Data Specialist (Multi-Sectoral Needs Assessment)

We are currently looking for a Data Specialist to join the Global Inter-Sector Unit in HQ.

Title: Data Specialist (DS)

Location: Geneva with possibility of up to 20% travel

Contract duration: Open-ended

Start date: ASAP

POSITION PROFILE

The Data Specialist will be part of the REACH Global Inter-Sector Unit (ISU) based in IMPACT HQ, supporting the Multi-Sector Needs Assessment (MSNA) Workstream under the supervision of the global MSNA Manager. Specifically, the Data Specialist will (1) conduct research & development activities relating to automation/process improvement; (2) provide dedicated quantitative analysis support to REACH country teams implementing MSNAs.

CORE TASKS

Research & Development around automation (80%) – piloting methods to produce robust analysis within and between crises, using standardised/automated analytical processes.

• Conduct a scoping activity and document (a) global automation tools for data analysis of humanitarian/ development assessment tools; (b) current data analysis practices in IMPACT country missions.
• Identify and provide recommendations about workstreams that would benefit from automation/standardisation.
• Test various statistical analysis techniques to identify the most reliable automation/standardisation approaches.
• Design and test purpose-built automation tools in close collaboration with MSNA in-country and global programmes teams.
• Build the capacity of country teams to use, adapt, and operationalise MSNA automation/standardisation tools.
• Ensure the above tasks are conducted in accordance with IMPACT data protection standards and policies

Country support (up to 20%) – dedicated data support to REACH country teams

• Provided dedicated data cleaning, processing, and analysis surge support to REACH country teams implementing inter-sectoral research programs
• This support will be ad hoc in nature but anticipated to focus primarily around supporting with MSNA quantitative analysis during the peak analysis period (1-2 months) each year, to ensure critical in-country milestones are met.
• This support may be provided remotely and/or through a field deployment, depending on the extent of support required and the specific needs of the country team

REQUIREMENTS

Required

• Qualifications & Experience
  • Good academic qualifications, including a Master’s degree or higher in relevant discipline (e.g. Data Science, Economics, Econometrics, Statistics, etc.);
  • At least 4 years of relevant work experience in a data scientist, data analytics, information management, or similar role, ideally in humanitarian / development contexts (e.g. needs assessments, monitoring and evaluation, etc.);
  • At least 4 years of field experience in humanitarian crises;
  • Experience designing and implementing automation tools and processes for humanitarian / development research preferably using R;
  • Prior experience with and good understanding of quantitative data processing and analysis methods, including descriptive and inferential statistics;
  • Good understanding of statistics and statistical analysis;
  • Advanced working knowledge of R software;
  • Extensive experience working with at least one analysis software package/ language (Python, R, SPSS, STATA, etc.).
• Soft skills
  • Attention to detail and commitment to producing high quality work;
  • Openness to feedback and willingness to learn;
  • Ability to manage time effectively and thrive in a fast paced, results-oriented working environment;
  • Ability to work independently, with initiative, while taking a proactive, solutions-oriented approach;
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, including in remote work settings.

Desired

• Experience in needs assessments, monitoring & evaluations, information management in field research settings in an international context;
• Experience in coding data collection tools for mobile data collection platforms;
• Working knowledge of Arabic, French, Spanish, or another relevant language;
• Familiarity with the humanitarian aid system.