Research Advisor – Lebanon Cash Consortium

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and is at work in over 40 countries.  In response to the influx of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, the IRC provides income and livelihoods support to vulnerable Syrian refugees and host communities, through its Economic Recovery and Development Program. The objective of the program is to assist acutely vulnerable refugee households nationwide in meeting their essential needs and increasing their self-reliance; this is expected to ultimately lessen the use of negative coping strategies for survival. The Lebanon Cash Consortium (LCC) is a body of 6 INGOs working together to provide multi-sector cash assistance to acutely vulnerable Syrian refugees in Lebanon.  The members are Save the Children (lead agency), IRC (M&E and research lead), CARE, ACTED, Solidarities International and World Vision International.  Working to harmonize national approaches to multi-sector (unconditional) cash transfer programming, the LCC and its members also engage in multilateral forums in Lebanon and provide technical leadership on targeting approaches, delivery mechanisms for cash transfers and the monitoring and evaluation of cash programming.   IRC provides monitoring and evaluation oversight for the LCC, in addition to directly implementing cash assistance to refugees, and works closely with all consortium members on the development of M&E and learning tools, processes and goals for the LCC.  Donors for the LCC currently include DfID and ECHO. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in conceptualizing and conducting mixed methods research, preferably with expertise in humanitarian programming. The Research Advisor will lead the design of assessment and research frameworks for the LCC, overseeing specific research projects while also assisting learning being conducted by other consortium members. Job Overview/Summary: The Research Advisor will organize and coordinate the assessment and research agenda for the LCC, overseeing and contributing to specific learning initiatives while also tracking and assisting learning conducted by consortium members. The Research Advisor is an IRC staff member but will work closely with all consortium members to provide leadership on learning around cash assistance outside of learning captured through the LCC’s current M&E tools. The main objective of this position is: Ensure the Lebanon Cash Consortium is producing relevant and high-quality learning on topics related to multi-sector cash assistance in a manner that is coordinated within and outside the consortium. Major Responsibilities: Finalize an assessment and research framework for the LCC and work with members to draft specific frameworks, plans and tracking tools; Guide LCC members in selecting a final assessment and research agenda through August 2015, and outline potential future projects; Facilitate and provide leadership to ensure effective design, review and implementation of assessment and research projects selected to move forward by LCC governing bodies: Design and oversee implementation of strategies and methodologies for accurately collecting, recording, compiling and analyzing data so as to report progress towards project objectives; Ensure that data are recorded and stored effectively so as to be usefully retrievable and reportable on a regular and frequent basis. Work with other IRC resources such as the ERD Coordinator and Research, Evaluation and Learning unit to develop ToRs for assessment and research, and select appropriate researchers.  Oversee the implementation of selected assessment and research projects, and provide input into methodology and reports.  Provide guidance and technical support as needed to LCC members on research and learning and data collection, by making sure approaches are grounded in appropriate methodology and resourced as needed, and that they deliver as per action plans and according to high quality standards; As related to program learning, help analyze assessment data, based on the analysis plan, reports, statistics and ensure the results feed meaningfully into the LCC learning agenda; Key Working Relationships: Position Reports to:  Lebanon Cash Consortium M&E Manager Position directly supervises:  n/a Indirect Reporting: Lebanon Cash Consortium Chief of Party Other Internal and/or external contacts: Internal: The position will closely work with the M&E Manager – Lebanon Cash Consortium to understand monitoring and evaluation approaches for the LCC and what information is already being collected.  The position will also liaise with the Cash Manager, as well as other regionally and HQ based M&E staff. External:  The Advisor will work closely with the LCC Chief of Party to ensure coordination of approaches.  The position will also engage other technical members of each consortium agency. Job Requirements: Certification or specific training in Statistics and/or Data Management highly preferred Proficiency in the use of statistical methods for socio-economic research At least 3 years of relevant working experience in the area of M&E, research and data collection Demonstrated experience in developing assessment tools (e.g. questionnaires, focus group discussions) Demonstrated experience and capacity in conducting field-level data collection and data entry using electronic tools Demonstrated experience and knowledge in data analysis Previous experience in drafting reports Strong ability to work independently, organize work, meet deadlines, maintain composure, prioritize work under pressure, coordinate multiple tasks and maintain attention to detail Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills, creativity and flexibility, ability to coordinate and build consensus. Personal qualities: works well in and promotes teamwork, comfortable in a multi-cultural environment, flexible and able to handle pressure well. Fluency in English and Arabic required. PREFERRED: Masters degree of Arts or Science in Economics, Computer Science, Food Security, or related field Certification or specific training in Statistics, Information Management and/or Data Management INGO experience Working Environment:  The position is based in Beirut, Lebanon, which has a high quality of life including medical care, movement and amenities.  Housing shared with one other staff member is provided in an area near the IRC office.  The position is expected to travel to the northern province of Akkar, with the potential for other nationwide travel to other consortium member offices and field sites.