Junior Research Officer (Mixed Methods)

at  IMPACT Initiatives

Created in 2010, IMPACT Initiatives is a Geneva-based NGO and the largest independent data provider in contexts of crisis. We aim to support a range of stakeholders in making better, more informed decisions in humanitarian, stabilisation, and development settings. We believe that a key pathway to better planning and decision-making is direct engagement with local communities and their leaders. Through our team of assessment, data, geospatial, and thematic specialists, we promote the design of people-centred research and set standards for collecting and analysing rigorous, high-quality data in complex environments. For more information visit: www.impact-initiatives.org

QUALIFICATIONS & WORK EXPERIENCE

• Good academic qualifications, including a Master’s degree or higher in relevant discipline (e.g. International Relations, Social Science, Social Research, Anthropology, International Development, Economics, etc.)
• At least 1 year of relevant experience in a research or analyst role, ideally in humanitarian/ development contexts, with a focus on implementing qualitative or mixed methods research projects
• Prior experience in implementing primary research projects in field settings from start to finish (e.g. needs assessments, monitoring and evaluation)

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Basic knowledge of research methods within the field of social sciences, including pros, cons and applicability of different methods
• Basic knowledge of the fundamentals of research planning, including how to formulate appropriate research questions and methodologies
• Basic knowledge of privacy and ethical considerations in data collection, analysis
• Basic knowledge of data interpretation and visualisation best practices, and how to effectively and accurately disseminate research findings
• Intermediate-advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, including prior experience with Word and Excel
• Basic knowledge of the history, architecture, key stakeholders and dynamics in the humanitarian sector
• Basic knowledge of common challenges and risks for applied research in complex crisis contexts
• Prior experience with processing and analysing both quantitative and qualitative data, including experience with analysis software such as R, NVIVO, MaxQDA, etc.
• Prior experience with Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, InDesign) and/ or other data visualisation software (Tableau, ArcGIS, etc.)

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Fluency in English
• Fluency in French

OTHER SOFT SKILLS

• Commitment to acting professionally, while operating with transparency and taking responsibility for actions
• Commitment towards personal and professional growth through learning, creative thinking and openness to feedback
• Ability to effectively communicate and build relationships with others, internally and externally
• Ability to work cooperatively with others from a diversity of backgrounds, engaging effectively internally and externally.
• Attention to detail and commitment to delivering results on time, and to a high standard of quality
• Ability to manage time effectively and thrive in a fast paced, results-oriented working environment
• Ability to maintain focus on professional objectives while adapting and demonstrating flexibility as contexts, requirements and circumstances evolve
• Ability to work independently, with initiative, while taking a solutions-oriented approach
• Ability to use analytical and critical thinking to form sound judgments and inform evidence-based decisions

• Advise on, review and validate research design and data/ analysis approaches for IMPACT research cycles, while taking the lead on specific countries and/ or thematic areas of focus based on interests agreed upon at the start of contract. This includes:
  o Advise country teams on all aspects of research design, in line with IMPACT Research guidelines
  o Review research design materials and tools, including (but not limited to) Terms of Reference, Data Analysis Plans, Data collection tools

o Review and validate data processing and analysis outputs, especially from qualitative research

• Ensure IMPACT’s information products meet the required standards for data interpretation, data visualization and research reporting, specifically:

o Review narrative information products including, but not limited to, reports, presentations, factsheets, situation overviews, etc., while paying specific attention to:

• Accuracy with which findings are being reported and presented, including consistency with research Terms of Reference, data collection tools and methodology
• Coherence and clarity of narratives, and the extent to which the research questions have been adequately addressed through these narratives
• Respect for core humanitarian principles and other sensitivities in research reporting

o Provide clear, concise and constructive feedback to those drafting information products

o Flag and discuss identified risks with Research Manager as and when relevant.

• Support with day-to-day process follow-up for the research cycles being followed, including:

o Monitor progress and emerging risks for research implementation in specific country contexts
o Follow-up on delayed/ missing research cycle documents, keeping databases up to date

o Ensure sufficient tracking and proper filing of relevant documents and tools

• Contribute to capitalization of lessons learned as well as development of tools and guidelines for increased research quality within IMPACT.