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Shape the future: join us as a Senior Research Manager (International) at NFER
Are you passionate about strengthening education systems around the world? We're seeking an enthusiastic Senior Research Manager (International) to join our Centre for Assessment team and drive impactful international assessment work. With a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and the chance to work with a globally respected charity, this is your opportunity to make a lasting difference.
Salary: £51,000 - £57,000 per annum (non-negotiable)
Annual Leave: Enjoy 42 days off each year: 30 days' annual leave, 4 paid closure days and 8 bank holidays.
Pension Contributions: 10% employer contributions
Family Support: Enhanced maternity/parental leave and paid compassionate leave
Flexible Working: Hybrid setup with our office at The Mere, Upton, with easy access to Windsor, Maidenhead, Reading, the Elizabeth Line and the M4. Full-time (35 hours).
JOB DESCIPTION
As a Senior Research Manager (International), you’ll play a pivotal role in in supporting NFER’s international assessment work. You’ll predominately focus on assessment projects in the Global South, although will occasionally be expected to work on UK and Global North projects if necessary. You will develop project methodologies and plans; oversee assessment design and implementation; organise and deliver capacity building activities; oversee data analysis, reporting and results dissemination and resource and risk management. You’ll also be responsible for leading on assessment projects and bids for new contracts, developing innovative solutions for meeting a range of clients’ needs and budgets.
Key responsibilities:
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, partner organisations, associates across the education and development sector to build NFER’s external profile and reputation and nurture potential new funding collaborations
• Lead high-quality proposals in response to tenders and negotiated opportunities for international assessment projects; including costings and technical responses.
• Lead international assessment projects (mainly in Global South countries), ensuring quality and timely delivery across the full project cycle.
• Lead projects requiring assessment development and psychometric analysis, ensuring effective communication of technical concepts and findings to clients and stakeholders.
• Engage directly with governments, funding agencies and other external stakeholders.
This role will involve international travel as needed based on project and stakeholder engagement requirements. International travel is typically expected to be 3 trips per year, subject to project requirements.
Some flexibility in working hours is required to accommodate international client meetings and project needs.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential skills and experience:
• Strong project and budget management and organisational skills.
• Demonstrated ability in the development of competitive bids, including developing costings.
• Experience in the delivery of assessment contracts and projects and capacity building training to governments or key stakeholders in Global South countries.
• Demonstrated experience of assessment development and implementation.
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written, and able to write compelling easy to read reports based on complex analyses for a variety of purposes and audiences.
Other roles you may have experience of include: International education specialist, International Assessment Lead or International Research Manager.
WHY NFER?
At NFER, we are recognised globally for providing trusted research, resources and insights that drive meaningful change. By joining us, you’ll contribute to a mission that prioritises impact over profit, working in an environment where collaboration, flexibility, and inclusion are valued.
What we offer:
• A supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
• Opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career.
• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance from day 1.
• The chance to make a real difference in the education sector.
APPLICATION PROCESS
We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and encourage you to apply early. Shortlisting will commence from 12 October 2026.
We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, and are committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process. If you require any adjustments, alternative document formats or accommodations at any stage, please do not hesitate to contact us at HR@nfer.ac.uk. Further details can also be found in the Job Information Pack.
If you’re ready to bring your skills and passion to a role that makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and start your journey with NFER.