Oversee and execute a wide range of critical duties, ensuring all tasks align with organizational objectives and industry standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and drive measurable results. Develop, implement, and monitor strategic initiatives to optimize performance, mitigate risks, and foster continuous improvement. Prepare and present detailed reports to stakeholders, highlighting key metrics, progress updates, and actionable insights. Maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and accountability.
We specialize in developing comprehensive research plans and designing study frameworks to ensure precise data collection and meaningful analysis. Our team collaborates to establish clear objectives, define methodologies, and outline timelines that align with project goals. Through meticulous planning and innovative design strategies, we create structured approaches tailored to address specific research questions and drive impactful outcomes.
Acting as the central research project leader for the four-year SRH RCT program, you will establish strategic guidance and oversee the execution of all research activities to align with project goals, the established study protocol, IMPACT research cycle standards, and donor specifications.
Lead the design and implementation of annual data collection cycles, incorporating both quantitative (survey-based) and qualitative (in-depth interviews, focus group discussions) methodologies while maintaining rigorous standards and alignment with the RCT design across all country contexts.
Responsible for adapting data collection instruments, including quantitative questionnaires and qualitative guides, to ensure contextual relevance for each round of data collection, with meticulous translation and piloting before deployment in Somalia and South Sudan.
Before initiating each data collection phase, all research designs, methodologies, and protocols must receive approval from IMPACT HQ and applicable ethics committees.
Conduct comprehensive research implementation to ensure the integration of findings into practical applications. Develop and execute detailed plans to translate research outcomes into actionable strategies, maintaining strict adherence to established methodologies and objectives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align research initiatives with organizational goals and industry standards. Monitor progress, assess effectiveness, and provide data-driven recommendations to enhance decision-making processes. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and ethical guidelines throughout all phases of implementation. Maintain accurate documentation and reporting to track milestones and outcomes accurately.
Supply strategic direction and technical expertise to the in-country teams in Somalia and South Sudan, which function as the leading data collection entities within their respective environments, while advising on enumerator recruitment and training processes, field supervision standards, and quality assurance frameworks.
Develop and implement robust quality assurance frameworks tailored to each data collection round, incorporating back-check protocols, systematic data audit procedures, and continuous real-time monitoring of key data quality indicators to uphold uniform standards across both countries.
Design and implement enumerator training programs for every data collection cycle in close collaboration with in-country teams, ensuring all enumerators are fully prepared to administer quantitative surveys and qualitative data collection instruments in strict adherence to the study protocol.
Ensure strict compliance with IMPACT Data Management Guidelines, relevant data protection policies, and the ethical standards outlined in the study protocol when collecting, storing, and managing all data.
You will oversee the tracking of data collection activities in both countries, proactively identifying and addressing any challenges or deviations in methodology, and escalating unresolved issues to the line manager and IMPACT HQ as necessary.
Data analysis and the preparation of product drafts are key responsibilities in this role, requiring proficiency in interpreting complex datasets to identify trends, patterns, and actionable insights. Applicants must possess strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to translate data into clear, concise reports for stakeholders. A solid understanding of statistical methods, data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI, and proficiency in programming languages like Python or R are essential. Additionally, experience with SQL for database querying and a background in product development or market research are highly desirable. The position involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to refine product strategies, draft proposals, and support decision-making processes through evidence-based recommendations.
Deliver constructive feedback or conduct evaluations of analytical work and deliverables generated by collaborating research partners.
Conducting additional analysis beyond the RCT and Refocused project, provide ad hoc support to the South Sudan and Somalia missions, as well as to the Horn of Africa and East Africa regions, to enhance regional analysis and assistance.
We cultivate meaningful relationships with donors and partners to foster long-term support and collaboration. This role involves identifying and engaging potential contributors, maintaining strong connections with existing supporters, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Responsibilities include developing engagement strategies, organizing stewardship activities, and measuring the impact of partnership efforts to optimize future initiatives.
Act as the main point of contact for the donor, delivering consistent updates on research advancements, accomplished milestones, 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.
Conduct periodic project review sessions with the donor and essential stakeholders, developing and curating presentations and supporting documentation to foster informed strategic discussions on preliminary insights, study refinements, and programmatic implications.
Foster robust, collaborative partnerships with implementing partners across Somalia and South Sudan to ensure seamless alignment between research initiatives and partner-driven programs, while guaranteeing that key findings are shared and applied strategically.
Knowledge Generation and Learning
To compile and synthesize insights from the research program, particularly concerning Age-related sensitivities, RCT implementation in fragile contexts, mixed-methods approaches, and longitudinal data collection, thereby enhancing IMPACT’s collective knowledge base.
Ensure thorough documentation and communication of all external engagements to the line manager and relevant colleagues.
We oversee and administer the entire project lifecycle, ensuring seamless execution from initiation through to completion. This role demands meticulous planning, rigorous monitoring, and adaptive problem-solving to meet objectives within defined timelines and budgets. Key responsibilities include defining project scope, allocating resources efficiently, mitigating risks, and fostering clear communication among stakeholders. Candidates must possess robust organizational skills, proficiency in project management methodologies, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams. Prior experience in similar roles and familiarity with relevant tools are essential for success in this position.
To uphold adherence to project cycle management standards throughout every stage—encompassing planning, execution, monitoring, and reporting—is essential.
Monitor progress and adherence to deadlines for all research outputs and data collection phases in the two countries, promptly escalating any potential risks to delivery to the line manager.
Prepare narrative portions of donor reports that highlight research activities and key findings.
Attend project kick-off, review, and completion meetings as scheduled or otherwise deemed necessary, ensuring active participation and contribution throughout each phase.
Assigned duties may include additional tasks at the discretion of the direct supervisor as necessary.
Ensuring the safeguarding and integrity of sensitive data, as well as compliance with privacy regulations, is a critical responsibility of this role. The position requires strict adherence to protocols that prevent unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse of confidential information. Candidates must demonstrate a thorough understanding of data security best practices, encryption methods, and regulatory frameworks such as GDPR, HIPAA, or CCPA. Additionally, the role involves conducting regular audits, implementing protective measures, and training teams to maintain high standards of data confidentiality across all operations.
The SAO will uphold the highest standards of confidentiality regarding all collected data and associated processes, adhering fully to IMPACT’s data protection policy, relevant research ethics guidelines, and established standard operating procedures. The incumbent will proactively implement safeguards to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of any information or data belonging to IMPACT, its partners, or gathered during the assignment with IMPACT.
REQUIREMENTS
Essential
Strong academic credentials, ideally comprising a Master’s degree in Public Health, Social Science, Development Studies, or a related field, are required.
Seeking candidates with a minimum of four years of hands-on experience in humanitarian or development research and programming, ideally including direct work in Somalia and/or South Sudan. Candidates with a proven track record in leading multi-year, multi-country research initiatives will be given special consideration.
Professional experience or proven expertise in sexual and reproductive health within humanitarian or fragile settings, encompassing areas such as maternal health interventions, family planning services, and gender-based violence prevention and response initiatives.
Demonstrated expertise in developing and overseeing mixed-methods research initiatives within humanitarian or resource-constrained environments is required, with a preference for candidates skilled in randomized control trial (RCT) design and execution. Strong preference will be given to applicants with prior involvement in longitudinal study frameworks and multiphase data collection processes.
Proven proficiency in both written and verbal English communication is essential. Candidates must exhibit a strong track record of preparing meticulously researched reports, donor communications, concise briefs, and compelling presentations tailored to varied audiences, ranging from specialized experts to general stakeholders.
Demonstrates a strong capacity for autonomous work, effectively guiding and mentoring remotely-based in-country research teams, while simultaneously overseeing intricate, multi-stakeholder research initiatives.
Proficiency in navigating and thriving within multicultural contexts, particularly in challenging security environments, is essential. Prior experience collaborating with local research teams and engaging community stakeholders across varied settings is required.
Proficiency in developing quantitative and qualitative data collection instruments using KoboCollect, OK, or comparable software is a prerequisite for this role.
Desirable
Applicants should demonstrate prior professional engagement in Somalia and/or South Sudan, along with a strong understanding of the humanitarian coordination frameworks and key stakeholders operating in these environments.
Conducting or directing research involving vulnerable groups—such as displaced persons, women, girls, and adolescents—along with a solid grasp of ethical research principles in humanitarian contexts is required.
Professionals in this position will interact with donors involved in research initiatives, draft comprehensive reports to summarize progress, and take part in technical review sessions to assess project developments.
Experienced in applied statistics with a proven track record in developing sample frames.
The remuneration package and employee benefits offered encompass a comprehensive array of financial and non-financial rewards designed to recognize performance and support personal well-being. In addition to a competitive base salary, the role provides performance-based bonuses, profit-sharing opportunities, and comprehensive health coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans. Other benefits include a generous retirement savings program with company matching contributions, paid time off for vacation and holidays, flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, and access to wellness initiatives. Long-term incentives, such as stock options or grants, may also be available to eligible employees. This total rewards package reflects a commitment to fostering a supportive, rewarding, and sustainable work environment.
This role offers a monthly salary ranging from 2,580 CHF to 2,640 CHF (gross, before income tax), along with a fixed living allowance of 300 USD. It is important to note that IMPACT adheres to a structured salary framework, where compensation is determined by both the position’s grade and the employee’s educational qualifications. Additionally, a location-based security or isolation premium may be applied to acknowledge the challenging living and working conditions in certain duty stations, recognizing the added difficulties of assignments in such environments.
Accommodation options include on-site guesthouse lodging or a housing stipend, applicable for extended employment agreements.
Swiss private pension scheme participation (Swiss Life – approximately 9.975% of gross staff salary), along with comprehensive health insurance coverage, life insurance, and repatriation assistance, is included.
Flight tickets and visa fees are provided biennially, with all in-country travel expenses and professional costs fully reimbursed.
Responsibilities include transporting luggage weighing between 20 and 100 kilograms, with the required weight determined by the duration of the contract, and all shipments are covered under comprehensive luggage and personal property insurance.
You will receive 36 days of paid annual leave each year, in addition to all public holidays observed in the country of assignment. Family or compassionate leave will also be provided where applicable.
A three-day pre-departure induction is conducted at IMPACT Initiatives’ headquarters in Geneva, followed by a one-week preparatory training at Acted’s headquarters in Paris, which includes a four-day in-person security training session.
IMPACT places a premium on the mental well-being of its employees, offering health insurance that includes coverage of up to $1,000 annually for psychosocial counseling services.
You must enroll in the IMPACT Initiatives Research Foundational Learning Program within the first three months of your employment contract.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
4 years
