ABOUT IMPACT / REACH

IMPACT Initiatives is a humanitarian think tank, based in Geneva, Switzerland. The organisation manages several initiatives, including the REACH Initiative, which was created in 2010 to facilitate the development of information tools and products that enhance the capacity of aid actors to make evidence-based decisions in emergency, recovery and development contexts. The IMPACT team comprises specialists in research design; data collection, management and analysis; GIS and remote-sensing. For more information visit: www.impact-initiatives.org and www.reach-initiative.org.

OVERVIEW

We are currently looking for a Global Data Specialist to join our global Research Team, to contribute towards the integration of emerging innovations and best practices in Data Science within IMPACT’s way of working.

Position: Global Data Specialist

Department: Research

Supervisor: Senior Research Manager, Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

Duration: 6 months

Start date: February 2025

Location: Amman, Jordan with Yemen team

Deadline to apply: 2 February 2025

To work towards transformational change in how data is being produced, analysed, and used within the humanitarian sector, IMPACT launched an Innovation Communities of Practice (CoP) approach in 2023 to create dedicated spaces for testing ideas and sharing knowledge within the organisation, with a specific focus on Data Science and Effective Communications. Led by Specialists at the global level, these CoPs bring together staff with specialised skills and/ or interests to discuss common problems and identify solutions that enable organisational learning and growth.

Within this setup, the Data Specialist will take the lead on implementing the 2nd pilot exercise defined by the global Data Science Specialist in collaboration with the CoP, in order to determine how emerging best practices and innovations in the field of Data Science can be applied and sustainably integrated into IMPACT’s research and analysis practices. In order to ensure a constant learning loop is maintained, he/ she will also be responsible for proactively sharing knowledge and lessons learned from this pilot, in a timely manner.

CORE TASKS

• Take the lead on implementing the 2nd pilot exercise in close collaboration with the global Data Science Specialist; this would include:
  • Finalising the design and scope of the pilot exercise
  • Testing and validating pre-identified solutions and identifying challenges and / or opportunities for further scale-up
  • Producing a Research Brief summarizing the key conclusions and lessons learned from the pilot, including recommendations for future use within IMPACT
  • Proactively sharing knowledge and learning from the innovation pilots as required, including training and capacity building for future use
• Support the global Data Science Specialist with further testing and finalization of the 1st innovation pilot
• Contribute towards exploring and identifying emerging best practices and innovations in the field of Data Science with potential applications for IMPACT’s research and analysis practices; this would include:
  • Contributing towards literature reviews to identify relevant and innovative Data Science applications for humanitarian research and analysis
  • Proactively participating in the Data Science Innovation CoP within IMPACT to exchange ideas, knowledge, and experiences across countries
• Contribute to the expansion of IMPACT’s Research Toolkit and the development, roll-out of at least one global guidance package, including, but not limited to, Sampling Guidelines, Quantitative Data Analysis, R tools, etc.

ADDITIONAL TASKS (ON AN AD-HOC, BY NEED BASIS)

• Provide other support for the implementation of IMPACT Research Cycles as directed, including in-country or remote surge to IMPACT country teams (up to 25% per month).

REQUIREMENTS

• 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 5 years of relevant work experience in a research/ data analyst/ information management role, ideally in humanitarian / development contexts (e.g. needs assessments, monitoring and evaluation, etc.)
  • Proficient knowledge of Python
  • Strong understanding of statistics and statistical analysis
  • Good understanding of standard machine learning algorithms (supervised and unsupervised), and different modelling techniques
  • Demonstrated experience with model validation and selection, including testing different models, validating and selecting the best model, and communicating results
• 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
  • Fluency in English
• Desired
  • Good working knowledge of R
  • Technical expertise in data models, database design development, data mining and segmentation techniques
  • Fluency in French and/ or Spanish
  • Familiarity with the humanitarian aid system

CONDITIONS

• For this position, salary between 3,000 and 3,240 CHF monthly (before income tax), etc as well as a monthly living allowance of 300 USD*. NB – IMPACT salaries are strictly determined by our salary grid depending on the grade of the position and the level of education of staff. A location-dependent security and/or isolation adjustment is then applied as a recognition that some staff are required to work in difficult places where living and working conditions are much more difficult than elsewhere.*
• Accommodation and food provided in a guesthouse. Depending on the country situation, a contribution to a housing allowance of up to 75% of Jordan benchmark can be considered instead. NB – IMPACT is hosted by Acted in this country*.*
• Enrolment in Swiss private pension fund (Swisslife – approx. 9.975% of staff gross salary), health insurance, life insurance and repatriation assistance
• On a case-by-case basis, accompanied status and relevant benefits can apply (health insurance and flight tickets for dependents, education allowance for children).
• Flight tickets every 6 months & visa fees covered (in-country travel costs and professional expenses are fully covered)
• Contribution to the luggage transportation: between 20 and 100 kgs, depending on the length of the contract (+ luggage and personal property insurance)
• Annual leave of 36 days per year. Public holidays of the country of assignment. Family/compassionate leave when applicable.
• Predeparture induction – 3 days at IMPACT Initiatives’s HQ in Geneva + one week pre-departure training in ACTED HQ in Paris, including a 4-days in situ security training;
• Enrolment in IMPACT Initiatives Research Foundational Learning Programme within the first 3 months from the start of contract
• IMPACT prioritizes the psychological safety of its staff and the health insurance provided covers, among others, up to 1000 € per year of psychosocial counselling fees