Project & Research Lead

MMAP is an international nongovernmental organisation that provides information management services to humanitarian and development organizations. Through information management, we help our partners target assistance to the world’s most vulnerable populations. Our core philosophy is that better data leads to better decisions and that better decisions lead to better outcomes. iMMAP’s critical support to information value chains helps to solve operational and strategic challenges of our partners in both emergency and development contexts by enabling evidence-based decision-making for better outcomes.

Scope of Work

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Project and Research Lead will manage a small team of researchers in providing in-depth quantitative and qualitative analytical support to a MENA-wide security focused project. Roles may include: Leading the research design process and designating team roles; coordinating with multiple iMMAP units supporting the project; reviewing weekly, monthly and ad-hoc reports; and liaising with the donor. The project will initially be a four month pilot, with the possibility of extension. It will be focused on the MENA region broadly with a specific analytical focus on refugees, IDPs and migrants affected by the crises in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, the Sahel, and Mediteranean migration routes. The MENA Project and Research Lead will report to the Research and Analysis unit leads.

This role is contingent on funding availability.

Essential Job Functions

The MENA Project and Research Lead will be responsible for managing a team of researchers and ensuring all project deliverables provided are timely and of high quality. The candidate will represent the iMMAP R&A team with the project donor point of contact and in other fora. MENA Project and Research Lead roles include:

• Manage a team of 4-7 researchers of diverse backgrounds to:
• Establish a MENA-wide security incident database and corresponding dashboards and reports;
• Provide in-depth contextual reporting on cross-sectoral issues in the region pertaining to refugees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), migrants and other Populations of Concern (POC);
• Utilize a strong personal research background to design the research methodology and guide selection of research topics for ad hoc reports;
• Liaise with relevant iMMAP units in support of project goals;
• Ensure project deadlines are met and deliverables provided meet iMMAP’s rigorous research standards; and,
• Manage donor relationships, must articulately and accurately present research findings to donor point(s) of contact.

REPRESENTATION

• Represent the iMMAP country office with national and international partners, donors, and media, and participate in local stakeholder engagement as appropriate;
• Maintain effective and positive internal contacts with iMMAP country and regional representatives, external contacts with national and local government officials, international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and partner organizations;
• Follow iMMAP’s branding regulations required for marketing or branding of all iMMAP products and correspondence.

SECURITY

Follow security protocols as laid down by the iMMAP Global Security Advisor.

ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING

As part of the iMMAP commitment to organizational learning, and in support of the understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, it is expected that he/she will commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit iMMAP, as well as individual professional development.

ACCOUNTABILITY TO BENEFICIARIES

iMMAP team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to beneficiaries of iMMAP programs, and to international standards guiding relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of field projects.

SUPERVISION

He/she will work under the direct supervision of the R&A Unit leads, iMMAP country, regional and headquarters-based leadership.

WORKING RELATIONS

Internally, he/she will work closely with relevant functional units and the rest of the Research and Analysis team. Externally, he/she will be expected to liaise with international and local partners, NGOs, UN agencies and other relevant actors.

Qualifications

• Degrees in international relations, international law, political science or related field;
• Experience managing multiple people in a research context;
• Strong interpersonal skills with a capacity to coordinate effectively between different UN partners, INGOs, working groups and internal units;
• Proven experience in reporting on conflict and analysis in the MENA region, preferably in multiple contexts;
• In-depth knowledge of political, cultural, and humanitarian context of Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, the Sahel region and/or Mediteranean migration routes;
• Ability to operate in cross-cultural environment and work independently;
• Understanding of and/or proficiency in KoBo, GIS software, and/or Power BI an asset. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel required;
• Fluency in English speaking and writing required. Proficiency in spoken Arabic strongly preferred.

Personnel is expected to conduct itself in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and iMMAP’s policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all Countries.

iMMAP has zero-tolerance for sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, human trafficking, child abuse and exploitation. Any violations of these principles and policies will be treated as serious misconduct.

iMMAP is an Equal Opportunity Employer regardless of background.