People & Networks Lead

About IfD

The Institute for Development (IfD) is an independent research and evidence organisation operating in Sierra Leone. The organisation supports governments, NGOs, funders and communities by generating, synthesising and applying evidence to solve difficult development problems. As IfD expands, it is strengthening the people systems and professional networks that enable its work.

Role overview

The People & Networks Lead is responsible for looking after three connected groups: IfD staff, the national pool of data collectors, and the wider consultant and associate network. This position suits someone who enjoys working with people, helping them develop, and creating the conditions for them to perform well.

The role is based in Sierra Leone, with Freetown preferred, and reports to the Founder & Strategic Lead. There are no direct reports at the start, though the role may later grow into a small team-building function.

What the role covers

• Support the IfD team so staff are well managed, well supported and able to grow professionally.
• Develop and maintain a national network of trained data collectors who can be deployed quickly.
• Build and nurture a community of consultants and technical associates who contribute to IfD’s work.

Key responsibilities

People, management and culture

• Help managers across the organisation deliver steady, high-quality line management.
• Run onboarding and induction so new staff settle in smoothly and understand how to succeed.
• Manage and improve people policies, procedures, records and HR systems.
• Coordinate annual performance reviews and personal development planning.
• Arrange learning and development activities and help close capability gaps.
• Assist with staff recruitment from advertising through to offer stage.
• Keep an eye on staff wellbeing and organisational culture, stepping in early where support is needed.
• Contribute to workforce planning and succession planning for key roles.

National data collection pool

• Create and update IfD’s national database of data collectors, including their skills, languages, experience and location.
• Recruit, onboard, train and certify new field data collectors.
• Coordinate refresher sessions and engagement activities to keep the pool active and capable.
• Support deployment planning so research and evaluation teams can mobilise quickly.
• Monitor field performance and data quality, and recognise strong contributors.
• Strengthen IfD’s reputation as a preferred organisation for field researchers to work with.

Consultant and associate network

• Build and maintain a database of consultants and associates, mapping expertise across sectors and disciplines.
• Recruit and onboard experts, and keep relationships active between assignments.
• Organise networking, learning and engagement activities, and circulate updates and opportunities.
• Support proposal teams in identifying and mobilising the right experts at the right time.
• Help grow a connected professional community around IfD.

Systems, reporting and growth

• Design straightforward and scalable systems and processes that can support organisational growth.
• Use digital tools and AI-enabled approaches to improve efficiency and insight.
• Prepare regular reports on staffing, network growth and workforce capacity.
• Contribute to organisational strategy and planning.

Safeguarding and data protection

• Promote a safe and respectful workplace and uphold IfD’s safeguarding and code-of-conduct expectations; the role is subject to safeguarding checks and references.
• Manage personal information for staff, data collectors and consultants securely and in line with Sierra Leone data protection requirements and IfD policy.

Key relationships

• Reports to the Founder & Strategic Lead and supports the senior team.
• Works closely with the Research, Knowledge & Comms, Finance and Operations Leads, especially on mobilising field teams and specialists for projects and proposals, and on shared systems.
• Acts as a contact point and advocate for staff, data collectors and associates.

Person specification

Essential

• A bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, organisational development, social sciences or a related area.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in HR, organisational development, programme management, network coordination or a similar field.
• Prior experience supporting recruitment and professional development.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships.
• Excellent organisational and project-management capability.
• Comfort working independently and remotely.
• Strong written and spoken communication skills.
• Good command of Microsoft 365 tools.
• A clear commitment to safeguarding and responsible handling of personal data.
• Based in Sierra Leone and able to travel within the country when needed.

Desirable

• Background in research, development or NGO settings.
• Experience managing consultant databases or professional networks.
• Experience coordinating training programmes.
• Familiarity with HR information systems or CRM platforms.
• Experience using AI and digital tools to improve organisational processes.

Who would thrive in this role

The ideal candidate genuinely enjoys working with people and takes pride in helping others grow, connect and succeed. They are likely to:

• Build trust quickly and act as a natural connector.
• Stay highly organised, proactive and comfortable managing many relationships at once.
• Exercise sound judgement and discretion in sensitive situations.
• Combine process discipline with empathy and human connection.
• Enjoy working in a growing, entrepreneurial environment.

Values

The selected candidate will demonstrate integrity, respect, curiosity, collaboration, excellence and a commitment to evidence-informed decision-making.

Success after two years

• Staff experience stronger support, clearer development pathways and better line management, with measurable improvements in retention and satisfaction.
• IfD maintains an active, quality-assured national data-collection pool with wide geographic and language coverage that can be deployed within days.
• A larger, engaged consultant and associate community regularly contributes to projects and proposals.
• Professional development becomes embedded in day-to-day working practices.
• The people systems and networks needed for sustained growth and impact are in place and operating effectively.