Cost Research Advisor

TL;DR

Cost Research Advisor (Humanitarian): Lead cost analyses, synthesize evidence, and provide technical assistance for humanitarian programs with an accent on cost-efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and scenario modeling. Focus on refining research questions, developing data sets, informing proposals, and translating findings into policy narratives.

Hybrid working possible in London, UK or US. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK or the US. Occasional flexibility for meetings across time zones and up to 20% international travel.

UK: GBP 45,594 – 51,061; US: $58,500 - $91,000

Company

International humanitarian non-governmental organization responding to crises in over 40 countries, with Airbel Impact Lab focusing on evidence-based solutions.

What you will do

• Refine learning agendas and conduct cost-efficiency, cost-effectiveness analyses, and scenario modeling for focus areas like Safe at Home.
• Develop and maintain program-specific data sets and synthesize internal/external cost evidence for quantitative/qualitative assessments.
• Provide technical assistance to IRC colleagues and partners, support proposal development, and create user-friendly evidence tools.
• Collaborate with advocacy/policy teams to translate research into external collateral and contribute to reporting/presentations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's in economics, statistics, public policy or related; 3+ years (Bachelor’s) or 2+ years (Master’s) in humanitarian/development sector.
• Strong knowledge of cost analysis methodologies in LMICs, proficiency in spreadsheet data cleaning/analysis.
• Ability to interpret technical findings into policy narratives, excellent writing/editing for research reports.
• Experience managing coalitions/partnerships, familiarity with humanitarian donor landscapes.
• Strong interpersonal skills for remote team across time zones/cultures, proficiency in Microsoft Office/Notion, fluency in English.

Nice to have

• Proficiency in statistical/data visualization software, quantitative/qualitative evidence synthesis.
• Experience with peer-reviewed publications, AI tools for research, 2+ years in LMICs, French proficiency.

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid working in UK/US with flexible hours, enhanced maternity/adoption leave, gender-sensitive protocols.
• Diverse/inclusive team emphasizing critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity.
• Commitment to equality, non-discrimination, reasonable adjustments for disabilities.

Hiring process

• Written assessment.
• Screening call online.
• Panel interview online.