World Vision Research Job 2026: Apply for the Director of Strategic Research and Evidence
Overview
World Vision International is recruiting a Director, Strategic Research and Evidence, a senior role focused on strengthening the organization's ability to generate, interpret, communicate and use high-quality evidence. The position combines research leadership, quantitative analysis, evidence synthesis, evaluation and organizational learning, with the aim of turning research into practical decisions that improve programs and outcomes for vulnerable children and communities.
What you will do
The Director leads applied research and evidence synthesis across World Vision, helps identify key research questions and oversees studies on issues affecting children, families and communities. The role involves analyzing large datasets to find trends, inequalities, vulnerabilities and resilience factors, and managing an applied research portfolio, including designing studies, commissioning external research, setting protocols and reviewing methods for quality.
Findings must be translated for senior leaders, program teams, advocacy staff, fundraisers and donors. The Director also sets research priorities, builds processes for quality assurance, evidence review, governance and responsible data use, works with universities, research institutions and consultants, and helps colleagues build skills in research commissioning, evidence interpretation and evaluation.
Requirements
Candidates should hold a Master's degree or equivalent in a research-intensive field such as statistics, biostatistics, epidemiology, public health, economics, social sciences, international development, data science, evaluation or implementation science. A PhD is an advantage. Substantial experience in applied research, evaluation, evidence synthesis, statistics, data science, or development or humanitarian research is expected, including leading complex research programs across several countries.
Strong quantitative skills are needed, with tools such as R, Python, Stata or SPSS valuable, plus familiarity with data visualization platforms. Experience in research design, mixed methods, sampling and communicating technical findings to non-technical audiences is relevant, as is experience in international development, humanitarian assistance, child wellbeing, public health, education, livelihoods or climate resilience, and working across cultures and time zones.
How to apply
Applicants prepare a CV showing research leadership, academic background, technical skills, international experience and major research achievements, including managing research portfolios, commissioning studies, supervising teams and building partnerships.