Research Officer for Mali, based in Bamako At IMPACT Initiatives

IMPACT ET REACH

REACH was established in 2010 as a joint initiative of two international NGOs ( IMPACT Initiatives and ACTED ) and the United Nations Operational Satellite Applications Programme (UNOSAT). REACH’s objective is to promote and facilitate the development of information products that enhance the decision-making and planning capacity of the humanitarian community in emergency, reconstruction, and development contexts. REACH facilitates information management for aid actors through three complementary services: (a) needs and situation assessments facilitated by REACH teams; (b) situation analysis using satellite imagery; and (c) provision of databases, mapping (web-based) facilities, and related expertise.

IMPACT Initiatives is a humanitarian NGO based in Geneva, Switzerland. The organization manages several initiatives, including the REACH initiative. The IMPACT team is composed of specialists in data collection, management, and analysis, as well as GIS. IMPACT was launched at the initiative of ACTED, an international NGO headquartered in Paris and present in some thirty countries. The two organizations have a strong complementarity formalized in a global partnership, allowing IMPACT to benefit from ACTED’s operational support in its areas of intervention.

We are currently seeking a research officer to support our team in Bamako, Mali.

Title: Research Fellow

Contract duration : 6 months

Start date : 01.10.2026

Work location : Bamako, Mali.

COUNTRY PROFILE

Mali faces a protracted humanitarian crisis, marked by persistent insecurity, climate shocks, and inadequate basic social services. However, beyond its chronic nature, the crisis is currently undergoing rapid and significant developments.

Initially concentrated in the north and center of the country, insecurity is gradually spreading southwest, as illustrated by recent trends in security incidents reported by ACLED. This dynamic has been exacerbated by major events, notably the fuel blockade in Bamako at the end of last year, which disrupted livelihoods, access to services, and population movements.

In this context of degradation and multiple pressures on communities, humanitarian needs are reaching particularly high levels. According to the MSNA 2025, 83% of households in Mali are in need of humanitarian assistance, an increase of 9% compared to the previous year, driven primarily by the deterioration of shelter conditions and non-food items.

POSITION PROFILE

The Research Officer will contribute to the design and implementation of the various research cycles comprising REACH’s portfolio in Mali. Under the supervision of the Country Manager, they will provide cross-cutting technical support to research activities and will gradually be given the opportunity to lead certain cycles independently, depending on the mission’s priorities and their level of experience.

Their responsibilities will cover the entire research cycle, from methodological design, the development of data collection tools, and the preparation of field activities to the supervision of data collection and quality control. The research officer will also contribute to data processing and analysis, the interpretation of results, and the production of relevant, accessible information products tailored to the needs of humanitarian actors.

The Research Officer will also participate in disseminating results to partners and other relevant stakeholders. They will work closely with the data, geographic information systems (GIS), and field operations teams to ensure technical consistency, quality, and effective coordination across the various stages of each research cycle. Throughout their work, they will ensure compliance with REACH/IMPACT research standards and procedures, as well as the relevance and operational utility of the analyses produced.

RESPONSABILITES

The Research Officer will contribute to the planning, implementation, and monitoring of the various research cycles comprising IMPACT/REACH’s portfolio in Mali. Under the supervision of the Country Manager, they will provide technical support at all stages of the research cycle, from methodological design to the dissemination of results.

The Research Officer will work closely with the teams responsible for data management, geographic information systems (GIS), and field operations. As they develop their experience and mastery of IMPACT/REACH research procedures, they will gradually be given responsibility for the direct management and implementation of certain research cycles.

More specifically, the Research Fellow will be responsible for the following tasks:

Understanding the context and identifying information needs

The Research Officer will develop a good understanding of the humanitarian context in Mali, the dynamics affecting populations, as well as the information needs of humanitarian and institutional actors.
In this capacity, he/she will contribute in particular to:
Monitor the evolution of the humanitarian context and key information needs;
Understanding the priorities of national authorities, United Nations agencies, clusters and international and national NGOs;
Identify information gaps that IMPACT/REACH research could address;
To help adapt research objectives and approaches to the operational needs of humanitarian actors;
Ensure that the research conducted is relevant, complementary to existing initiatives, and useful for decision-making.

Support for the methodological design of research

Under the supervision of the Country Manager and in coordination with the relevant technical teams, the Research Officer will contribute to the methodological design of the different research cycles.
His responsibilities will include, in particular:
Contributing to the definition of research objectives, questions and scope;
The development or adaptation of the terms of reference for the research;
Contributing to the development of sampling strategies, in conjunction with the teams responsible for data and GIS;
The design, adaptation and revision of quantitative and qualitative data collection tools;
The preparation of analysis plans and other technical documents necessary for the implementation of the research;
Taking into account the quality, data protection and research ethics standards of IMPACT/REACH.

Preparation and supervision of data collection activities

The Research Officer will contribute to the preparation and supervision of data collection activities, in close collaboration with field teams, data management and any operational partners.
In this capacity, he/she will participate in particular in:
Planning the different stages of data collection;
The preparation of training materials and content for collection teams;
Training and briefing of investigators, supervisors and partners involved;
Verification of the proper functioning and understanding of the data collection tools;
Technical supervision and daily monitoring of data collection;
Documenting changes made to tools, methods or scope of collection;
Regular coordination with field teams to ensure adherence to the schedule, methodology and established quality standards.

Quality assurance and data management

In collaboration with the data management teams, the Research Officer will contribute to ensuring the quality, consistency and reliability of the data collected throughout the research cycle.
His responsibilities will include, in particular:
Participation in defining procedures and quality controls;
Regular monitoring of quality indicators during data collection;
Identifying errors, inconsistencies or atypical values requiring verification;
Communicating quality issues to the relevant teams and monitoring corrective actions;
Contributing to the verification, cleaning and validation of databases;
Compliance with IMPACT/REACH procedures relating to the protection, storage and responsible sharing of data.

Analysis and interpretation of results

The Research Fellow will contribute to the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data produced within the framework of the different research cycles.
In this capacity, he/she will participate in particular in:
The preparation and implementation of analysis plans;
The interpretation of the results in light of the humanitarian context and the objectives of the research;
Triangulation of results with other available sources of information;
The formulation of clear, rigorous and data-supported conclusions;
Carrying out the necessary checks to ensure consistency between data, analyses and communicated messages.

Production of reports and information products

In coordination with the data and GIS teams, the Research Officer will contribute to the production of clear, accurate information products tailored to user needs.
These products may include, in particular:
Analytical reports;
Information sheets and thematic fact sheets;
Report cards and summary notes;
Dashboards and other interactive products;
Presentations intended for partners, authorities, clusters or donors;
Communication products adapted to technical and non-technical audiences.
The Research Officer will ensure that the results are presented in a rigorous, accessible manner and in accordance with IMPACT/REACH’s communication and validation standards.

Dissemination of results and engagement with stakeholders

Under the supervision of the Country Manager, the Research Officer will contribute to engagement with stakeholders involved in the various research cycles.
He/she may be required to:
Participate in relevant coordination meetings and working groups;
Gathering contributions and feedback from partners at different stages of the research cycle;
Supporting the organization of validation, feedback or dissemination workshops;
Adapting the communication of results to the needs of different audiences;
Encourage the appropriation and operational use of the results by the stakeholders concerned;

Progressive management of research cycles and cross-functional support

Depending on their experience, skills and the priorities of the mission, the Research Officer will gradually be required to manage certain research cycles under the supervision of the Country Manager.
In this context, he/she will notably be able to:
Develop and monitor research work plans and schedules;
Coordinate the contributions of the teams responsible for data, GIS and field operations;
Ensure follow-up of key stages, deadlines and deliverables;
Identify risks or delays that could affect implementation and propose corrective measures;
Maintain up-to-date technical and administrative documentation for the research cycle;
Ensure regular communication on the progress of activities;
Ensure compliance with IMPACT/REACH internal procedures and quality standards.
The Research Fellow will also provide cross-cutting support to other mission activities, as needed. This support may include designing new research cycles, preparing technical contributions to project proposals, analyzing data, reviewing information products, documenting lessons learned, and sharing best practices within the team.

REQUIREMENTS

University education: Excellent academic qualifications, including a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (international relations, political science, social research, sociology, economics, development studies, or similar).
Management experience: Prior experience in a management role within an international NGO in the field is an asset.
Security environment : Ability to operate in a complex and challenging security environment or previous experience in high security challenge contexts is an asset;
Familiarity with the support system and with search methods;
Excellent communication and report writing skills, including proven experience contributing to high-level presentations/briefings.
Years of professional experience: At least 2 years of relevant professional experience or proven progression within IMPACT.
Research skills : Excellent research and analytical skills are an asset. Experience in evaluations, monitoring and evaluation, field research, and assessments is an asset.
Software skills: Proven knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Advanced skills in R or other statistical analysis software are an advantage. Experience with InDesign, Tableau, or Power BI is a strong asset.
Skills in managing diverse tasks; Ability to perform multiple tasks under tight deadlines, across numerous research cycles in a complex environment;
Level of independence : An autonomous person with a proven ability to work independently;
Intercultural work environment; Ability to function in an intercultural environment requiring flexibility;
Language skills: Fluency in French required; knowledge of English would be an asset.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

For this position, the salary ranges from CHF 2,460 to CHF 2,520 per month (before income tax), plus a monthly living allowance of USD 300. Note: Salaries at IMPACT are strictly determined by the salary scale based on the position grade and the staff member’s level of education. A security and/or isolation adjustment, depending on the duty station, is then applied in recognition of the fact that some staff members work in environments where living and working conditions are significantly more challenging than elsewhere.
Accommodation in a guest house.
Membership in a Swiss private pension fund (Swisslife – approx. 9.975% of gross salary), health insurance, life insurance and repatriation assistance.
Airfare every 6 months and visa fees covered (internal travel expenses and business expenses are fully covered).
R&R leave after 2 to 3 months (airfare up to USD 500 + subsistence allowance of USD 200), if the duty station permits.
Contribution to baggage transport: between 20 and 100 kg depending on the duration of the contract (+ baggage and personal belongings insurance).
36 days of annual leave per year. Public holidays of the country of assignment. Family/compassionate leave where applicable.
Pre-departure induction: 3 days at IMPACT Initiatives headquarters in Geneva + one week of pre-departure training at ACTED headquarters in Paris, including 4 days of on-site safety training.
IMPACT prioritizes the psychological well-being of its staff. The health insurance offered covers up to €1,000 per year for psychosocial support costs.

How to apply

Please apply directly on the website via the following link: Research Officer for Mali, based in Bamako (Link For External Applicants) | Impact