MMC Research Specialist

Background

The MMC is a leading source for independent and high-quality data, information, research and analysis on mixed migration. Through the provision of credible evidence and expertise on mixed migration, the MMC aims to support agencies, policy makers and practitioners to make well-informed decisions, to positively impact global and regional migration policies, to contribute to protection and assistance responses for people on the move and to stimulate forward thinking in the sector responding to mixed migration. The MMC’s overarching focus is on human rights, protection and assistance.

MMC is part of and governed by Danish Refugee Council. 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 .

The MMC focuses on seven core regions: East Africa & Yemen, North Africa, West Africa, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean. The staff members of MMC are based in a global office in Geneva and in regional hubs, where it works in close cooperation with regional partners, stakeholders and donors. Through 4Mi, broad networks of monitors are collecting data on mixed migration in over 20 countries across different migration routes globally, conducting over 10,000 in-depth interviews with refugees and migrants on the move annually.

Overall purpose of the role

The overall purpose of the role is to take a leading role in the Mixed Migration Centre – Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) team with the publication of relevant research to inform policy and programmatic response by expanding the evidence base on mixed migration processes in the region. Furthermore, the post holder plays a key role in engagement activities to establish MMC as a leading voice in migration research in the region, and identify and represent MMC at meetings with policy actors and key policy events.

Under the supervision of the Regional Head of MMC ESA in Nairobi, the successful candidate will be responsible for taking ownership of qualitative data analysis of emerging mixed migration trends; contributing to research projects and products; organizing research dissemination events; and delivering research analysis and grant reporting, among other responsibilities.

Key responsibilities

Research, Data and Publication Management

• Conceive new research projects and develop research ideas, including with DRC and partners according to their programmatic and policy needs, and feed into the MMC ESA annual research agenda and workplan;
• Carry out qualitative and quantitative data collection in the field when needed and contribute to the transcription and analysis of qualitative data.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative data analysis, using appropriate software in coordination with other members of the MMC team.
• Engage actively in the region with key policy and programmatic partners to keep abreast on latest mixed migration trends and information needs;
• When needed, take ownership of and coordinate workflows of MMC research projects, developing research methodology and tool creation processes, data collection and analysis, including coding and labelling qualitative data analysis;
• Draft MMC briefing and research papers, quarterly trend reports, articles, policy briefs, information requests and other research outputs in line with MMC’s editorial standards and guidelines;
• Develop a qualitative data management system.

Policy and Programming Engagement

• Plan and convene research dissemination events and other activities to engage policy and programmatic audiences;
• Scan for and participate in key policy events and meetings to strengthen MMC’s visibility and impact on policy actors;
• Extend and strengthen the network of MMC’s relationships with policy actors;
• Support MMC engagement with programming actors in the region.

Grants Management & Proposal Writing

• Identify and track new grant/fundraising opportunities for MMC (independently or in coordination with DRC country offices and in the region);
• Contribute to the development of grant proposal narratives and other grant documentation in grant application stages;
• Take ownership of and coordinate the development of research ideas and concepts into project proposals, serving as a focal point for relevant partners;
• Coordinate relevant grants and conduct reporting throughout research project cycles, taking leadership in team workflows.

Capacity Building & Training

• As needed, supervise and train staff on MMC reporting of its research activities and administration on a quarterly or as-needed basis;
• Train staff on MMC editorial guidelines through peer-review processes and serve as a resource for team members on migration theory;
• Provide support to data collection training missions;

Provide training to DRC and MMC staff on research methods and related software applications (such as AtlastTI).

About you

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.

Experience and technical competencies:

• Master’s degree in development economics, migration or refugee studies, other social sciences
• Required: At least five years’ experience working in migration research, whether an academic, policy or humanitarian programming context;
• Required: Demonstrated experience in conducting and leading research projects;
• Required: Demonstrated experience in working with and analyzing qualitative data;
• Preferred: Demonstrated experience in working with and analyzing quantitative data is a plus
• Required: Demonstrated experience in producing/publishing research papers, articles and reports, preferably on migration and/or humanitarian issues;
• Demonstrated understanding of migration policy actor needs, and experience in policy engagement;
• Demonstrated understanding of current mixed migration debates and dynamics in the region is an asset;
• Demonstrated experience in grant management and donor engagement is an asset;
• Previous experience working with international NGOs or humanitarian agencies.

Conditions

Contract: End of contract is December 31, 2024 with possibility of extension, subject to funding and performance. Salary and other conditions are offered in accordance with DRC’s Terms of Employment for Staff ; Employment band G2.

Duty station: Nairobi

Availability: April 2024

Reporting Line: Regional Head of MMC ESA

Providing equal opportunities We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other factor. At DRC we celebrate diversity and appreciate our employees for the people they are and their unique skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. We encourage all interested candidates to apply.

Promoting high standards : DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process