RESPONSIBILITIES
Conduct comprehensive research planning and design to establish robust methodologies, define precise objectives, and develop structured frameworks that ensure accurate data collection and insightful analysis. This role involves designing studies, selecting appropriate methodologies, and aligning research initiatives with organizational goals to drive informed decision-making.
Act as the primary research project leader for the four-year Sexual and Reproductive Health Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) program, offering strategic leadership while overseeing the execution of all research activities to align with project goals, the established study protocol, IMPACT research cycle standards, and donor specifications.
Direct oversight of annual data collection cycles, encompassing quantitative methods—survey-based—and qualitative approaches, including in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, to uphold methodological integrity and alignment with the RCT framework across both country settings.
Ensure the contextualization of data collection tools, including quantitative questionnaires and qualitative guides, for each data collection round, 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, verify that all research designs, methodologies, and protocols receive approval from IMPACT HQ and the pertinent ethics committees.
Conducts research implementation activities to ensure the effective application of findings and strategies within organizational processes, fostering alignment with overarching goals and objectives.
Offer strategic direction and specialized technical support to in-country teams operating in Somalia and South Sudan, where they serve as the leading entities for data collection. This encompasses guiding enumerator recruitment and training initiatives, establishing robust field supervision protocols, and implementing rigorous quality assurance systems.
Design and implement robust quality assurance frameworks for every data collection cycle, encompassing back-check protocols, data audit procedures, and continuous monitoring of data quality metrics to maintain uniform standards across both countries.
Design and deliver enumerator training programs for each data collection cycle in close partnership with local teams, ensuring all enumerators are thoroughly prepared to execute quantitative surveys and qualitative data collection instruments with strict adherence to the study protocol.
Ensure strict adherence to IMPACT Data Management Guidelines, relevant data protection policies, and the ethical standards outlined in the study protocol for the collection, storage, and management of all data.
Monitor data collection activities in both countries, ensuring timely identification and resolution of any challenges or deviations from established methodologies. Bring attention to any issues encountered to the line manager and IMPACT HQ as necessary.
We are seeking someone to analyze data and prepare product drafts as part of this role. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills and the ability to draft clear, concise product documentation. Responsibilities include interpreting complex datasets, identifying trends, and translating findings into actionable insights. Additionally, the candidate will be responsible for creating and refining product drafts, ensuring accuracy, relevance, and alignment with company standards. Familiarity with data visualization tools and product lifecycle management is preferred. Strong communication skills are essential to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
We are responsible for evaluating or assisting with the analysis and deliverables prepared by our research collaborator.
Beyond the randomized controlled trial and sexual and reproductive health-focused initiative, perform tailored analyses and provide assistance to the South Sudan and Somalia missions, as well as the broader Horn of Africa and East Africa regions, to enhance regional assessment and support.
We specialize in cultivating meaningful relationships with donors and partners to foster long-term support and collaboration. This role involves identifying potential contributors, building strong connections, and maintaining ongoing communication to ensure sustained engagement. Key responsibilities include developing tailored engagement strategies, managing outreach initiatives, and tracking interactions to measure impact. A successful candidate will possess excellent interpersonal skills, a strategic mindset, and the ability to align organizational goals with donor and partner interests. Proficiency in CRM systems and data management is essential, along with a track record of securing and retaining partnerships.
Act as the key liaison for IMPACT with the donor, delivering consistent updates on research advancements, completed milestones, obstacles faced, and insights gained throughout both country programs.
Serve as the primary liaison for donor reports and research updates, guaranteeing their precision, clarity, and punctual submission while accurately representing the contributions of both the Somalia and South Sudan in-country teams.
Facilitate periodic project review meetings with donors and key partners, develop presentations and concise briefing documents to support strategic discussions regarding emerging findings, study modifications, and implications for program implementation.
Develop and nurture robust collaborative partnerships with implementing partners in Somalia and South Sudan, guaranteeing seamless alignment of research initiatives with partner programs and maximizing the impact of findings through strategic dissemination and application.
The role involves driving the creation and distribution of knowledge, as well as fostering continuous learning within the organization. This includes collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing data to generate actionable insights that inform strategic decisions. Additionally, the position requires developing and implementing learning programs to enhance employee skills and organizational capabilities. Strong analytical abilities, expertise in knowledge management systems, and a commitment to cultivating a culture of lifelong learning are essential.
Document lessons learned from the research programme, including on SRH-related sensitivities, RCT implementation in fragile contexts, mixed-methods approaches, and longitudinal data collection, contributing to IMPACT’s broader knowledge base.
Ensure that all external interactions are thoroughly recorded and shared with the line manager and pertinent team members.
We oversee the complete lifecycle of projects, ensuring efficient planning, execution, monitoring, and closure. Responsibilities include defining project scope, allocating resources, managing timelines, and mitigating risks to achieve objectives. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate across teams are essential. Experience with project management methodologies, tools, and stakeholder communication is required. The role demands adaptability to evolving priorities and adherence to budgetary and quality standards.
Ensure adherence to project cycle management requirements throughout every stage—planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting.
Monitor deliverables and timelines for all research outputs and data collection cycles in both countries, promptly escalating any potential delivery risks to the line manager for timely resolution.
Prepare narrative portions of donor reports that summarize research activities and key findings.
Attend project initiation, evaluation, and closure meetings as necessary to ensure alignment and progress tracking throughout the project lifecycle.
Other tasks as requested by the line manager.
We safeguard sensitive information through rigorous access controls, encryption protocols, and adherence to strict privacy regulations to ensure data remains secure at all times. This role requires a thorough understanding of data protection laws, robust security measures, and the ability to implement policies that minimize risks of unauthorized access or breaches. Responsibilities include monitoring systems for potential vulnerabilities, conducting regular audits, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and organizational guidelines to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality and integrity.
The SAO will uphold the highest standards of confidentiality for all collected data and associated processes, adhering fully to IMPACT’s data protection policy, relevant research ethics guidelines, and established standard operating procedures. They will proactively implement safeguards to prevent any unauthorized disclosure of information or data belonging to IMPACT, its partners, or gathered during the assignment.
REQUIREMENTS
Essential
Strong academic credentials, ideally encompassing an advanced degree such as a Master’s in Public Health, Social Science, Development Studies, or a closely aligned field, are essential.
A minimum of four years of professional experience in humanitarian or development research or programming is required, with a particular preference for candidates who have worked in Somalia and/or South Sudan. Experience managing multi-year, multi-country research projects will be considered an additional advantage.
Demonstrated expertise in sexual and reproductive health within humanitarian or fragile settings, encompassing maternal health interventions, family planning services, and the prevention and response to gender-based violence.
We seek candidates with a strong background in designing and overseeing mixed-methods research cycles within humanitarian or low-resource environments. Demonstrated expertise in randomized control trial (RCT) design and execution is advantageous. Familiarity with longitudinal study frameworks and multiphase data collection processes is particularly valued.
Fluent written and verbal proficiency in English is required, along with a proven track record in crafting meticulously researched reports, donor updates, briefs, and presentations tailored for varied audiences, comprising both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Demonstrated capability to operate autonomously and guide remote in-country research teams, offering leadership and mentorship, while steering multifaceted research initiatives involving multiple stakeholders.
Demonstrates a refined capacity to navigate and engage thoughtfully within multicultural settings, particularly in challenging security conditions. Proven track record of collaborating with regional research teams and community stakeholders across varied environments.
Proficiency in developing quantitative and qualitative data collection instruments using KoboCollect, OK, or comparable platforms is essential.
Desirable
Proficiency in Somalia and/or South Sudan is essential, along with a strong grasp of the humanitarian coordination framework and critical stakeholders in these regions.
Requires expertise in leading or managing research initiatives involving vulnerable groups such as displaced individuals, women, girls, and adolescents, along with a strong grasp of ethical guidelines specific to humanitarian research environments.
Professionals must have experience in donor engagement for research programs, involving report preparation and active participation in technical review meetings.
Demonstrates a robust background in applied statistics along with hands-on experience in designing and developing sample frames.
We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both personal and professional well-being. Eligible employees will receive health insurance, retirement savings plans, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. Additional perks may include flexible work arrangements, wellness programs, and employee discounts. This role is full-time and includes standard benefits such as life insurance, disability coverage, and access to company resources.
This role offers a monthly salary of CHF 2,580 to CHF 2,640 (gross, before tax), along with a monthly living allowance of USD 300. Notably, IMPACT adheres to a structured salary framework, where compensation is determined by the position’s grade and the employee’s educational qualifications. Additional location-based adjustments for security and/or isolation may be applied, acknowledging the challenging living and working conditions in certain duty stations.
Accommodation is offered in the guesthouse, or a housing allowance is granted for extended-term contracts.
Swiss private pension fund enrollment (Swiss Life) is provided, covering approximately 9.975% of the employee’s gross salary, along with comprehensive health insurance, life insurance coverage, and repatriation assistance.
The organization covers flight tickets biannually, along with all visa-related expenses. Additionally, professional and in-country travel costs are fully reimbursed.
Facilitating the transport of luggage, with weights ranging from 20 to 100 kilograms commensurate with the contract duration, is a key responsibility, and this includes providing comprehensive luggage and personal property insurance coverage.
You will receive 36 days of annual leave each year, in addition to the public holidays observed in the country where you are assigned. In cases requiring compassion or family considerations, you will also be granted appropriate leave.
The predeparture induction consists of a three-day session at IMPACT Initiatives’ headquarters in Geneva, followed by a week-long pre-departure training at ACTED’s headquarters in Paris, which includes a four-day in-person security training program.
IMPACT is committed to fostering a psychologically safe work environment and provides comprehensive health insurance that includes coverage of up to $1,000 annually for psychosocial counseling services.
Applicants must enroll in the IMPACT Initiatives Research Foundational Learning Program within the first three months of their employment contract.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
4 years
