We are seeking a highly motivated professional to oversee and execute a diverse range of duties, ensuring operational excellence and team productivity. Key responsibilities include managing project timelines, coordinating cross-functional teams, and implementing strategies to enhance efficiency. The role demands meticulous attention to detail in budget tracking, performance reporting, and compliance with company policies. Additionally, the position requires fostering a collaborative work environment, resolving conflicts, and providing leadership to drive organizational goals. Strong analytical skills and the ability to adapt to dynamic challenges are essential for success in this role.
Research Planning and Design
Serve as the overall research project focal point for the four-year SRH RCT programme, providing strategic direction and ensuring all research activities are implemented in line with project objectives, the agreed study protocol, IMPACT research cycle guidelines, and donor requirements.
Lead the design and refinement of annual data collection rounds, covering both quantitative (survey-based) and qualitative (in-depth interviews, focus group discussions) components, ensuring methodological rigour and consistency with the RCT design across both country contexts.
Oversee the contextualisation of data collection tools (quantitative questionnaires and qualitative guides) for each data collection round, ensuring tools are contextually appropriate, translated, and piloted before deployment in Somalia and South Sudan.
Ensure all research designs, tools, and protocols are validated by IMPACT HQ and relevant ethics bodies before each data collection round begins.
Research Implementation
Provide strategic oversight and technical guidance to in-country teams in Somalia and South Sudan who serve as the primary data collection leads in each context, including direction on enumerator recruitment and training, field supervision protocols, and quality assurance systems.
Develop and roll out comprehensive quality assurance frameworks for each data collection round, including back-check protocols, data audit procedures, and real-time monitoring of data quality indicators, ensuring consistent standards across both countries.
Lead enumerator training design for each data collection round in close coordination with the in-country teams, ensuring all enumerators are equipped to administer both quantitative surveys and qualitative data collection tools with fidelity to the study protocol.
Ensure all data is gathered, organized, and maintained in strict accordance with IMPACT Data Management Guidelines, relevant data protection regulations, and the ethical provisions outlined in the study protocol.
Monitor data collection activities in both countries, proactively detecting and addressing any obstacles or deviations from established methods, and escalating relevant concerns to the line manager and IMPACT HQ as required.
Analyze data and prepare drafts for product development and strategy based on insights gathered from research and performance metrics. Ensure all findings are accurately interpreted and presented in clear, actionable formats suitable for cross-functional teams. Collaborate with stakeholders to refine product concepts and validate hypotheses through iterative testing and validation. Maintain meticulous documentation of analysis processes and results for future reference and compliance.
Offer comprehensive review and support for analyses and deliverables prepared by our research partner, ensuring accuracy, coherence, and alignment with project objectives.
Conduct ad hoc analysis and provide mission-specific support to the South Sudan and Somalia operations, as well as broader regional analysis and assistance across the Horn of Africa and East Africa, in addition to the RCT and Refocused project.
The position focuses on fostering meaningful relationships with donors and partners to advance organizational goals. Responsibilities include cultivating strong connections, securing financial support, and ensuring alignment with strategic objectives. The role demands excellent interpersonal and communication skills, along with the ability to build trust and collaboration across diverse stakeholders. A proven track record in donor management, fundraising, and partnership development is essential.
As the main point of contact for IMPACT with the donor, you will consistently provide updates on research advancements, key achievements, obstacles faced, and insights gained throughout both country programs.
Serve as the primary contact for donor reports and research updates, guaranteeing their precision, clarity, and timely submission while accurately representing the contributions of the in-country teams in Somalia and South Sudan.
Facilitate ongoing project review meetings in collaboration with the donor and essential partners, developing presentations and concise briefing documents to foster productive strategic discussions regarding emerging insights, study modifications, and programmatic implications.
Foster and sustain productive collaborations with implementing partners across Somalia and South Sudan, guaranteeing that research initiatives align seamlessly with partner-led programs while ensuring findings are shared and leveraged for maximum impact.
We are seeking a professional to drive knowledge creation and foster continuous learning within our organization. The ideal candidate will spearhead initiatives to generate new insights, enhance existing processes, and ensure that knowledge is effectively disseminated across teams. This role requires a strategic mindset, strong analytical skills, and the ability to translate complex information into actionable strategies. Responsibilities include conducting research, analyzing data, and developing frameworks to support informed decision-making. Additionally, the position involves collaborating with stakeholders to identify knowledge gaps, implement learning programs, and measure the impact of knowledge initiatives.
Document insights gleaned from the research initiative, covering Age-related sensitivities, RCT execution in fragile environments, multi-methodological strategies, and longitudinal data gathering, to enrich IMPACT’s collective expertise.
Ensure external engagement activities are thoroughly documented and promptly relayed to the line manager and other pertinent colleagues.
We oversee the entire project lifecycle, ensuring seamless execution from initiation to closure. This encompasses meticulous planning, rigorous monitoring of progress, and precise evaluation of outcomes to meet strategic objectives. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail are essential, along with proficiency in relevant project management tools. Collaboration with stakeholders and adherence to timelines are critical for success. A proven track record in managing complex initiatives is required, and experience with [specific methodologies, e.g., Agile, Waterfall] is highly desirable.
Maintain adherence to project cycle management requirements throughout each phase, encompassing planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting.
Monitor all research outputs and data collection cycles in both countries to ensure deliverables and timelines remain on track, promptly escalating any potential risks to delivery to the line manager.
Prepare narrative components for donor reporting that highlight research activities and findings, ensuring clear and compelling communication of progress and outcomes.
Attend project kick-off, review, and completion meetings based on schedule or need.
Perform any additional duties as directed by the line manager from time to time.
Ensuring the safeguarding and confidentiality of sensitive information is paramount, requiring strict adherence to established security protocols and data protection regulations. This role demands a comprehensive understanding of privacy laws, encryption methodologies, and secure data handling practices to mitigate risks associated with unauthorized access or breaches. Responsibilities include monitoring access controls, conducting regular audits, and implementing robust security measures to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of organizational data. Candidates must demonstrate expertise in risk assessment, incident response, and compliance with relevant industry standards to effectively protect critical assets.
The SAO will uphold the highest level of confidentiality for all collected data and associated processes, guaranteeing full adherence to IMPACT’s data protection policy, relevant research ethics standards, and established operational protocols. Proactively, the SAO will implement safeguards to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of any information or data belonging to IMPACT, its partners, or gathered during the assignment.
REQUIREMENTS
Essential
Strong academic credentials are required, ideally with a Master’s degree in Public Health, Social Science, Development Studies, or a closely related field.
A minimum of four years of professional experience in humanitarian or development research/programming is required, with a strong preference for candidates possessing direct experience in Somalia and/or South Sudan. Previous involvement in managing long-term, cross-border research initiatives is considered advantageous.
Demonstrated expertise in sexual and reproductive health within humanitarian or fragile settings, encompassing maternal health, family planning, and gender-based violence prevention and response.
Proven expertise in designing and overseeing mixed-methods research initiatives within humanitarian or resource-constrained environments is required. A demonstrated preference exists for candidates with direct experience in randomized control trial (RCT) methodology, including its design and execution. Additionally, familiarity with longitudinal study frameworks and multiphase data collection processes is strongly preferred.
Fluent English communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential. Candidates must have a proven track record in crafting meticulously researched reports, donor communications, briefs, and presentations tailored to varied audiences, encompassing both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Demonstrates a strong capacity to operate autonomously while guiding and mentoring remote in-country research teams, in addition to effectively managing multifaceted research initiatives that involve multiple stakeholders.
Demonstrates strong capability to navigate and thrive in multicultural and possibly high-security environments with cultural sensitivity and effectiveness. Brings proven experience collaborating with local research teams and engaging with community stakeholders across varied settings.
A strong background in developing both quantitative and qualitative data collection instruments for platforms like KoboCollect and OK (or equivalent systems) is essential.
Desirable
Candidates should possess practical experience in Somalia and/or South Sudan, with a strong understanding of the humanitarian coordination frameworks and prominent stakeholders operating in these regions.
Experience conducting or overseeing research with vulnerable populations including displaced persons, women and girls, and adolescents, and familiarity with ethical frameworks for research in humanitarian settings.
Experienced in interacting with donors regarding research initiatives, responsible for compiling comprehensive reports and contributing to technical assessment meetings.
A robust applied statistics foundation coupled with extensive expertise in constructing sample frames is required.
The offered remuneration package is designed to attract top talent by providing a competitive base salary alongside performance-based bonuses, ensuring financial rewards align with contributions. Comprehensive benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, a robust retirement savings plan with employer matching, paid time off for vacation, holidays, and personal days, as well as flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance. Additional perks may feature professional development opportunities, wellness programs, and employee assistance initiatives.
The monthly salary for this role ranges from 2’580 to 2’640 CHF, excluding income tax, and includes a living allowance of 300 USD. IMPACT’s salary structure is based on a predefined grid that considers the position’s grade and the employee’s educational attainment. Additionally, a location-based security and/or isolation adjustment is incorporated to acknowledge the challenging living and working conditions in certain duty stations.
Accommodation is either furnished in the guesthouse or, for extended assignments, a housing allowance is granted.
A Swiss private pension fund (Swiss Life) enrollment is provided, contributing approximately 9.975% of the gross salary. Additionally, health insurance, life insurance coverage, and repatriation assistance are included as part of the benefits package.
Flight tickets and visa fees will be fully covered every six months, with all in-country travel costs and professional expenses also reimbursed in full.
Contributions to luggage transportation range from 20 to 100 kilograms, varying with the duration of the contract, and include coverage for luggage and personal property through insurance.
Annual leave of 36 days per year. Public holidays of the country of assignment. Family/compassionate leave when applicable.
A three-day predeparture induction will take place at IMPACT Initiatives’ headquarters in Geneva, followed by a one-week pre-departure training session at ACTED’s headquarters in Paris, which includes a four-day in situ security training.
IMPACT places a high priority on the psychological well-being of its employees, and its health insurance benefits include coverage for up to $1,000 annually in psychosocial counseling services.
Applicants must complete the IMPACT Initiatives Research Foundational Learning Program within the first three months of their contract.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
4 years
