Research Manager – economy, markets, and livelihoods

Following the development of our new Country Strategy, REACH Afghanistan is planning to establish a new research team with the aim of providing relevant information to humanitarian and basic human needs stakeholders linked to the economy, markets and livelihoods in Afghanistan.

REACH Afghanistan is therefore seeking an experienced Research Manager with knowledge of assessment and analysis, to scope out a programme of work for this new team, through internal and external consultations. The Research Manager will be responsible for drafting concept notes and research ToRs that can be used to solicit funding for the start-up of the team.

The Research Manager will be responsible for building an understanding of the relevant aid strategies existing in Afghanistan and identifying relevant data and research gaps that could be filled. This will involve connections with international and national NGOs (including members of Cash Consortium of Afghanistan), the UN, and donors. The Research Manager will review existing research in Afghanistan (including the MSNA and Joint Market Monitoring Initiative) and also connect across REACH to understand similar research being conducted elsewhere that could be adapted for the Afghanistan context.

Duties & Responsibilities:

CONTEXTUAL UNDERSTANDING

• Assess relevant strategic, analytical, and operational documents to develop an understanding of the current priorities relating to the economy, markets and livelihoods for the aid response in Afghanistan.
• Mapping existing REACH data, other research, and other relevant information sources to understand relevant areas for potential assessment and research.
• Connecting with national and international NGOs, UN colleagues, and the donor community to understand their priorities and to identify where REACH research could support their programmes and strategies.
• Provide SMT and other staff members with key updates from these efforts.

DEPARTMENT STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT

• Engage with REACH colleagues in HQ and in other country programmes to identify existing assessment and research tools that could be adapted for Afghanistan.
• Develop a series of concept notes that can be shared with prospective partners or donors, to seek funding for the set-up for the new team.
• Develop/draft relevant research ToRs, enabling technical discussion and approval of potential research projects.
• Develop a light-touch team strategy that could subsequently be further developed based on the eventual set-up and staffing of research activities.
• Coordinate with staff in the Cash Consortium of Afghanistan to identify potential assessment and research opportunities for the future of the Consortium.

RESEARCH MANAGEMENT

• As necessary, support the Humanitarian Coordination and Monitoring Unit in the delivery of research and analysis linked to Joint Market Monitoring Initiative and the Cash Consortium of Afghanistan.
• As required, work with the cross-cutting analysis team to support the develop of analysis products linked to the economy, markets, and livelihoods, which can better position REACH Afghanistan in this thematic field.

The Research Manager will maintain the strictest confidentiality on all data collected and related processes. They 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.

Required qualifications, technical expertise and Education:

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• Work experience Demonstratable relevant working experience in a humanitarian setting, such as programme management, evaluation and assessments. Experience working with development responses is an advantage;
• Thematic experience Able to showcase experience in working with economy and market data in an aid environment’
• Research skills Excellent quantitative and qualitative research design, data collection, and data analysis experience required;
• Familiarity with aid system Good understanding of the aid system and the research community.
• Management experience Demonstrated team management skills, including remote management;
• Experience in geographical region Past experience in the region/supporting is desirable;
• Communication/reporting skills Excellent communication and drafting skills for effective reporting and reviewing;
• Cross-cultural work environment Ability to operate in a cross-cultural environment requiring flexibility and work independently;
• Academic qualifications A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is required. However, significant relevant work experience can be considered.
• Software skills Proven knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite, to include Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Familiarity with R, SPSS and/or STATA or other statistical analysis software an asset
• Security environment Ability to operate in a complex and challenging security environment.
• Language skills Fluency in English required, competency in Dari or Pashto is an asset.

Standard PSEAH blurbs for job advertisement:

Acted has a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH) and strives to recruit those who share our values.

All candidates will be subject to a pre-employment check that includes satisfactory references, screening, and criminal checks in line with legal requirements.

All candidates who have been offered a position will sign and respect Acted’s Code of Conduct and related policies as part of their work contract. All staff are expected to abide by the standards of behavior outlined in those documents.

Managers will have a special responsibility to foster a safe environment.

Misconduct can lead to serious disciplinary sanctions.

Acted

For the past 30 years, the international NGO Acted has been going the last mile to save lives. Currently, Acted supports 20 million people across 43 countries to meet their needs in hard-to-reach areas and pursues a triple mandate as a humanitarian, environmental, and development aid actor. Acted relies on an in-depth knowledge of local territories and contexts to develop and implement relevant long-term actions, with a wide range of local and international partners, building together a “3ZERO” world: Zero Exclusion, Zero Carbon, Zero Poverty.

Acted Afghanistan:

Acted is working in 20 provinces around Afghanistan, which are affected by natural and man-made disasters. Acted provides relief and emergency assistance to vulnerable populations affected by displacements, conflicts, or natural disasters in the fields of agriculture, shelter, water, and food security.