Global Senior Researcher

BACKGROUND

MMC is a global network engaged in data collection, research, analysis, and policy and programmatic development on mixed migration, with regional hubs in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Latin America, and a global team based across Copenhagen, Geneva and Brussels. MMC is a leading source for independent and high-quality data, research, analysis and expertise on mixed migration. MMC aims to increase understanding of mixed migration, to positively impact global and regional migration policies, to inform evidence-based mixed migration responses for people on the move and to stimulate forward thinking in public and policy debates on mixed migration. MMC’s overarching focus is on human rights and protection for all people on the move. MMC’s strategic objectives 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/).

The global MMC team provides review and quality assurance of all publications prepared by MMC regional teams (on average 70-100 per year). Additionally, every year, the MMC global team runs various global and cross-regional research projects and develops MMCs flagship report, the Mixed Migration Review. The global team aims to increase the capacity with a global senior mixed migration researcher.

POSITION PROFILE

Under the direct supervision of the Director of MMC, the Senior Researcher will play a leading role in the quality assurance of all MMC’s research, coordinate (cross-regional) research activities, lead on the development of the Mixed Migration Review, manage bespoke global research projects and draft articles and other research outputs.

MAIN TASKS

Quality assurance and coordination

• Review and provide quality assurance on research outputs developed by MMC regional teams
• Be the custodian of the MMC editorial guidelines
• Coordinate cross-regional research projects
• Review and contribute to the development of qualitative and quantitative research tools by MMC regions teams

Research

• Work with the global and regional teams for the identification of trends/topics/gaps to inform research directions.
• Initiative, develop and manage research projects by MMC global
• Manage consultants working on MMC’s global research projects
• Contribute to the drafting MMC resources, including articles, research reports and papers, 4Mi snapshots and other documents.
• Coordinate the development of the Quarterly Mixed Migration Updates by MMC regional teams

Mixed Migration Review

• Lead the development of the Mixed Migration Review (MMR), MMC’s flagship annual report, from 2025 onwards, which includes: defining the overarching topic, developing the structure of the report, selecting and managing external writers, consultants and other contributors, drafting content and reviewing all content.
• Contribute to the launch and dissemination of the MMR

Representation

• Present MMCs research findings at meetings, conferences and coordination forums.
• Proactively seek to build MMC’s profile with key stakeholders.

Other

• Support to regular work planning and development of MMC’s research themes and strategy
• Support the Director with timely submission of relevant project reporting requirements.
• Support with design and drafting of concept notes and funding applications for the MMC.
• Support in planning and facilitating dissemination events

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Excellent knowledge of contemporary trends related to (mixed) migration, human rights, international refugee law 
• At least 7 years of experience in (field) research and reporting in the field of migration 
• Proven track record of publications on (mixed) migration
• Strong analytical and writing skills in English; writing skills in French/Spanish a strong added advantage.
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Experience of working with statistical data analysis tools such as SPSS/R/Stata desirable
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team under remote supervision 
• Advanced university degree in Migration, Political Sciences, International Law, or similar

All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s core competencies:

• Striving for excellence  
• Collaborating  
• Taking the lead  
• Communicating  
• Demonstrating integrity

Find the definitions of DRC’s core competencies here                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

We offer

Contract length: 12 months, renewable depending on performance and funding.

Salary and conditions: depending on skills and experience, in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Belgium work contracts.

Duty station: Brussels, Belgium with additional travel to the field.

Start date: as soon as possible 

For questions regarding the vacancy please contact Bram Frouws at [email protected]

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages in total) in English to the online application system. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 11/07/2024.