Assessment/Research Officer

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 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 organizational 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

REACH is currently seeking qualified applicants with experience in research, assessments and/or data to serve as Assessment (Research) Officers.

The REACH Assessment Officers (AOs) will contribute to research on a number of topics, including conditions and needs in communities through multi-sectoral needs assessments inside the Occupied Palestinian Territory (oPt).

This includes leading on research design, training of field staff, coordination of data collection and cleaning, analysis of key findings, production of information products (factsheets, dashboards, etc.), and dissemination of information to key humanitarian response actors and partners.

Past experience working on needs assessments, research or analysis in the humanitarian system as well as experience with managing and processing large datasets (including in Microsoft Excel) is required. Excellent English skills are a must. Experience with capacity building and Kobo Toolbox is preferred. Any additional statistical analysis software (eg. R) or data visualisation skills (eg. Power BI) are an asset but not required. The ideal candidate has excellent communication and organisational skills, and has a professional and proactive attitude.

Objectives 

Objective 1: Research Design, Implementation, and Coordination

Under the supervision of the Senior Assessment Officer or Research Manager, the AO will contribute to designing or improving the methodologies and research tools. The AO will then execute the planning, coordination, implementation, and follow-up of research activities in line with overall project objectives and deadlines.

This will include the design of data collection tools (household and KI surveys, focus groups, etc.); training of field staff on research tools and methodologies; and management and coordination of data collection and cleaning. The AO will ensure regular reporting on research progress and participate in internal coordination meetings.

Objective 2: Analysis and Information Product Creation

With the support of the Senior Assessment Officer and Data Officer, the AO will contribute to the analysis of key research findings and incorporate them into information products such as factsheets, briefings, reports, dashboards, etc. The AO 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

In collaboration with the Senior Assessment Officer, the AO 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 AO 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

• Cary 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 AO will work directly with the Senior Assessment Officer/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 AO will maintain the strictest confidentiality of data and processes. She/he will actively take measures to prevent the unauthorised sharing of information and data.