Transfer Project, Project Manager

About the Organization

Since 1966, researchers at the Carolina Population Center have pioneered data collection and research techniques that move population science forward by emphasizing life course approaches, longitudinal surveys, the integration of biological measurement into social surveys, and attention to context and environment. We are also at the forefront of creating interdisciplinary training programs that integrate approaches from the social and biological sciences, building research capacity and training the next generation of scholars. Our faculty fellows address pressing research questions about population dynamics, fertility, health, mortality, migration, and the environment. Faculty come from multiple disciplines, benefitting from the cross-pollination of ideas. Our dedicated research and programming staff support fellows at every stage of project development, from conception through data collection or acquisition, analysis and dissemination, and project administration.

About the Transfer Project

The Transfer Project: Learning How Social Transfers Work in Africa, administered at the Carolina Population Center (CPC; cpc.unc.edu) of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, is an innovative research and learning initiative that supports improved knowledge and practice on social transfers in Africa, undertakes impact evaluations of large-scale cash transfer programs in Africa, and creates mechanisms for regional learning and exchange among policy makers, program implementers, and researchers.

Position Summary

The project manager will join a research team that includes experts in public policy, economics, and public health. They will monitor and control project workflow, timelines and budgets. A key task will be to coordinate the activities of researcher partners and external consultants. The project manager will serve as project liaison with the funding agencies, key counterparts (Columbia University, University of Malawi, FAO, UNICEF, HEWLETT) and with UNC's various departments, such as the Institutional Review Board (IRB), OSR, accounting services, and human resources. The project manager may be asked to collaborate in writing and preparing content for dissemination to communities of practice, policy makers, and current and potential funders. They will prepare progress reports and annual work plans. The project manager will be responsible for preparing grant proposals for new studies.

Minimum Education and Experience

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity or professional-level background in sponsored research administration, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications

• Must be able to develop implementation plans for research and technical activities, write clearly, and coordinate activities among a variety of individuals across different project themes.
• Must have outstanding organizational and management skills as well as excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Must be motivated and take initiative and excel at working independently with minimal direction, to develop timelines and budgets, anticipate and solve problems, and prioritize competing demands.
• A demonstrated ability to work and collaborate within and across interdisciplinary teams both inside and outside the organization is essential.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous project management experience.

Pay

$70,000 to $75,000, dependent on qualifications

Schedule

0.75 FTE, 30 hours per week. Position is temporary staff with an estimated duration of 12 months, proposed start date 08/03/2026.

Location

North Carolina, US