The Research Officer for the Africa Migration Hub will be based in Nairobi at the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS). This role is crucial for designing and technically supporting the research agenda of the Hub, working closely with the Hub Program Manager. The officer will also assist the Program Manager in coordinating and maintaining relationships with Red Cross and Red Crescent actors across the region, as well as with migration-related research and academic institutions. The Research Officer reports directly to the Hub Program Manager who is also based in Nairobi at KRCS.
Position Responsibilities
- Coordinate on Africa Migration Research Hub (‘Hub’) knowledge creation, including research design and ethics.
- Coordinate on the design and analysis stages of research projects, including Humanitarian Service Point Impact Studies.
- Support the Program Manager in research project implementation and data collection stages of research projects.
- Design and deliver practical research training for Red Cross Red Crescent National Societies both in-person and online.
- Drive increased evidence on migration issues in Africa, including through leading research engagement and collaboration.
- Support and maintain partnerships with universities/research institutes and build the capacity of National Societies to collaborate with these institutions.
- Coordinate with the Program Manager for guidance and support related to Movement engagement on migration in the region, as needed, to inform design and implementation of research projects.
- Provide support to the Hub’s monitoring, evaluation and learning activities.
- Lead on writing or editing Lab publications (such as reports), and author or co-author academic publications.
- Support in recruitment and coordination of expert volunteers and interns to support activities involved in this role, including research, communications and other projects.
Position Selection Criteria
Desired Competencies
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for various audiences, both academic and non-academic, demonstrated through conference presentations and written work such as policy reports and peer-reviewed publications.
- Strong ability to design and undertake complex migration research, including academic research across more than one country.
- Advanced cross-cultural communication skills and the ability to work with colleagues and volunteers engaged in operational work in an inclusive way.
- Proven ability to work across multiple functions and collaborate effectively with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders; experience working in universities and with academic networks is highly desirable.
- Proven capacity to be adaptive and resilient and to work independently in a self-directed manner, and also as a member of a team.
- Highly developed written and verbal communication skills in English, including online/remote engagement, advanced editing and writing skills with ability to understand requirements for varying audiences. Fluency in French is highly desirable.
- Advanced proficiency in a wide range of IT applications, including Kobo Toolbox, Nvivo, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
- Strong understanding of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement and of its approaches to migration, advocacy and humanitarian diplomacy (desirable).
- Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing monitoring and evaluation/impact frameworks (desirable).
Education and Experience
- Postgraduate degree (PhD preferred) in Social Sciences. Research experience in migration and forced displacement or refugee studies in Africa is essential.
- Demonstrated experience designing and delivering qualitative and quantitative research.
- In depth knowledge of qualitative methodologies, including trauma-informed research and child-friendly methodologies.
- Experience in producing and maintaining research and data protocols, ethics applications and ensuring the secure storage of data.
