Senior Director, Research And Learning

The Integrated Programs group at Habitat for Humanity was established to increase impact. One fundamental way to become more effective is to learn – from Habitat’s own experience and from the experience of others. Currently, learning at Habitat takes place though different means, including case studies, evaluations, reviews, assessments, and research. Learning is captured by different geographic entities, including national organizations, area offices, and Habitat for Humanity International. Further, Habitat has a variety of organizational entities which drive purpose-specific learning – for example, TCIS’s “Ladder Up” report shows how housing construction contributes to employment in emerging economies and DR3 captures nature-based solutions for climate resilience.
At the same time, Habitat has many external partners from whom the organization incorporates useful knowledge. This includes universities through which Habitat conducts joint research on housing. It includes private sector partners who are implementing innovative approaches to construction and finance. It also includes governments who have policies that can be emulated in other countries. And it includes civil society partners who have program models that can be replicated through Habitat.
An International Knowledge Center was recently launched as an online repository for program information. Research and learning is identified as a high priority by the Integrated Programs Leadership Team. However, Habitat does not have a focal point for research and learning. The net effect of Habitat’s current, fragmented approach is that both everyone and no one is responsible for research and learning.
To address this critical gap and to increase impact, Habitat requires a Sr. Director, Research and Learning to drive research and learning – across multiple means, geographies, functions, and external stakeholders. The position requires a technical understanding of housing and the housing ecosystem, skill in navigating the Habitat environment, proficiency in establishing productive relationships with external partners, and a strong desire to use research and learning as instruments of change. This position will support, coordinate, and enhance research and learning efforts in entities including MEAL, regional and national teams, and other teams within Integrated Programs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Thought Leadership and Representation – Speak with credibility based on Habitat’s research and experience in relevant forums, in order to influence policy, change practices, and increase funding.
• Document Existing Research and Learning – Identify program models, promising practices, case studies, program reviews, assessments, research, evaluations, industry standards, and other forms of evidence which can be used to increase impact.
• Capture New Learning – Establish a methodology and process for capturing new learning from within Habitat and from external partners.
• Commission and Coordinate Research – Work with program teams across the Habitat network to define relevant research questions and conduct research through internal and external resources, in alignment with Habitat’s Theory of Change and Program Framework.
• Disseminate Learning – Develop a strategy of sharing information within the network, including bringing Habitat experts together for sharing, which leads to adoption and incorporation of new ways of working.
• Archive Learning – Ensure that research and learning is captured and leveraged for sharing through technology.

Minimum Requirements:
Education: Master’s degree in public policy, international development, urban planning, architecture, or other field related to adequate and affordable housing.
Years of Related Experience:
10 years working for an international non-governmental organization, academic institution, or relevant organization.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Successful track record leading change management processes in complex organizations
• Network of working relationships with related external organizations, including academic institutions
• Deep understanding of housing and housing ecosystems
• Experience working in developing countries
• Experience with knowledge management and applied organizational learning
• Background conducting research focused on adequate and affordable housing

Preferred Requirements (in addition to minimum):

• Background working for Habitat for Humanity in various functions and geographic entities.
• Active support of HFHI Values:

o Humility – We are part of something bigger than ourselves
o Courage – We do what’s right, even when it is difficult or unpopular
o 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.