Junior Research Design & Data Officer (Quantitative Methods)

BACKGROUND ON IMPACT

IMPACT Initiatives is a humanitarian think tank, based in Geneva, Switzerland. The organisation manages several initiatives, including the REACH Initiative, which was created in 2010 to facilitate the development of information tools and products that enhance the capacity of aid actors to make evidence-based decisions in emergency, recovery and development contexts. The IMPACT team comprises specialists in research design; data collection, management and analysis; GIS and remote-sensing. For more information visit: www.impact-initiatives.org and www.reach-initiative.org.

We are currently looking for a Junior Research Design & Data Officer to join our Global Research Team.

Position: Junior Research Design & Data Officer (80% possible)

Department: Research

Supervisor: Research Design & Data Unit Manager

Start date: 15th July 2022

Duration: 6 months (i.e. until January 2023), with potential for extension

Location: Geneva or TBD

POSITION PROFILE

The Junior Research Design & Data Officer (Quantitative Methods) will be part of the IMPACT Research Department and under the supervision of the Research Design & Data (RDD) Unit Manager. The RDD Officer will support with (1) reviewing outputs related to quantitative data processing and analysis (2) data management, including implementation of IMPACT Data Protection SOPs (3) process follow-up and (4) development of relevant tools and guidelines. Specifically, s/he will be responsible for ensuring data cleaning is conducted according to established standards and that meaningful statistical analysis and techniques are used to infer results from the data collected. The RDD Officer will also be responsible for implementing the data protection standards used by IMPACT to ensure accuracy, consistency, comparability and privacy of the data shared. S/he will also ensure that data processing and analysis steps are fully documented and replicable.

CORE TASKS

• Advise on, review and validate quantitative data processing and analysis for IMPACT research cycles, with a specific focus on IMPACT activities within the Ukraine crisis response. This includes:
  • Advise IMPACT Country teams on all aspects of data processing and analysis, in line with IMPACT Research Cycle guidance;
  • Review data analysis outputs and tools, including (but not limited to) datasets, data cleaning logs, analysis scripts, analysis outputs, data saturation grid; and ensure these are in line with IMPACT’s minimum standards as well as the analysis plan outlined in the research Terms of Reference;
  • Ensure that meaningful analysis and techniques are used to infer results on data collected;
  • Ensure all steps taken to produce the final dataset and analysis are well documented and transparent;
  • Flag and discuss identified risks with RDD Unit Manager as and when relevant.
• Support with the development and maintenance of tools and guidance materials to strengthen and standardize research and analysis practices within IMPACT.
• Support with the implementation of IMPACT Data Protection SOPs, specifically:
  • Ensure all data are managed and stored according to the requirements outlined within these SOPs;
  • Take active measures to prevent unauthorized sharing of any data, specifically sensitive and identifiable information, belonging to IMPACT and its partners, or collected during assignment with IMPACT;
  • When data is to be shared, ensure data sharing standards are implemented and accuracy, consistency, comparability and privacy of the shared data has been considered.
• Support with day-to-day process follow-up for the research cycles being followed, including:
  • Follow-up on delayed/ missing research cycle documents, keeping databases up to date;
  • Ensure sufficient tracking and proper filing of relevant documents and tools.

ADDITIONAL TASKS (ON AD-HOC BASIS)

• Support with reviewing and validating research design documentation from IMPACT country teams, while taking the lead on specific countries and/ or thematic areas of focus (to be discussed at start of contract).
• Contribute to capitalisation of best practices for an increased research quality through the implementation of lessons learned and internal monitoring & evaluation (M&E) processes;
• Provide other support for the implementation of IMPACT Research Cycles as directed, including in-country or remote surge to IMPACT country teams (up to 25%).

REQUIREMENTS

Required

Qualifications & Experience

• Good academic qualifications, including a Master’s degree or higher in relevant discipline (e.g. Data Science, Economics, Econometrics, Statistics, etc.)
• At least 1-2 years of relevant work experience in a research/ data analyst/ information management role, ideally in humanitarian / development contexts (e.g. needs assessments, monitoring and evaluation, etc.)
• Prior experience with and good understanding of quantitative data processing and analysis methods, including descriptive and inferential statistics
• Good understanding of statistics and statistical analysis
• Good working knowledge of R software o Prior experience with and good understanding of qualitative data processing and analysis methods

Soft Skills

• Attention to detail and commitment to producing high quality work
• Openness to feedback and willingness to learn
• Ability to manage time effectively and thrive in a fast paced, results-oriented working environment
• Ability to work independently, with initiative, while taking a proactive, solutions-oriented approach
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, including in remote work settings
• Fluency in English

Desired

• In addition to R (required), prior experience with at least one other analysis software package/ language (Python, SPSS, STATA, etc.)
• Experience in needs assessments, monitoring & evaluations, information management in field research settings in an international context
• Experience in coding data collection tools for mobile data collection platforms (KOBO/ ODK)
• Working knowledge of French and/ or Spanish
• Familiarity with the humanitarian aid system