Social science research fellow

Summary The Research Associate supports and leads priority research and learning initiatives within Habitat for Humanity International’s global MEARL team. Reporting to the Senior Director of Research and Learning, the Research Associate will help strengthen the quality, coordination and use of research across Habitat’s global network, with particular responsibility for research standards and systems, priority global research, the Collective Impact Initiative, and efforts to translate research and promising practices into organizational learning and action.
Key Responsibilities 30% Contribute to implementation of the Collective Impact Initiative (CII) and its goal of creating a unified global approach for measuring, learning from and demonstrating Habitat for Humanity’s impact. Conduct substantive literature reviews and evidence syntheses for priority impact-study topics, including housing and economic opportunities. Responsibilities may include developing research questions and review frameworks, conducting desk research, synthesizing evidence, drafting reports, coordinating internal and external consultation, incorporating feedback, and working with Communications to prepare final products for dissemination.
Support rollout of the common results measurement framework and Amp Impact, including development of network-facing guidance, training materials and implementation resources. Contribute to the CII’s One MEARL Team work by strengthening shared research processes, tools and learning across MEARL staff globally. Support strategic impact studies and other CII research and learning activities as priorities evolve. Coordinate with colleagues across MEARL, Programs, Communications and other teams to manage timelines, consultations, technical review and delivery of CII research products.

30% Lead the continued development and implementation of the Research & Learning Pipeline, strengthening HFHI’s ability to identify, track and coordinate research and evaluation activities across teams, regions and the broader Habitat network. Co‑lead the development and rollout of Research Minimum Standards and Principles, including practical guidance and tools that strengthen research quality, consistency, ethics and community accountability while remaining appropriate for different contexts and types of research.
Support development and implementation of a structured research peer review process, including reviewer guidance, quality criteria, reviewer rosters and processes for integrating peer review into research planning and production. Provide technical review and quality assurance for priority HFHI research, including research concepts, scopes of work, methodologies, instruments and reports, helping colleagues apply HFHI research standards and principles.
Coordinate with related Research & Learning initiatives, including the organizational and regional Research & Learning Agendas, Research Fund and Research & Learning Leadership Team, to ensure that tools, systems and lessons reinforce one another. 25% Provide substantive research support to HFHI flagship and priority research initiatives, including the Global Housing Research Project and development of the Global Housing Index. Conduct literature reviews, desk research, data synthesis and additional analysis of quantitative and qualitative research as needed. Support drafting, review and finalization of research reports and other products for internal and external audiences.
Support survey research, including development and refinement of survey instruments, survey programming, management of expert or respondent databases, data cleaning, summary analysis and synthesis of findings. Provide technical support to other priority research, including Home Equals research, U.Office research, regional research and network-generated research products.
Coordinate with data science, advocacy, communications, regional and other technical colleagues and facilitate stakeholder consultations to ensure research products are rigorous, appropriately reviewed, accessible and useful.

15% Support initiatives that translate HFHI research and evidence into practical learning for staff, national organizations, affiliates and external audiences. Contribute to the continued development of Habitat Promising Practices, helping identify, organize, assess, synthesize and elevate promising innovations and evidence from across the Habitat network.
Support learning products and forums such as Research Digests, From Local to Global sessions, Communities of Practice, and other network-facing learning activities. Help capture and share learning from research grant recipients, impact studies, Promising Practices and other research and learning investments. Work across the Research & Learning portfolio to identify connections among research findings, promising practices and organizational priorities and help increase the use of existing evidence in programs, advocacy, fundraising and decision‑making.
Coordinate with Communications and other teams to make research findings clear, accessible and actionable for different audiences.

Minimum Requirements A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field combined with substantial directly related professional experience may be considered in lieu of a graduate degree. Graduate‑level training in public policy, public administration, social sciences, international development, monitoring and evaluation, urban studies, housing, research methods or a related field is preferred.

2-5 years of relevant professional experience supporting or conducting applied research, evaluation, learning or evidence‑based policy/program work.

Demonstrated experience with several stages of the research process, such as literature reviews, research design, survey development, quantitative or qualitative data analysis, stakeholder consultation and research writing.

Experience coordinating multiple projects or workstreams involving colleagues from different functions or locations.

Experience producing research products for audiences beyond academic researchers, including practitioners, decision‑makers, advocates or the general public.

Experience in an international nonprofit, international development, housing, public policy, research or related environment is strongly preferred.

Familiarity with housing, urban development, international development, monitoring and evaluation, or related social and economic development issues is preferred.

Global South Research Experience: Familiarity with data sourced from the Global South and related challenges.

Active support of HFHI Values: Accountability - We take personal responsibility for Habitat's mission.

Safeguarding HFHI requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguarding our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work. Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of Habitat for Humanity’s code of conduct.

Hiring Range The actual salary offered for this role will be based on a variety of factors, including location, internal equity and the candidate’s qualifications and professional experience. HFHI offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package that varies by country and typically includes vacation leave, sick leave, personal days, health insurance options, retirement plan contributions and life insurance. About Us Habitat for Humanity, founded in 1976, is a global, Christian‑based nonprofit organization that grew out of an intentionally multi‑racial community in rural Georgia. Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat brings together people of all faiths and people of no faith to build homes, communities and hope. Working alongside each other, we help families and individuals build and improve places to call home and achieve the strength, stability and self‑reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. At Habitat for Humanity International, we are compelled by our Koinonia roots to put God’s love for all into action and pursue housing equity and opportunity by bringing all people together to build community and drive impact. We strive to build a culture rooted in learning, accountability and trust, attracting and retaining mission‑driven talent reflective of the global communities we serve.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement As an equal opportunity employer, we realize our success depends on courageously committing to being a workplace where all staff feel safe, welcome, visible, respected, supported and valued, and building a workforce that reflects a variety of lived experiences, backgrounds and perspectives, in which every person experiences dignity and respect.
Habitat for Humanity International is an E‑Verify employer.
E‑Verify information (English/Spanish)
Right to work (English/Spanish)

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