Job description

About REACH and IMPACT

REACH was created in 2010 as a joint initiative of two International NGOs (IMPACT Initiatives and ACTED) and the United Nations Operational Satellite Applications Programme (UNOSAT). REACH’s purpose is to facilitate the development of information products that enhance the humanitarian community’s decision-making and planning capacity for emergency, recovery, and development contexts. REACH supports information management for aid actors through three complementary services: (a) needs and situation assessments by REACH teams; (b) situation analysis using satellite imagery; (c) provision of database and (web)-mapping facilities and expertise.

IMPACT Initiatives is a humanitarian NGO, based in Geneva, Switzerland. The organisation manages several initiatives, including the REACH Initiative. IMPACT was launched at the initiative of ACTED, an international NGO whose headquarter is based in Paris and is present in thirty countries. The two organizations have a strong complementarity formalized in a global partnership, enabling IMPACT to benefit from ACTED’s operational support on its fields of intervention.

 Greening strategy:

ACTED’s greening strategy aims to tackle environmental degradation and climate change while meeting the needs of the most vulnerable who are often those most affected by the deepening environmental crisis. Each ACTED employee will adhere to these principles through key green programming responsibilities:

• Contribute towards the adherence and development of the greening strategy plan.
• Explore innovative green programming opportunities and/or solutions within your realm of responsibilities and roles
• Encouraging and promoting environmental safeguarding processes and environmental programming standards in accordance with SOPs and technical guideline notes

ACTED PSEAH Policy:

The Senior Research Officer has the responsibility to adhere to the PSEAH Policy (Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment). The research officer has the obligation to complete all mandatory trainings related to the Code of Conduct and the PSEA policy and report any safeguarding concern such as breaches of organisational policies or codes of conduct according to ACTED’s procedures. The research officer carries out work duties in a way that does not harm children, vulnerable adults or other staff or volunteers.

Job Purpose

JOB PURPOSE

REACH is currently seeking qualified applicants with experience in research, assessments, and/or data to serve as a Senior Assessment Officer. Depending on organizational needs and the successful candidate's profile, the position may be based within either the Public Health and Prioritisation, Shelter and Site Management, or Cash, Markets & Livelihoods Units supporting REACH's humanitarian research portfolio in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (oPt).

The REACH Senior Assessment Officer (SAO) will lead and support the design, implementation, and analysis of humanitarian assessments and research across one or more thematic sectors. This includes leading the development of assessment methodologies and tools, overseeing data collection and quality assurance processes, conducting quantitative and qualitative analysis, and producing high-quality analytical outputs to inform humanitarian response planning, coordination, advocacy, and decision-making.

Previous experience conducting humanitarian assessments, research, or data analysis is required, along with experience managing and processing large datasets (including in Microsoft Excel). Excellent written and spoken English is essential. Experience with Kobo Toolbox and capacity building is preferred. Familiarity with statistical software (e.g. R, SPSS, or Stata) and/or data visualisation tools (e.g. Power BI or Tableau) is an asset but not required. The ideal candidate has strong analytical, communication, and organisational skills, demonstrates initiative and attention to detail, and is able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced humanitarian environment.

Objectives

Objective 1: Research Design, Implementation, and Coordination

Under the supervision of the Research Manager, the Senior Assessment Officer (SAO) will contribute to the design and refinement of research methodologies and data collection tools. The SAO will lead the planning, coordination, implementation, and follow-up of research activities in line with project objectives, methodological standards, and deadlines.

This will include designing quantitative and qualitative data collection tools (e.g. household surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and other research instruments); developing research protocols and supporting documentation; training and supervising field staff on research tools and methodologies; and overseeing data collection, quality assurance, and data cleaning processes. The SAO will ensure regular reporting on research progress, coordinate closely with internal and external stakeholders as required, and actively participate in internal planning and coordination meetings.

 Objective 2: Analysis and Information Product Creation

With the support of the Data Officer, the SAO will contribute to the analysis of key research findings and incorporate them into information products such as factsheets, briefings, reports, dashboards, etc. The SAO will work to ensure the quality and accuracy of information products and to ensure that products are delivered to key stakeholders in a timely and professional manner.

 Objective 3: External Engagement

The SAO will contribute to the engagement with the relevant response stakeholder to identify research priorities and facilitate the use of key findings in planning and programming. The SAO may also be requested to represent REACH in coordination meetings, donor presentations, or meetings with partner organisations as relevant.

Duties and Responsibilities

 Key Research Activities

 a.                   Research design and tool development

-        Definition of research objectives and questions to address key information gaps;

-        Identification of appropriate research methodologies;

-       Development of data collection tools and questionnaires including the drafting, translating, and reviewing of assessment indicators in coordination with clusters and working groups (household, key informant, FGD).

 b.                   Monitor data collection and cleaning

-        Support the training of field data collection staff on research aims and tools;

-        Monitor field data collection in collaboration with REACH Field Managers and Senior Assessment Officers

-        Monitor the quality of data collected, undertake appropriate checks on data collected in the field and resolve discrepancies and quality issues.

c.                   Preparation and production of information products

-        Carry out data analysis in line with research questions and objectives, with the support of REACH data teams where needed;

-        Contribute to factsheet production and reports using InDesign and work closely with REACH GIS Officers to produce mapping outputs.

d.                   Dissemination of findings and external engagement

• Present key findings to relevant response actors and facilitate use of data for evidence-based planning and advocacy;
• Coordinate with relevant actors and partner organisations to ensure research is aligned with priority information needs.

 Internal Communication Processes

The SAO will work directly with other Assessment focal points, Data Officer, GIS officer, and Research Manager in country and liaise with IMPACT HQ in Geneva to ensure the quality and effectiveness of products developed. She/he will ensure effective internal communication with mission and IMPACT HQ colleagues.

 Confidentiality and Data Protection

The REACH SAO will maintain the strictest confidentiality of data and processes. She/he will actively take measures to prevent the unauthorised sharing of information and data.

Skills

QUALIFICATIONS

 Requirements

-                        University undergraduate degree or 2+ years relevant experience;

-                        Experience conducting research/assessments or working with data (academic research experience included);

-                        Fluency in English, excellent communication and writing skills;

 Desired

-                        Technical skills in any of the following:

•       Strong Excel skills;

•       Previous experience with mobile data collection (ODK, ONA, KoBo);

•       Good understanding of research methods (including sampling frameworks);

•       Experience with cleaning and analysing datasets required;

•       Knowledge of the Adobe Suite, particularly InDesign an asset;

•       Good understanding of research methods (including sampling frameworks);

•       Experience on dashboards (Power BI, Shiny) an asset;

-                        Experience working in/on humanitarian or development contexts;

-                        Experience with external engagement and/or partner coordination;

-                        Strong analytical skills, including ability to identify and key trends and situate findings in wider context;

-                        Ability to operate independently in a cross-cultural environment requiring flexibility.

CVs will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please note that the opening of this vacancy does not constitute an obligation to fill the position