RESPONSIBILITIES
We are seeking a skilled professional to lead the research planning and design process, ensuring comprehensive and strategic approaches are implemented. This role requires expertise in developing detailed research frameworks, methodologies, and project structures tailored to specific objectives. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in research methodologies, data collection techniques, and analytical planning to effectively guide research initiatives. Responsibilities include designing research studies, selecting appropriate methodologies, establishing timelines, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Proficiency in statistical analysis tools and software is essential, along with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine research strategies. Strong communication skills are required to document findings, present insights, and facilitate decision-making processes.
As the central research project leader for the four-year SRH Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) program, you will provide strategic guidance and oversee all research activities to ensure alignment with project goals, the approved study protocol, IMPACT research cycle standards, and donor stipulations.
Responsibilities include overseeing the design and continuous improvement of annual data collection cycles, which encompass both quantitative (survey-based) and qualitative (in-depth interviews, focus group discussions) methodologies, while maintaining methodological integrity and alignment with the RCT framework across both country contexts.
Oversee the adaptation of data collection tools, including quantitative questionnaires and qualitative guides, for each round of data collection, verifying that these tools are contextually relevant, accurately translated, and rigorously piloted prior to deployment in Somalia and South Sudan.
Before commencing each data collection cycle, secure validation from IMPACT HQ and pertinent ethics committees for all research methodologies, instruments, and protocols.
We are seeking a skilled professional to lead and execute research implementation initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in translating research findings into practical applications and ensuring seamless integration within organizational processes. Responsibilities include collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and implement strategies, monitoring progress, and evaluating outcomes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. A strong background in research methodologies and a proven track record of driving impactful results are essential. Familiarity with data analysis and project management tools is required, along with the ability to communicate findings clearly to stakeholders. This role demands adaptability, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Offer strategic direction and technical expertise to in-country teams operating in Somalia and South Sudan, who function as the principal data collection leaders in their respective environments, ensuring guidance on enumerator recruitment and training processes, field supervision methodologies, and quality assurance frameworks.
Design and implement robust quality assurance frameworks tailored to each data collection round, incorporating back-check protocols, data audit procedures, and live monitoring of data quality indicators to maintain uniform standards in both countries.
Lead enumerator training development will be tailored for each data collection cycle in close partnership with in-country teams, ensuring all enumerators are fully prepared to implement both quantitative survey instruments and qualitative data collection methods with strict adherence to the established study protocol.
Ensure all data is gathered, organized, and maintained in strict compliance with IMPACT Data Management Guidelines, relevant data protection regulations, and the ethical standards outlined in the study protocol.
Oversee the data collection process in both countries, proactively detecting and addressing obstacles or deviations in methodology, and escalating concerns to the line manager and IMPACT HQ when necessary.
We are responsible for analyzing data and preparing product drafts.
Offer expert evaluation and feedback on analyses and deliverables produced by collaborating research entities to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to established standards.
Beyond the randomized controlled trial and sexual and reproductive health-specific initiative, perform tailored analytical tasks and provide assistance to the South Sudan and Somalia country offices, as well as the Horn of Africa and East Africa regional hubs, to enhance regional analytical capabilities and support.
The position focuses on building and nurturing relationships with donors and partners to enhance collaboration and support for organizational initiatives. This role involves developing strategies to engage key stakeholders, ensuring alignment with the organization’s goals, and fostering long-term commitments. Responsibilities include maintaining regular communication, coordinating engagement efforts, and identifying opportunities for partnership growth. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in donor and partner management, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to cultivate meaningful connections.
Act as the main point of contact for the donor regarding IMPACT, delivering periodic reports on research advancements, completed 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 both the Somalia and South Sudan in-country teams.
Lead regular project review meetings involving the donor and key partners, developing and delivering presentations and supporting briefing materials to foster informed strategic discussions on evolving findings, study modifications, and their implications for programmatic approaches.
Develop and sustain robust collaborative partnerships with implementing partners across Somalia and South Sudan, guaranteeing seamless alignment of research initiatives with partner-driven programming while ensuring findings are actively disseminated and applied for maximum impact.
At this role, you will be responsible for fostering knowledge creation and facilitating continuous learning within the organization. This involves developing and implementing strategies to capture, analyze, and disseminate insights, ensuring that information is effectively shared across teams. You will collaborate with stakeholders to identify knowledge gaps, design training programs, and leverage data-driven approaches to enhance decision-making and innovation. Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate complex information into actionable strategies will be essential to success in this position.
Document insights gained from the research initiative, focusing on sexual and reproductive health-related sensitivities, randomized controlled trial implementation in unstable environments, integrated qualitative and quantitative methodologies, and long-term data tracking, to strengthen IMPACT’s comprehensive knowledge repository.
Ensure that all external interactions are thoroughly recorded and shared with the line manager as well as pertinent team members.
We are seeking a skilled professional to oversee the complete lifecycle of projects from initiation through closure, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and adherence to established timelines. The role demands meticulous planning, resource allocation, and progress tracking to deliver outcomes that meet quality standards and stakeholder expectations. Proficiency in methodologies such as Agile or Waterfall is essential, along with strong analytical skills to assess risks, mitigate issues, and optimize workflows. Excellent communication abilities are required to coordinate cross-functional teams, provide clear updates, and maintain accountability throughout the project duration.
To maintain adherence to project cycle management standards throughout every stage—planning, execution, monitoring, and reporting—you will be responsible for ensuring full compliance.
Monitor deliverables and deadlines for all research outputs and data collection cycles in both countries, promptly notifying your line manager of any potential risks that may impact delivery timelines.
Prepare narrative sections for donor reporting that detail research activities and findings.
Attend project initiation, review, and close-out meetings as scheduled or needed.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the line manager from time to time.
Data privacy and security are paramount responsibilities in this role. Safeguarding sensitive information against unauthorized access, disclosure, or breaches is a critical duty, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies. The position requires vigilant monitoring, robust encryption practices, and proactive risk mitigation strategies to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of data.
The SAO will uphold the highest standards of confidentiality concerning all collected data and associated processes, ensuring full adherence to IMPACT’s data protection policy, research ethics mandates, 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.
Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in a related field and demonstrate a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience. Proficiency in industry-standard software and tools is essential, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent written and verbal communication abilities are required to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams. The ideal applicant will exhibit a proactive approach to learning and adapting to evolving technologies and methodologies.
Essential
Highly qualified candidates will possess strong academic credentials, ideally including a Master’s degree in Public Health, Social Science, Development Studies, or a closely related field.
Seeking candidates with a minimum of four years of professional experience in humanitarian or development research and programming, ideally including direct work in Somalia and/or South Sudan. Experience overseeing multi-year, multi-country research initiatives is highly advantageous.
Proven expertise in sexual and reproductive health within humanitarian or fragile settings, encompassing maternal health, family planning, and gender-based violence, is required.
We value candidates with a demonstrated track record in designing and overseeing mixed-methods research cycles, particularly in humanitarian or low-resource environments. Familiarity with randomized control trial (RCT) methodologies and their practical application is a strong asset. Proficiency in longitudinal study designs and conducting multiple rounds of data collection is also preferred.
Proven fluency in both written and verbal English, with a strong capacity to craft meticulously researched reports, donor communications, policy briefs, and presentations tailored to varied audiences—ranging from technical specialists to general stakeholders.
Demonstrated aptitude for autonomous work, coupled with the capacity to guide and mentor remote in-country research teams, while efficiently managing intricate, multi-stakeholder research initiatives.
Demonstrates adeptness in navigating and thriving within multicultural and potentially high-risk operational environments while maintaining sensitivity and effectiveness. Brings proven experience collaborating with indigenous research teams and engaging community stakeholders across varied geographical and cultural landscapes.
Proficiency in developing quantitative and qualitative data collection instruments using KoboCollect, OK, or comparable platforms is essential.
Desirable
Professional experience in Somalia and/or South Sudan, with a strong understanding of the humanitarian coordination framework and key stakeholders in these environments.
Proven experience in conducting or managing research involving vulnerable groups such as displaced individuals, women and girls, and adolescents, along with a strong grasp of ethical guidelines for research in humanitarian contexts.
Engagement experience with donors for research programs, encompassing the preparation of reports and involvement in technical review meetings, is essential.
Demonstrated expertise in applied statistics, along with a proven track record in designing and implementing sample frames.
We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional and personal well-being. Eligible employees receive health, dental, and vision insurance, along with retirement savings plans and paid time off. Additional perks include flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, and wellness programs.
This role offers a monthly gross salary ranging from 2,580 CHF to 2,640 CHF, along with a fixed living allowance of 300 USD. It is important to note that compensation at IMPACT is determined by a structured salary framework, which takes into account both the position’s grade and the employee’s educational background. Additionally, adjustments for security and/or isolation are applied based on location, acknowledging the challenging living and working conditions in certain areas where staff may be deployed.
On-site lodging within the guesthouse is offered, or alternatively, a housing stipend may be granted for assignments of extended duration.
Swiss private pension fund participation (Swiss Life) is required, amounting to approximately 9.975% of gross salary, along with mandatory health insurance, life insurance coverage, and repatriation assistance.
Flight tickets and visa fees are covered twice annually, with all costs related to in-country travel and professional activities fully reimbursed.
Assistance with luggage transport will range from 20 to 100 kilograms, with the exact weight determined by the contract duration, and includes comprehensive coverage for luggage and personal belongings through insurance.
You will receive an annual leave entitlement of 36 days, in addition to paid public holidays observed in the country of assignment, as well as family or compassionate leave where applicable.
Induction prior to departure involves a three-day program 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 component.
IMPACT places a high priority on the psychological well-being of its employees, ensuring that their health insurance includes coverage for psychosocial counseling fees, with an annual limit of up to $1,000.
Applicants are required to enroll in the IMPACT Initiatives Research Foundational Learning Program within the initial three months of their contract.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
4 years
