Program and Research Manager

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Kennedy School?

The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.

The Center for International Development (CID) is Harvard University’s hub for cutting-edge research on the world’s most pressing international development issues. Based at Harvard Kennedy School, CID brings researchers and practitioners together across the university to collaborate, using the latest analytical tools to address pressing development challenges. CID organizes global talent worldwide by investing in people, places, and ideas to build a thriving world for all. 

Job Summary:

The Program and Research Manager will play a central role in advancing CID’s work globally, with a primary focus on Africa and the Middle East. This position will help expand CID’s institutional presence and partnerships across these regions internally within Harvard and externally with key stakeholders by building strategic networks, developing new programming, and translating faculty vision into executable research, convenings, and collaborative initiatives.

Working closely with faculty, staff, and alumni, the Program and Research Manager will support the design and implementation of new CID programming globally, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. The role requires someone who can move fluidly from concept development to operational delivery, and from relationship building and fundraising to research management and program support. This position may require international travel of up to 30% annually.

This position will also contribute to the research outputs directly through managing administrative processes that enable high quality, policy relevant work, including IRB coordination, project tracking, grants support, data analysis, and collaboration across Harvard and external partners. 

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Program Development, Regional Strategy, and Network Building

• Develop and launch new CID programming globally, and especially in Africa and the Middle East, including research initiatives, policy engagements and events 
• Build and strengthen CID’s global networks, especially in Africa and the Middle East, with attention to long-term institutional relationships and opportunities for collaboration and fundraising
• Work with faculty and leadership to identify opportunities for pilot initiatives, strategic partnerships, and new areas of engagement
• Design and manage convenings, workshops, roundtables, seminars, and other events in support of CID’s regional and global priorities
• Engage and coordinate external stakeholders from academia, government, philanthropy, civil society, and practice
• Prepare policy and research briefs, presentations, and summary materials to support programming and dissemination

 Research Management, Grants, and Operations

• Provide research management for faculty-led projects and emerging CID initiatives, including work planning, coordination across collaborators, and tracking of milestones and deliverables
• Contribute to background research, landscape mapping, literature reviews, synthesis memos, presentations, and policy relevant written outputs
• Support the development, submission, amendment, and tracking of IRB protocols in coordination with faculty, research staff, and university offices
• Contribute to fundraising and donor engagement efforts by supporting proposal development, briefing materials, and the implementation of activities associated with funded gifts and awards
• Manage research administration processes, including data use agreements, vendor coordination, contracts, and related documentation
• Help develop and edit research papers, reports, policy briefs, grant reports, and other written products for academic, policy, and practitioner audiences
• Manage timelines, deliverables, internal workflows, and project documentation across multiple initiatives at once
• Coordinate with finance, research administration, and sponsored research teams on budgets, post-award management, and reporting requirements
• Support grant development processes, including proposal drafting, narrative development, budget coordination, and compilation of required materials.

Basic Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in public policy, international development, public administration, regional studies, economics, or a related field
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience in program management, research management, international development, public policy, higher education, or a related field
• Knowledge of research methods including statistical methods, econometrics, and randomized control trials demonstrated through coursework and/or professional work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Fluency in Arabic and French preferred
• Experience supporting research projects, including knowledge of IRB and research compliance processes
• Strong research, writing, and editing skills for multiple audiences
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and move work forward independently
• Excellent judgment, discretion, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, students, and external collaborators across institutional and geographic contexts
• Previous experience as a quantitative Research Assistant or in a similar role preferred, including knowledge of statistical analysis tools such as Stata, Claude Code, and Qualtrics
• Strong command of Microsoft Office, collaborative work tools, and the effective use of AI tools, including LLMs
• Experience with grant development, budget coordination, and international project administration preferred
• Willingness to travel internationally as needed

• Appointment End Date: One year from date of hire with the possibility of renewal
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information: This position is based on our campus in Cambridge, MA, and is not eligible for remote work.The minimum on-site requirement is 3 days/week.

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.