RESPONSIBILITIES
Research planning and design involves developing comprehensive strategies to guide studies, ensuring that objectives are met efficiently and effectively. This includes defining clear research goals, selecting appropriate methodologies, and outlining data collection and analysis procedures. The role requires expertise in designing experiments or surveys, identifying key variables, and mitigating potential biases. Strong analytical and organizational skills are essential, along with proficiency in statistical tools and research frameworks. Collaboration with stakeholders to align research aims with organizational needs is also a critical component of the process.
As the primary research project coordinator for the four-year SRH Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) program, you will establish and maintain strategic oversight, ensuring all research initiatives align with project goals, the approved study protocol, IMPACT research cycle protocols, and donor specifications.
Oversee the planning and enhancement of yearly data collection cycles, encompassing both quantitative (survey-based) elements and qualitative components (such as in-depth interviews and focus group discussions), while maintaining methodological integrity and alignment with the RCT design across both country settings.
Responsible for adapting data collection instruments, including quantitative questionnaires and qualitative guides, to ensure contextual relevance for each data collection cycle in Somalia and South Sudan. This involves translating tools accurately and conducting pilot tests to validate their effectiveness prior to full deployment.
All research designs, tools, and protocols must be reviewed and approved by IMPACT HQ and corresponding ethics bodies prior to the initiation of each data collection phase.
Conducts thorough research to gather relevant data and insights, ensuring accurate and comprehensive information is obtained for effective implementation. Analyzes findings to identify key trends, patterns, and actionable recommendations that align with organizational goals. Develops and executes structured plans to integrate research outcomes into practical applications, optimizing processes and enhancing decision-making. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to facilitate seamless implementation, addressing potential challenges and ensuring alignment with strategic objectives. Monitors progress and evaluates outcomes to measure success, making necessary adjustments to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Maintains detailed documentation and reports to track research initiatives and their impact on the organization.
Offer strategic direction and technical expertise to in-country teams in Somalia and South Sudan, who function as the primary data collection leaders within their respective contexts. This includes guidance on enumerator recruitment and training, establishment of field supervision protocols, and implementation of quality assurance systems.
Establish and implement robust quality assurance frameworks tailored to each data collection cycle, encompassing back-check protocols, systematic data audit procedures, and continuous real-time monitoring of quality indicators to maintain uniform standards across both countries.
Design and oversee enumerator training programs for each data collection phase in close collaboration with in-country teams, ensuring all enumerators are thoroughly prepared to execute quantitative surveys and qualitative data collection instruments in strict adherence to the study protocol.
Ensure strict adherence to IMPACT Data Management Guidelines while maintaining compliance with relevant data protection policies and the ethical standards outlined in the study protocol for data collection, storage, and management.
Monitor data collection activities across both countries, ensuring timely identification and resolution of obstacles or deviations in methodology, and escalating any issues to the line manager and IMPACT HQ as necessary.
Responsible for conducting detailed data analysis and preparing comprehensive product drafts, this role involves transforming raw data into actionable insights and ensuring all product documentation is meticulously reviewed and refined. The position requires strong analytical skills to interpret complex datasets, identify key trends, and support strategic decision-making. Additionally, the individual will draft and finalize product specifications, reports, and presentations to meet business objectives and stakeholder expectations. Proficiency in data visualization tools and a keen eye for detail are essential to deliver high-quality outputs. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including product managers, engineers, and marketing specialists, is necessary to align drafts with project goals and market demands.
Offer expert evaluation and feedback on analyses and outputs prepared by our research collaborator.
Conduct additional ad hoc analysis and provide support to the South Sudan and Somalia missions, as well as to the broader Horn of Africa and East Africa regions, to enhance regional analysis and assistance.
We are seeking a dynamic professional to cultivate and nurture relationships with donors and partners. This role involves developing and implementing strategies to strengthen connections, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, and maximizing support through meaningful engagement initiatives. The ideal candidate will excel in communication, possess a strong track record of relationship management, and demonstrate the ability to secure commitments while fostering long-term collaborations. Responsibilities include identifying engagement opportunities, designing tailored outreach programs, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance stakeholder satisfaction and retention.
Act as the main point of contact with the donor for IMPACT, delivering consistent updates regarding research advancements, completed milestones, obstacles faced, and insights gained throughout both country programs.
Serve as the primary point of contact and authority for donor reports and research updates, guaranteeing their precision, clarity, and punctual submission, while accurately representing the contributions of the in-country teams in Somalia and South Sudan.
Convene periodic project review meetings with the donor and essential partners, developing presentations and supporting documentation to foster informed strategic discussions regarding preliminary results, study modifications, and programmatic implications.
Develop and sustain robust collaborations with implementing partners across Somalia and South Sudan, guaranteeing that research initiatives align seamlessly with partner programs and that insights are shared and utilized efficiently.
We are seeking candidates with a strong capacity to drive knowledge creation and foster organizational learning. In this role, you will be responsible for collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing information to generate actionable insights. Additionally, you will contribute to the development of training programs and knowledge-sharing initiatives to enhance team capabilities. Proficiency in data interpretation, research methodologies, and instructional design is essential to succeed in this position.
To compile documented insights from the research program, focusing on sensitive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) topics, the implementation of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in fragile environments, mixed-methods research strategies, and longitudinal data collection efforts, thereby enriching IMPACT’s comprehensive knowledge repository.
Maintain thorough documentation of all external engagements and ensure this information is promptly communicated to both the line manager and relevant colleagues.
We are seeking a skilled Project Cycle Management professional to oversee and guide projects from initiation through completion. The ideal candidate will be responsible for planning, executing, and finalizing projects within the constraints of scope, budget, and timeline. This role requires a strong understanding of project management methodologies, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to coordinate cross-functional teams. Additionally, the candidate must ensure alignment with organizational goals, monitor progress, and mitigate risks to deliver successful outcomes. Proficiency in project management tools and software is essential, along with effective communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
Ensure adherence to project cycle management standards throughout all stages, encompassing planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting.
Monitor the progress of deliverables and deadlines for all research outputs and data collection phases in both countries, promptly notifying the line manager of any potential risks to timely completion.
Prepare narrative portions of donor reports that detail research activities and corresponding findings.
Attend necessary project initiation, evaluation, and conclusion meetings as scheduled.
Additional responsibilities may be assigned at the discretion of the line manager.
Ensuring the safeguarding and secure management of sensitive information is paramount to our operations. This role demands strict adherence to data privacy protocols and robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access or breaches. Candidates must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of confidentiality standards, regulatory compliance, and best practices in data protection. Responsibilities include implementing and monitoring security policies, conducting risk assessments, and educating teams on secure data handling procedures.
The SAO will uphold the highest standards of confidentiality regarding all collected data and associated processes, ensuring full adherence to IMPACT’s data protection policies, relevant research ethics guidelines, and established standard operating procedures. They will proactively implement safeguards to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of any information or data belonging to IMPACT, its partners, or gathered during their assignment with IMPACT.
REQUIREMENTS
Essential
Highly qualified candidates should possess advanced academic credentials, ideally including a Master’s degree in Public Health, Social Science, Development Studies, or a closely related field.
We seek candidates with a minimum of four years of professional experience in humanitarian or development research and programming, with a particular emphasis on applicants who have worked in Somalia and/or South Sudan. Experience overseeing multi-year, multi-country research initiatives will be highly advantageous.
Requires proven expertise in sexual and reproductive health within humanitarian or fragile settings, with a comprehensive understanding of maternal health, family planning, and gender-based violence.
Seeking a candidate with a demonstrated track record in designing and overseeing mixed-methods research initiatives within humanitarian or resource-constrained environments. Preference will be given to applicants with direct experience in the formulation and execution of randomized control trials (RCTs). A strong background in longitudinal study frameworks and multiphase data collection processes is strongly encouraged.
Fluent proficiency in both written and spoken English is essential. The role requires a proven track record of crafting meticulously researched reports, donor updates, briefs, and presentations tailored to varying audiences, ranging from specialized technical experts to general stakeholders.
Demonstrates a strong capacity for autonomous work while offering guidance and support to remote in-country research teams, in addition to effectively managing intricate, multi-stakeholder research projects.
Proven capability to navigate and thrive in multicultural settings, particularly within challenging security environments, with a strong track record of collaborating with local research teams and engaging community stakeholders across varied contexts.
Proficiency in developing quantitative and qualitative data collection tools using KoboCollect, OK, or comparable platforms is essential.
Desirable
Proven expertise in Somalia and/or South Sudan, with a strong grasp of the humanitarian coordination framework and leading stakeholders in these environments.
Familiarity with ethical frameworks governing research in humanitarian contexts is essential, as is demonstrated experience conducting or supervising studies involving vulnerable groups such as displaced persons, women, girls, and adolescents.
You will interact with donors regarding research initiatives, compiling detailed reports and contributing to technical review sessions to ensure project alignment and transparency.
Proficiency in applied statistics and a proven track record in the development of sample frames are essential for this role.
The package includes a competitive salary along with a comprehensive benefits program designed to support overall well-being and professional growth. Eligible employees will receive health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as retirement savings options with company matching contributions. Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays, is provided to ensure work-life balance. Additional perks may include flexible work arrangements, wellness initiatives, and opportunities for career advancement through training and development programs.
The monthly gross salary for this role ranges from CHF 2,580 to CHF 2,640, supplemented by a living allowance of USD 300. It’s important to note that IMPACT adheres to a structured salary framework, where remuneration is calculated based on the position’s classification and the employee’s educational qualifications. In addition, a location-based adjustment for security and/or isolation may be applied, acknowledging the challenging living and working conditions in certain duty stations.
Accommodation will be offered in the guesthouse or, for extended assignments, a housing stipend will be provided.
Swiss private pension fund participation, specifically Swiss Life, is mandatory, with contributions amounting to approximately 9.975% of each employee’s gross salary. Additionally, the role includes comprehensive health insurance coverage, life insurance protection, and repatriation assistance benefits.
Flight tickets and associated visa fees, including all in-country travel and professional expenses, are fully covered every six months.
The role involves handling luggage transportation, with the weight ranging from 20 to 100 kilograms, adjusted based on the duration of the contract. Additionally, the position includes coverage for luggage and personal property through insurance.
You will receive 36 days of annual leave each year, in addition to all public holidays observed in the country of assignment, and family or compassionate leave where applicable.
A three-day induction at IMPACT Initiatives’ headquarters in Geneva, followed by a week-long pre-departure training session at ACTED’s headquarters in Paris, which includes a four-day in-person security training program.
IMPACT places a strong emphasis on the psychological well-being of its employees, and its health insurance plan includes coverage for psychosocial counseling expenses, with an annual allowance of up to 1000.
You must enroll in the IMPACT Initiatives Research Foundational Learning Program within the first three months of your contract.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
4 years
