In Lebanon, several years of multi-layered, overlapping shocks have led the country into a nation-wide socio- economic crisis. This crisis, reflective of fundamental vulnerabilities in Lebanon’s economic structure, fragile political environment, deep-rooted social and communal tensions, have vastly increased household need and vulnerabilities throughout the country. Further, the current crisis has affected refugee needs due to the protracted Syrian refugee crisis in Lebanon, in its tenth year. Indeed, Syrian refugees are not the only vulnerable population group from outside Lebanon affected, approximately 200,000 Palestine Refugees in Lebanon (PRLs), located in and out of camps for nearly 70 years, continue to be subject to policies and law that preclude them from basic household functions such as the right to work, public services, and property ownership. Further, approximately 180,000 migrants are also present in Lebanon, facing needs related to protection, livelihoods, food security, and shelter.
As the trajectory of Lebanon continues to be along downward spiral, continual provision of empirical evidence to investigate the impact of continued shocks and socio-economic deterioration of a fragmented, heterogenous population within Lebanon’s borders, is necessary. In 2021, REACH Lebanon implemented a novel, nation- wide Multi-Sector Needs Assessment (MSNA). The MSNA comprised of household-level surveys of three population groups: Lebanese, Palestine Refugees in Lebanon, and Migrants. As the first project to be implemented of it kind in Lebanon, the MSNA provided the humanitarian community with empirical evidence of the widespread needs, both sector-specific and intersectoral, to support the humanitarian community in advocacy and programmatic strategy.
FUNCTIONS
Under the line management of the Country Representative or his/her delegates in Lebanon, the Data Officer is responsible for the production of REACH’s analysis products in Lebanon, including the preparation of research design, support in designing sampling methods, data analysis plans, data collection tools, data cleaning scripts and processes, analysis scripts, analysis outputs and (as relevant) production of web maps and information management systems. The Data officer will support in the dissemination and evaluation stages of the research cycle. The Data Officer will be specifically supporting the Lebanon team in the implementation of a Multi-Sector needs assessment (MSNA). Throughout each research cycle, the Data Officer, in close liaison with the assessment teams, engages with partners to promote their participation in data processing, analysis or relevant topics as designated by the line manager, to maximize the uptake and use of REACH research. When relevant, or managing a project, he/she also ensures efficient and transparent use of resources required for project implementation. This can include the direct supervision of data and assessment teams during data collection, analysis or output production.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Data Officer’s responsibilities include the following:
RESEARCH PLANNING:
- Contribute towards the identification and implementation of effective and adapted data management and analysis
solutions for REACH research in Lebanon, in line with REACH’s relevant research and data guidelines.
- Support sampling design, creation and management of data collection tools (ODK or KoBo), training on data cleaning
and management techniques, support for data analysis set-up (specifically conducted in the R environment).
- Contribute to draft research ToRs with a specific focus on sampling, data collection tools, the data analysis plan, as
well as data management plan;
- Support the development of qualitative and quantitative data collection tools, ensuring requirements of research cycle/assessment are met;
- In coordination with relevant assessment and GIS officer(s), support construction of quantitative sample;
- Keep track of progress and delays of all assigned tasks throughout the research cycle. Ensure that delays or identified problems are reported by writing and orally in a timely manner.
RESEARCH IMPLEMENTATION
- When relevant, support the identification and training of enumerators for primary data collection;
- When relevant, support oversight of data collection, in line with agreed TORs (including their Annexes), including data cleaning processes, checks and data cleaning scripts;
- In coordination with relevant assessment officer(s), document all changes in data collection that lead to a modification in the agreed TORs, ensuring that the CR and IMPACT HQ are informed and agree on the modifications.
DATA MANAGEMENT, CLEANING AND ANALYSIS
- Monitor accuracy of data collected in line with IMPACT’s Data Cleaning Minimum Standards Checklist;
- Cross check data collected in the field, ensure regular updates and solve eventual discrepancies;
- Manage, update and deploy questionnaire;
- Maintain, update and expand R-based systems of data management and analysis for data dissemination and reporting;
- Serve as focal point for statistical analysis and quantitative reporting on assessments.
DRAFTING OF PRODUCTS
- Ensure that all REACH analysis products meet the requirements of IMPACT and concerned partners;
- In support of the Research Manager or CC/CR, as requested, provide regular communication with IMPACT HQ on progress and deadlines for analysis outputs
- Ensure the drafting of timely and accurate data and analysis products (such as factsheets, graphics, webmaps,
dashboards), which comply with IMPACT’s guidelines;
- Ensure findings are accurately reported given the data collection and analysis methodology planned in TORs.
- Ensure that all analysis outputs are validated by IMPACT HQ before external release;
- When relevant, in close coordination with IMPACT HQ, support the regular maintenance and update of online products;
EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT
- Upon the request of the line manager, support in consulting with partners at all stages of research cycle: assessment
preparation; data collection; data analysis; review of research products; product dissemination; and lessons learnt;
- After validation by the line manager, represent REACH in relevant meetings/ working groups;
- Follow up on issues identified by partners or during meetings / working groups;
- Promote an active use of datasets and research findings by partners and the broader humanitarian community for their
decision making;
- After validation by line manager, present research findings to relevant third parties in order to enhance their use and impact;
- Ensure that all partner engagement and all external relations are clearly documented and communicated with the line
manager and relevant colleagues;
- More generally, contribute to the creation of a positive image and overall credibility of the organization, notably through the application of IMPACT’s mandate, ethics, values and stand-point with regard to other actors.
PROJECT CYCLE MANAGEMENT
Upon request of the line management:
- For relevant projects, ensure compliance to project cycle management requirements and guidelines at all phases;
- Before project start, support the organization of a kick off meeting and the availability of key project management documentations to plan the efficient use of assets, financial and human resources;
- Ensure that project deliverables and requirements are tracked, met and complied to;
- Ensure that any issue in relation to project implementation is reported to the line manager, finance and grants colleagues, and HQ;
- Support the line manager, finance and grants colleagues in drafting of relevant project narrative and financial reports;
- Other tasks as requested by supervisors.
INTERNAL COORDINATION
- Actively participate in regular team meetings;
- Ensure regular coordination and exchange with relevant colleagues;
- Ensure regular communication with HQ Research Design and Data unit.
- Engage in the development and implementation of REACH’s strategy in (country).
DATA CONFIDENTIALITY AND PROTECTION
The Data Officer will maintain the strictest confidentiality on all data collected and related processes, ensuring full compliance with IMPACT’s data protection policy and SOPs. He/she will actively take measures to prevent the unauthorized sharing of any information and data belonging to REACH and its partners, or collected during his/her assignment with REACH.
REQUIREMENTS
- Academic Excellent academic qualifications, preferably including a Master degree in relevant discipline;
- Research skills Demonstrable experience of data science. Excellent data analysis skills.
- Software skills Advanced knowledge of R, STATA, Python or equivalent statistical software. Proven knowledge of Microsoft office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Knowledge of ArcGIS an advantage.
- Years of work experience At least 2 years of relevant working experience. Experience in humanitarian settings highly desirable;
- Experience on the JIAF Experience working using the JIAF approach is an asset;
- Communication/reporting skills Excellent communication and drafting skills for effective reporting;
- Multi-tasking skills Ability to multitask with tight deadlines, on numerous research cycles;
- Level of independence Proven ability to work independently;
- Cross-cultural work environment Ability to operate in a cross-cultural environment requiring flexibility;
- Experience in geographical region Past experience in the [relevant] region is desirable;
- Language skills Fluency in English required, competency in Arabic/French an asset;
- Security environment Ability to operate in a complex and challenging/rapidly evolving security environment
- Lebanon
Applications should include a detailed CV with at least two References. Please send your CV in English, writing in the subject the reference "REACH Data Officer " to the following e-mail address: lebanon.jobs@acted.org. The deadline for submission is August 15, 2022. Any CV submitted without reference will be disregarded.