Title of the position : MMC Regional Research Specialist
Supervised by : MMC Regional Research Manager
Reporting to : MMC Regional Research Manager
Duty Station : Dakar OR Tunis
Area of Operation : WANALA Regional Office
Period considered : June 2023-June 2024 renewable
Type of contract : National or International contract
Salary & Benefits : According to the type of contract
Background
The MMC is a global network consisting of five regional hubs (Asia, East Africa, Europe, West and North Africa, Latin America and Caribbean) and a central unit in Geneva. The MMC is a leading source for independent and high-quality data, research, analysis and expertise on mixed migration. The MMC aims to increase understanding of mixed migration, to positively impact global and regional migration policies, to inform evidence-based protection responses for people on the move and to stimulate forward thinking in public and policy debates on mixed migration. The MMC’s overarching focus is on human rights and protection for all people on the move. The three overall objectives of the MMC are:
- To contribute to a better, more nuanced, and balanced understanding of mixed migration (knowledge)
- To contribute to evidence-based and better-informed migration policies and debates (policy)
- To contribute to effective evidence-based protection responses for people on the move (programming)
The MMC is part of and governed by DRC. MMC regional hubs are hosted within DRC regional offices, but part of the global MMC network. While its institutional link to DRC ensures MMC’s work is grounded in operational reality, it acts as an independent source of data, research, analysis and policy development on mixed migration for policy makers, practitioners, journalists, and the broader humanitarian sector. The position of the MMC does not necessarily reflect the position of DRC. For more information on MMC visit our website (http://www.mixedmigration.org/).
Mixed Migration
Mixed migration refers to cross-border movements of people including refugees fleeing persecution and conflict, victims of trafficking and people seeking better lives and opportunities. Motivated to move by a multiplicity of factors, people engaged in such movements have different legal statuses as well as a variety of vulnerabilities. Although entitled to protection under international human rights law, they are exposed to multiple rights violations along their journey. Those in mixed migration flows travel along similar routes, using similar means of travel – often travelling irregularly and wholly or partially assisted by migrant smugglers.
MMC West and North Africa
Since May 2022, MMC West and North Africa form one region under the direct supervision of the MMC Regional Manager for the WANA region based in Dakar, Senegal. This reorganization is an opportunity to further streamline data collection and analysis across regions and along the mixed migration routes. MMC WANA is currently directly collecting data in several countries in North and West Africa through its 4Mi project. The MMC is a key research reference engaging with policy makers, (I)NGOs, CSOs at both country-level and through regional mechanisms. The MMC regional team is positioned across two offices in Dakar and Tunis, to follow closely activities in each sub-region, engage with key relevant stakeholders, and capitalise on the visibility and credibility gained in past couple of years at the sub-regional level.
Overall purpose of the role
The overall purpose of the role is to support the Mixed Migration Centre in West and North Africa with the publication of timely and high-quality research to inform policy and programming in both regions with an emphasis on the Central and Western Mediterranean Routes, as well as the Atlantic Route MMC is looking for a highly motivated researcher dedicated to establishing MMC as a leading voice in migration research in the region and to participating and representing MMC in relevant research, programming and policy events. This year will be focused on providing strong data analysis, drafting and publication of multiple outputs, mostly based on quantitative data. Themes include: children and youth on migration routes, use of social media by refugees and migrants, returns, decision making and onward movements etc.
Under the line management of the Regional Research Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for conducting quantitative and qualitative data analysis; carrying out qualitative data collection; keeping abreast of emerging mixed migration trends and dynamics across the region; drafting and editing a range of high-quality publications; representing MMC as needed in different forums with key migration stakeholders; lending support to reporting and fundraising activities; actively shaping MMC’s research agenda and processes in the region; and contributing to research dissemination, among other responsibilities.
The MMC is recruiting a Research Specialist for the West and North Africa Region
Key Objectives of the Role
Responsibilities: (in bullet points)
Data Collection and Analysis
- Develop the research design for new MMC research projects and work with programming partners to develop concept notes for their data and information needs.
- Conduct quantitative and qualitative data analysis for MMC:
- Develop research methodologies and tools, including sampling strategies, semi-structured interview guides and quantitative modules,
- Taking the lead on coding and labelling variables to be used in qualitative analysis to be used in qualitative analysis,
- Analyze quantitative data from MMC’s ongoing 4Mi initiative; this analysis will serve as the basis for the drafting of a variety of MMC publications (Snapshots, briefing papers, research reports etc.),
- Support data collection processes as needed, including by conducting semi-structured interviews and feeding into data collection processes.
- Support with the visualization of data.
- Stay up to date on the latest mixed migration research and trends in West and North Africa and along the Atlantic Route and Western and Central Mediterranean Routes by regularly monitoring media and other relevant sources.
- Stay up to date on the latest research methods and techniques used in the field of migration and explore new ways to apply them to MMC research.
Producing Research Outputs
- Regularly produce internal briefing notes, Snapshots, Quarterly Mixed Migration Updates, and more extended Research Reports and Briefing Papers.
- In coordination with the 4Mi project team, contribute to processes for research formulation and collaboration.
- Engage humanitarian and development programming staff to identify data and research gaps MMC can fill, respond to information requests, and support sector-level information-gathering.
Research Dissemination and Engagement
- Support the dissemination of research products (from online communication to launching event with partners, etc.), contribute to the planning and convening of research dissemination events.
- In coordination with the management team, liaise with counterparts at peer INGOs and UN agencies to inform MMC research agenda and strategy through bilateral engagements and through appropriate country-level and regional forums/working groups.
- Interface with other researchers and research organizations operating within the region to ensure non-duplication, to work collaboratively, and to participate in local capacity building.
- Contribute to MMC reporting of its research activities on a quarterly or as-needed basis.
Fundraising
- Participate in fundraising activities and grant writing and in expanding MMC’s funding base. This includes scanning for new opportunities, drafting concept notes and proposals.
Requirements
- Experience and technical competencies: (include years of experience)
- At least 5 years of experience working in research or academic context;
- Demonstrated experience in conducting quantitative data analysis with strong experience using quantitative data analysis software is essential;
- Demonstrated experience in producing single-authored, high-quality publications in the field of migration;
- Demonstrated experience in primary data collection and analysis, including with experience using qualitative analysis software would be an asset;
- Demonstrated understanding of current mixed migration debates and dynamics in the region is an asset;
- Previous experience working with international NGOs is an asset.
Education : (include certificates, licenses etc.)
- Master’s degree in development economics, migration or refugee studies, or other social sciences.
- Demonstrated literacy in quantitative data analysis.
- Demonstrated coursework and independent research in the field of migration or refugee studies is highly desirable.
Languages: (indicate fluency level)
- Full professional proficiency in English, French highly desirable
- Arabic is an asset.
Required Skills & Qualities
- Core Competencies of DRC:
- Striving for excellence
- Collaboration
- Taking the lead
- Communication
- Demonstrating Integrity
- Ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment.
- Proactivity, with a sound commitment to teamwork and with a spirit of genuine collaboration
- Excellent communication skills, as well as patience and politeness, are required.
- Multi-tasking and organizational skills is a must
- Adaptable and Flexible
- Proven analytical and critical thinking skills
- Exemplary sense of ethics in the workplace
- Team-oriented & good sense of humor
Application Process
Are you interested? Then apply for this position online**: www.drc.dk/about-drc/vacancies/current-vacancies.** All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both can be in English or in French**.**
DRC provides equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability. DRC encourages all applicants to apply and does not practice any discrimination in any recruitment process.
However, applicants must be aware that DRC cannot employ, under an expatriate contract, a citizen of the country in which she/ he is going to be stationed (in such case, the Republic of Senegal).
You are welcome to contact the Regional MMC Manager, aurelia.donnard@mixedmigration.org, for additional information regarding the position.
Applications close on May, 09th 2023.Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.
Due to the urgency of the position, DRC has the right to recruit a candidate who matches the required profile before the above deadline.