Senior Research Officer

ROLE TYPE: Full-time 24 months, with the possibility of extension 

REPORTING TO: Deputy Head of Research/Project Manager

DEPARTMENT:  Research

LOCATION: Beirut, Lebanon 

CLOSING DATE: 11th November 2024

ABOUT ARK

ARK is a social enterprise, empowering local communities through the provision of agile and sustainable interventions to create greater stability, opportunity and hope for the future. 

We believe that strong, resilient communities are the foundation of local, national, regional and international development and stability – and ultimately a safer, peaceful and more prosperous world. At ARK, we have delivered research and programmatic interventions validating this approach in over twenty countries since 2008. As a social enterprise we work in partnership with communities, our donors, and other implementers to build local capacities, generate opportunity and bring about sustainable change. 

Learn more about our impact here:  https://www.ark.international/impact

About the Role

ARK Group is a leading provider of research and consultancy services. The research department enables the company’s research-informed and evidence-based approach, which is validated by a track record of programmes and projects for governmental donors and international/multinational organisations across a range of thematic areas. Utilising innovative mixed-methods methodologies and working closely with local partners, communities and subject matter experts, the research department generates relevant data and insights as part of standalone research projects and/or to inform and drive conflict- and gender-sensitive programme ideation, design, implementation, and learning.

The Senior Research Officer will play a leading role in the development and operational management of a new Conflict Sensitivity Monitoring Facility (CSMF) at ARK Group. This role involves overseeing and implementing regular primary research to inform ARK’s evidence-based approach to conflict sensitivity in international security assistance efforts in Lebanon. Reporting to the Project Manager and working closely with other members of the research team, the selected candidate will play a key role in research design, analysis, production of research outputs and presentation and socialization of findings to donors and other stakeholders. This role will require a proactive individual with experience in conflict analysis, mixed-methods research, and familiarity with the socio-political dynamics of Lebanon and the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).

What you'll be doing

Research Design, Analysis and Reporting

• Develop and manage mixed-methods research projects aimed at promoting conflict sensitivity within international security assistance in Lebanon.
• Design data collection tools (surveys, interview guides, etc.) in line with project objectives.
• Coordinate with local partners and field teams to execute research plans, ensuring high-quality data collection and adherence to ethical research standards.
• Assist in the analysis of qualitative and quantitative data, using appropriate methodologies to generate insights.
• Prepare high-quality reports and presentations that effectively communicate findings to both technical and non-technical audiences, including governmental and international stakeholders.
• Ensure all research activities comply with ARK Group’s ethical guidelines, with particular attention to conflict sensitivity and gender inclusion.
• Implement quality assurance processes for data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Work with programme teams to ensure that research insights inform the design, implementation, and evaluation of conflict- and gender-sensitive programming.

Project Management and Administration

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the CSMF, including planning and reporting.
• Monitor project milestones, track deliverables, and ensure adherence to project timelines and quality standards.
• Coordinate with ARK’s internal teams and external partners to maintain alignment on project goals and objectives.
• Provide regular updates to senior management and stakeholders on project progress, challenges, and successes.
• Facilitate stakeholder workshops and meetings to discuss research findings and gather input on conflict sensitivity risks and solutions.