About the job Research, Evaluation and Reporting Specialist

The Research, Evaluation and Reporting Specialist designs and conducts research studies and evaluations to assess the impact of FLMZ’s programs on vulnerable children’s holistic development. This role ensures that FLMZ’s interventions are evidence-based and continuously improved, providing critical insights that support our mission of equipping vulnerable children to live out their God-given potential.

Dimensions of the Role: The Research, Evaluation and Reporting Specialist works collaboratively with Legacy Academy and department staff to support FLMZ’s relational, participatory, and gritty approach to development. This position leads the organization’s research and evaluation efforts, ensuring that our assessment of program impact reflects both the depth and breadth of our work with vulnerable children. The role contributes to our commitment to excellence in Christian education and holistic care by providing robust evidence of program effectiveness and opportunities for improvement.

Typical Responsibilities – Key End Results of Position:

1. Research Design and Implementation (30%)

Design and conduct research studies to evaluate program effectiveness and impact
Develop robust methodologies for measuring holistic child development outcomes
Collaborate with academic institutions for research partnerships
Lead the development of research frameworks aligned with FLMZ’s redemptive development approach
Ensure research designs honor the dignity of children and families

2. Impact Evaluation (25%)

Lead impact evaluations of key FLMZ programs
Develop tools to measure spiritual, intellectual, physical, and emotional development of children
Analyze and interpret evaluation data to inform program improvements
Design evaluation approaches that capture both quantitative and qualitative aspects of transformation
Implement participatory evaluation methods that engage children and families

3. Capacity Building (15%)

Train FLMZ staff on research methodologies and evaluation techniques
Develop guidelines and tools for program teams to conduct self-evaluations
Mentor junior staff and interns in research and evaluation practices
Foster evaluative thinking across the organization
Build capacity for evidence-based decision making

4. Reporting and Knowledge Dissemination (15%)

Prepare comprehensive research and evaluation reports
Present findings to internal and external stakeholders
Contribute to academic publications and conference presentations
Document and share best practices in redemptive child development
Create compelling narratives that demonstrate program impact

5. Data Quality and Ethics (10%)

Ensure adherence to research ethics and child protection standards
Implement data quality assurance measures in all research activities
Collaborate with the Data Analytics Officer to ensure data integrity
Maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive information
Develop and enforce research ethical guidelines

6. Cross-Program Support (5%)

Provide technical support to program teams in developing logical frameworks
Assist in the development of indicator tracking tools
Support the MEL Manager in strategic planning and decision-making
Facilitate cross-program learning and knowledge sharing
Contribute to the development of organizational M&E systems

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Required to Achieve Role’s Objectives:

Educational Qualification and Experience

Master’s degree in Research Methods, Evaluation, Social Sciences, or related field
Minimum 5 years of experience in research and evaluation, preferably in child-focused development programs
Strong background in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies
Experience with impact evaluation design and implementation in development contexts
Demonstrated experience in conducting research with vulnerable populations
Knowledge of child development principles and practices

Skills Specific to the Post

Technical Skills:

Expert knowledge of research methodologies and evaluation approaches
Strong proficiency in statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R, STATA)
Advanced skills in research design and implementation
Excellence in data analysis and interpretation
Proficiency in data visualization and presentation tools
Strong understanding of ethical research practices with vulnerable populations
Competence in participatory research methods
Ability to use digital data collection tools and platforms

Professional Skills:

Outstanding analytical and critical thinking abilities
Excellent research report writing and presentation skills
Strong project management and organizational abilities
Demonstrated ability to lead research teams
Excellent stakeholder management capabilities
Ability to translate complex findings into actionable recommendations
Strong mentoring and capacity building skills
Effective cross-cultural communication abilities

Competencies and Values

Spiritual

Strong affirmation of FL Statement of Faith
Clear understanding and articulation of the plan of salvation
Demonstrated ability to integrate Christian worldview into research practices
Commitment to dignity-focused evaluation approaches
Understanding of redemptive development principles
Active participation in Christian community and personal spiritual growth
Ability to connect research and evaluation work to FLMZ’s spiritual mission

Achieving

Commitment to excellence in research and evaluation
Strong results orientation with attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple research projects simultaneously
Proactive problem-solving approach
Dedication to continuous improvement
Strong work ethic and professional integrity
Commitment to ethical research practices

Thinking

Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills
Ability to synthesize complex information
Strategic thinking and planning capabilities
Innovation in research methodology
Understanding of systems thinking
Ability to see patterns and trends in data
Strong conceptual and theoretical thinking skills

Relational

Cultural sensitivity and cross-cultural competence
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to build and maintain professional relationships
Skilled at working with vulnerable populations
Team leadership and collaboration abilities
Capacity to influence and persuade
Effective stakeholder management

Self-Managing

Strong organizational and time management skills
Ability to work independently and take initiative
Emotional intelligence and self-awareness
Resilience and adaptability
Commitment to personal and professional development
Balance between attention to detail and big picture thinking
Ability to manage stress and competing demands

Physical Environment and Demands: The position is based at the Family Legacy Mission Zambia Ibex Hill Office, with regular travel to Legacy Academies and the Tree of Life Children’s Village in Chongwe. The role requires:

60% office-based work focused on research design, analysis, and reporting
40% field work for data collection, training, and stakeholder engagement
Regular travel within Lusaka compounds and to Chongwe
Ability to work in various environmental conditions during field research
Flexibility to adjust working hours based on research requirements

Level of Contact with Children: High level: The position holder will have significant interaction with children during research activities, requiring:

Strict adherence to child protection policies
Sensitivity to the needs and rights of vulnerable children
Ability to create child-friendly research environments
Understanding of ethical considerations in research with minors
Skill in obtaining meaningful feedback from children
Commitment to participatory approaches that engage children appropriately

Accountability: The Research, Evaluation and Reporting Specialist is accountable for:

Quality and integrity of all research and evaluation activities
Protection of research participants, especially children
Accurate and timely reporting of findings
Ethical conduct of all research activities
Development and mentoring of research team members
Contribution to organizational learning and improvement
Strategic use of research resources

Working Relationships:

Internal:

Reports directly to the MEL Manager
Works closely with program managers and department heads
Collaborates with other MEL team members
Engages with field staff and school personnel
Partners with senior leadership team

External:

Academic institutions and research partners
Peer organizations and networks
Research consultants and specialists
Community stakeholders
Relevant government departments

This position plays a crucial role in ensuring that Family Legacy’s programs are evidence-based and effectively contributing to our mission of empowering vulnerable children in Zambia. Through rigorous research and evaluation, the role helps demonstrate and improve our impact across spiritual, intellectual, physical, and emotional dimensions of child development.