REACH Research Manager (Inter-Sectoral Unit) for DRC at IMPACT Initiatives

BACKGROUND ON IMPACT AND REACH

REACH was born in 2010 as a joint initiative of two International NGOs (IMPACT Initiatives and ACTED) and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Operational Satellite Applications Programme (UNOSAT). REACH’s purpose is to promote and facilitate the development of information products that enhance the humanitarian community’s decision making and planning capacity for emergency, reconstruction and development contexts, supporting and working within the framework of the humanitarian reform process. REACH facilitates information management for aid actors through three complementary services: (a) need and situation assessments facilitated by REACH teams; (b) situation analysis using satellite imagery; (c) provision of related database and (web)-mapping facilities and expertise.

IMPACT Initiatives is a humanitarian NGO, based in Geneva, Switzerland. The organisation manages several initiatives, including the REACH Initiative. The IMPACT team comprises specialists in data collection, management and analysis, GIS and remote-sensing. IMPACT was launched at the initiative of ACTED, an international NGO whose headquarter is based in Paris and is present in thirty countries. The two organizations have a strong complementarity formalized in a global partnership, which allows particularly IMPACT to benefit from ACTED’s operational support on its fields of intervention.

ACTED is a French humanitarian NGO, founded in 1993, which supports vulnerable populations, affected by humanitarian crises worldwide. ACTED provides continued support to vulnerable communities by ensuring the sustainability of post-crisis interventions and engaging long-term challenges facing our target populations, in order to break the poverty cycle, foster development and reduce vulnerability to disasters. Their interventions seek to cover the multiple aspects of humanitarian and development crises through a multidisciplinary approach which is both global and local, and adapted to each context. Their 3,300 staff is committed to responding to emergencies worldwide, to supporting recovery and rehabilitation, towards sustainable development.

We are currently looking for a REACH Research Manager to lead our Inter-Sectoral unit in DRC.

Supervisor: REACH Country Coordinator

Title: REACH Research Manager

Location: Goma

Contract duration: 12 months

Start date: ASAP

COUNTRY PROFILE

Since 2016, REACH – currently present in Kinshasa, Goma, Bukavu and Kalemie – has been providing assessment, information management and mapping services to inform humanitarian planning in the DRC. REACH has considerably scaled up its multi-sectorial assessment portfolio in since 2019, notably through the set-up of Humanitarian Situation Monitoring (HSM) activities in Tanganyika and South Kivu provinces (since

mid-2020) and in North Kivu province (since March 2021), providing response actors with regular monitoring of the evolution of the humanitarian situation in a highly fluid context. Ensuring data is available for displaced populations living in host community settings and those in camps alike, REACH has also rolled out multi- sectorial camp profiling in Ituri and other provinces. Linked with REACH’s HSM activities, REACH maintains a rapid assessment capacity allowing on the ground verification assessment of alerts by partners or those flagged by HSM with results feeding into the rapid response mechanism (RRM). REACH has also supported the RRM through the re-design of the new multi-sectorial rapid assessment toolbox, designed and validated in close collaboration with the inter-cluster at national level and OCHA.

Under its sectorial portfolio, REACH is supporting the cluster system with information management activities through the secondment of two information management officers to the Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL) and Shelter/NFI Clusters and provides stand-by analytical support to OCHA. In a context where food security needs continue to drastically rise as evidenced by the 18th IPC analysis, dedicated FSL analysis support, in close engagement with DRC FSC (Food Security Cluster) and global FSC is currently being provided. Additionally, given the importance of cash as a response modality in the rapid response system in DRC, REACH, in close coordination with the Cash Working Group (CWG) and Cash partners, is developing the Cash & Markets portfolio, notably through the implementation of a Joint Market Monitoring Initiative (JMMI). All REACH DRC information products can be accessed on the REACH Resource Centre.

PROJECT

The Humanitarian Situation Monitoring (HSM) research cycle monitors humanitarian needs and displacement of populations living in accessible and hard-to-reach areas across 3 provinces in Eastern DRC (South Kivu, North Kivu and Tanganyika). In mid-2021, the project will be expanded to a fourth one: Ituri. As of May 2021, data is collected on a monthly basis remotely from different (including Goma, Bukavu and Kalémie) through a network of key informants (KIs), on top of punctual field missions consisting of face-to-face interviews in particularly poor-data areas and/or of high interest for the humanitarian community. The project provides reliable indicative tracking of humanitarian needs over time, to support in prioritisation and identification of “hot-spot” areas witnessing a deterioration of the humanitarian situation.

In light of the volatile context of the Eastern province and capitalizing on its experience of conducting rapid assessments in eastern DRC and its relationships formed with various OCHA sub-offices, REACH also produces rapid overview of the situation and of the priority needs of the affected populations following an alert/displacement through the implementation of ERMs (multi-sectorial rapid assessment). To ensure data collected through HSM and ERM is directly informing humanitarian response planning, data is shared through formal coordination structures, such as OCHA, the Inter-Cluster Régional (ICR), relevant clusters, and the IPC, with feedback from partners used for triangulation of gathered data and to inform research design and geographical targeting.

To ensure in-depth inter-sectorial data is available to inform strategic level response prioritisation such as the 2022 Humanitarian Project Cycle (HPC), REACH, in close collaboration with OCHA and the different clusters is currently setting up a multi-sectorial needs assessment (MSNA) pilot in Tanganyika, a province witnessing particularly high needs. MSNA data, collected randomly sampled at the household level, will provide the humanitarian community a regional in-depth baseline of needs and vulnerabilities, which will be the first of its kind at this scale in DRC.

Combined these three complementary research cycles under the ISU unit aim to contribute to informing geographic response prioritisation as well as which sectors are among the top priority needs for affected populations. Through both rapid assessments as well as in-depth needs baselines the unit contributes to informing both ad-hoc as well as strategic level response prioritisation processes within the DRC humanitarian response.

POSITION PROFILE

IMPACT is seeking an experienced candidate, who has previously managed various teams and implemented projects in a complex humanitarian setting. The candidate should be comfortable representing IMPACT with donors and be able to coordinate and liaise with a range of senior external partners. The Research Manager (RM) will be responsible for overseeing the development and strategy of the inter-sectoral unit, which includes the following research cycles: MSNA, HSM and ERM. The RM will be under the supervision of the IMPACT Country Coordinator and IMPACT HQ in Geneva. The position is based in Goma, North Kivu, DRC, with regular travel to other areas of the country.

The overall goal of the RM will be to ensure the smooth running of activities, and he/she will be responsible for the implementation and completion of the various work streams within the unit. This will include operational and programmatic oversight of MSNA, HSM and ERM activities, including line-management of 1 Senior Assessment Officer and 5 Assessment Officers, oversight of project implementation, operational oversight in terms of logistics, administration, HR, logistics, partner coordination, reporting, grants management, and finance, and providing input to the strategic development of REACH in DRC.

RESPONSIBILITIES

STAFF MANAGEMENT

· Direct management of senior international and national assessment team members, including recruitment, appraisals, and career management;

· Day-to-day management of HSM, MSNA and ERM teams, including the development of work plans and performance indicators, and development and implementation of capacity training plans to improve efficiency and performance;

· Conduct regular check-ins with staff within the unit, and promote team building, productivity and staff welfare as the main pastoral focal point for HSM, MSNA and ERM teams;

· Be available to provide regular support and technical backstopping;

· Take on additional work streams and management responsibilities as well as advise in strategic mission decision-making as a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), in coordination with the other research managers.

MANAGEMENT OF RESEARCH CYCLES

2.1 Assessment preparation and planning

· Ensure that all assessments are planned in-line with relevant project and programme objectives and with REACH research cycle and other relevant guidelines;

· Ensure that all Senior Assessment Officers are comprehensively briefed on objectives and expected outputs of research cycles, and that the overall implementation strategy of any given activity is clearly understood;

· Ensure that required secondary data analysis has been conducted in preparation for an assessment;

· For each assessment, review ToRs before they are sent to Geneva for validation and ensure that TORs are validated by HQ before data collection begins;

· Compose and construct, in close coordination with GIS and data management team, qualitative and quantitative data collection tools

· Lead on engagement with GIS teams and other research units on assessment requirements;

· Ensure relevant stakeholders and partners are engaged in assessment design and planning, data collection, and management.

2.2 Data collection

· Ensure that enumerators are identified and trained for primary data collection;

· Monitor data collection, ensuring correct implementation in line with agreed TORs;

· Keep track of progress and delays of all assigned assessment throughout the research cycle;

· Ensure regular situation updates on data collection have been produced and circulated to relevant REACH, ACTED and external counterparts. Provide support and follow up on identified challenges during the data collection process;

· Ensure logistics, financial, administration, security and HR processes directly related to REACH are appropriately implemented, alongside the relevant ACTED departments;

· In coordination with the ACTED security department, monitor the security situation on the ground and conduct regular check-ins with staff in the field.

2.3 Product drafting

· Maintain regular communication with IMPACT HQ on progress and deadlines for written products;

· Ensure the drafting of timely and accurate assessment outputs (i.e. reports, factsheets, etc.) which comply with IMPACT’s guidelines and quality standards;

· Review all HSM, MSNA and ERM teams’ products before they are sent to IMPACT HQ for validation and ensure that all written products are validated by IMPACT HQ before external release.

2.4 Product dissemination and evaluation

· Under supervision of IMPACT HQ, ensure that research products are uploaded in relevant data portals, as specified in Research ToRs;

· Ensure that lessons learned are gathered and documented at the end of each research cycle;

· Under the direction of the Country Coordinator, engage in the dissemination of research products, including through articles, IMPACT social media contents, targeted e-mails, coordination body presentations, and bilateral meetings, in line with IMPACT Dissemination and External Communication Guidelines and Research ToRs;

· Support the Country Coordinator to conduct monitoring and evaluation as specified in the research ToRs and in line with IMPACT Guidelines.

STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION

· Lead on identifying information gaps in line with humanitarian priorities, and identify advocacy and dissemination strategies to strengthen the impact of our work;

· Lead on formalising synergies with other assessment and knowledge management actors, as well as strategic partnerships with key humanitarian stakeholders and decision makers;

· As a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), contribute to the development and implementation of the REACH DRC country strategy;

· Review dissemination strategies to strengthen the impact of HSM, MSNA and ERM projects.

EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT

· Represent REACH/IMPACT in cluster and multi-sector meetings/technical working groups in country, and follow up on technical issues identified in cluster meetings;

· In coordination with the Country Coordinator, present research findings to relevant partners, to enhance their use and impact;

· In coordination with the Country Coordinator, ensure that relevant partners are consulted and involved at all stages of research cycle: the preparation of the assessment; data collection; data analysis; review of research products; product dissemination; and lessons learnt;

· Ensure that external communications with partners and key stakeholders, including UN agencies, local and national government, and NGOs has been conducted and documented as appropriate

· Support the IMPACT Country Coordinator in external engagement on REACH/IMPACT strategy or (when requested and with focal point) for fundraising and grants management.

ACCOUNTABILITY TO COMMUNITIES AND BENEFICIARIES

The RM is responsible for ensuring that all interactions with Congolese communities are conducted in a respectful and consultative manner. Due attention must be paid to ensuring that communities are adequately consulted and informed about IMPACT programme objectives, activities, beneficiary selection criteria, and methodologies. This is the responsibility of every IMPACT staff member.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA PROTECTION

The Research Manager will maintain the strictest confidentiality on all data collected and related processes. He/she will actively take measures to prevent the unauthorized sharing of any information and data belonging to IMPACT and its partners, or collected during his/her assignment with IMPACT.

REQUIREMENTS

· Excellent academic qualifications, including a Master’s degree, if relevant;

· Fluency in French required; English highly desirable;

· 3-5 years of relevant work experience in a humanitarian setting, such as program management, evaluation and assessments;

· Previous experience managing large and complex teams in a humanitarian setting required, ideally with experience in a senior management role in an INGO team;

· Excellent management, coordination, organisational and planning skills required, including an ability to manage large workloads, oversee multiple teams and effectively meet deadlines, through multi-tasking and prioritisation;

· Ability to work independently and manage people remotely.

· Experience with external engagement (donors, partners and other key stakeholders) required;

· Familiarity with the humanitarian coordination system required;

· Excellent communication and drafting skills required for effective report writing;

· Excellent analytical skills required, and an ability to situate findings within a wider context;

· Solution-oriented, flexible, and open-minded, including ability to operate in a cross-cultural environment required;

· Strong knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel required;

· Experience with mobile data collection (ODK, ONA, KOBO) and skills in SPSS and/or R, STATA or other statistical analysis software an advantage;

· Knowledge of the Adobe Suite software, particularly Illustrator and InDesign an asset;

· Prior knowledge of the DRC and/or Great Lakes context an asset.

CONDITIONS

· Salary defined by the IMPACT salary grid; educational level, expertise, hardship, security, and performance are considered for pay bonus