Research Analyst

INSO Background

Founded in 2011, the International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO) is an international NGO that supports humanitarian aid workers by establishing safety coordination platforms in insecure contexts. INSO provides registered NGOs with a range of free services, including real-time incident tracking, analytical reports, safety-related data and mapping, crisis management support, staff orientations and training.

INSO services help NGOs with their day-to-day risk management responsibilities and improve their overall situational awareness to support evidence-based humanitarian access decisions.

INSO provides daily support to more than 1000 NGOs operating in 18 of the world’s most insecure countries and has earned a strong reputation for its performance, principles and professionalism.

INSO is registered in the Netherlands with its headquarters based in the centre of The Hague, the international city of peace and justice.

Job Summary

INSO recently released part of its Conflict & Humanitarian Data Centre to its operational NGO partners. This innovative, interactive and internally designed software application serves to centralise and standardise all of INSO’s incident data from across its field coordination platforms. With instant access to an alert archive updated in real-time, comprehensive incident datasets and data visualisation tools, the CHDC will enable the adoption and enhance the application of evidence-based decision-making by INSO’s NGO partners regarding humanitarian safety and access.

The overall aim of this position is to address the strategic priorities and programmatic needs of NGO HQs through tailored analysis, catered briefings and thematic research that assess challenges related to humanitarian safety and access by combining unique access to CHDC, INSO’s in-country teams and operational NGO partners. Primarily, the immediate objective is to deliver INSO’s monthly NGO Incidents Overview, its quarterly Safety and Access Review as well as additional analysis request services as part of the Analysis & Research Team.

Organisational Structure

The Research Analyst is one of three positions that reports to, and is the responsibility of, the Senior Analyst. Alongside an existing Research Analyst and Information Manager, these positions sit within the Analysis & Research Team, which is situated at INSO’s HQ in The Hague. As this department develops, the Research Analyst will become a key member within a broader team dedicated to providing NGO HQs with global products, services, coordination and training.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor global initiatives and developments within and across NGOs, the UN, other international organisations and research institutes as they pertain to humanitarian safety and access.
• Develop, write and publish INSO’s NGO Incidents Overview, our global monthly report that assesses NGO incident trends across INSO’s platforms, in coordination with the Information Manager.
• Assist the Analysis & Research Team in producing the Safety and Access Review, our global quarterly report examining the correlation of conflict activity and NGO incidents. Provide tailored analysis pieces and present catered briefings for NGO HQs on specific contextual dynamics or challenges related to humanitarian safety and access.
• Contribute to research projects that aim to use INSO’s field data and access in addressing prevalent and recurring risks to humanitarian programming.
• Assist the Senior Analyst in the development and application of the department’s internal processes, product guidelines and operating procedures.
• Liaise and coordinate with INSO’s Regional Analysts (Sahel and Syria) regarding contributions to global reports, thematic papers and analytical training.
• Identify and cultivate a network of contacts within the broader humanitarian community and beyond to expand INSO’s global visibility, membership, exchanges and coordination.
• Track and report on updates within existing, emerging or erupting humanitarian crises to inform INSO’s Senior Management Team of future priority areas and NGO needs.
• Ensure and reinforce the continuity and consistency between INSO’s consolidated internal data and externally distributed analytical products on a global level.
• Effectively represent and protect INSO’s principles of independence, impartiality and neutrality as well as actively promoting INSO as an integral member of the humanitarian community.

Other Responsibilities

• Strategy Development. Assist the Analysis & Research Team in devising and implementing global initiatives related to INSO’s strategic positioning and prospective partnerships.
• Programme Support. Engage with other HQ functions, such as Technology and Training, to strengthen organisational synergies, coordination and development.
• Crisis Management. Offer support to enhance the awareness, preparedness or response of INSO HQ and its global partners in the event of an emergency.
• The position and duties of this post require a great degree of flexibility and adaptation. Hence, within reasonable limits, the Research Analyst may be required to carry out tasks that may not be explicitly detailed in this job description but are aligned with INSO principles and mandate.

Mandatory Requirements

• Fluency in English (required) and French (desired)
• Masters degree in International Relations/ Political Science, Security/ Conflict Studies, Humanitarian Action/ Humanitarianism, International Humanitarian Law or Journalism.
• Relevant experience working in NGOs, international organisations, think-tanks, research consultancies or journalism.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience working in and on insecure/post-conflict environments, preferably in an analytical capacity.
• Excellent writing and analytical skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively to meet tight deadlines.
• Demonstrable understanding of safety discourses and dynamics as they relate to the humanitarian infrastructure, NGO operations and coordination mechanisms.

Preferred Characteristics

• Strong comprehension and training in conflict analysis, conflict sensitivity and/or do no harm.
• Pre-existing field experience, contextual knowledge and/or information networks from working in the humanitarian field or in a related area.
• A firm understanding of relevant narratives and complementary sources within and beyond the humanitarian community.
• Strategic commitment to innovatively incorporate and systematize analytical thinking into humanitarian projects, operations and programmes.
• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Power BI.

Key Personal Competencies

• Conceptual, critical and creative thinking
• Managing and solving complex problems
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Organised and diligent work ethic
• Empowering and inclusive team player
• Cultural and situational sensitivity
• Principled and consummate professional

INSO’s Safeguarding Policy

INSO is fully committed to safe recruitment, selection and vetting of all potential new staff, trustees and volunteers and we will ensure rigorous compliance with our Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policy throughout the recruitment process.

Terms & Conditions

This is a full-time, fixed-term position based in The Hague, offered on the basis of a renewable 12-month contract with a starting gross monthly salary of €5,000 plus 8% vakantiengeld (vacation pay) and 2.5 days of annual leave accrued per month. The post is eligible for a Highly Skilled Migrant visa sponsorship and relocation allowance.