Switzerland: Research & Methodology Adviser

Purpose of the position

The Research and Methodology Advisor will assist the CORE in enhancing a culture of evidence-based, ethically sound research at the ICRC, and provide expertise on research funding. The main objective of this position is to explore various options for an ethical review mechanism within the ICRC; organise research training courses and workshops; and explore opportunities and requirements to access research funding. The position will also involve providing methodological support to other researchers conducting qualitative and quantitative research within the ICRC as required.

Relationships

• Internally, interacts with the other members of the Centre for Operational Research and Experience (CORE) and other colleagues involved in the design, management and conduct of research.
• Externally, will be required to form networks with researchers in relevant academic institutions, members of external ethical review boards and research funding bodies as well as relevant representatives from other NGOs.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Understands and adheres to the seven Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
• Represents the ICRC in a professional manner at all times.
• Develops and maintains a pleasant and conducive working environment with colleagues and line managers.
• Performs all duties with the highest level of confidentiality in the interest of the employees and the ICRC.
• May be asked to perform tasks not covered in this job description and to provide support to other departments when necessary.

Main duties and responsibilities continued

Ethical review and processes (40%)

• Supports the CORE to conduct a review of ethical review board/committee procedures within academic institutions, humanitarian organisations and NGOs.
• Conducts a thorough literature review on ethical review procedures and ethical practice for operational research within conflict settings.
• Identifies internal and external experts with experience of ethical review processes within humanitarian research settings and conducts interviews with them around best practice.
• Advises on and provides a detailed report including recommendations to the ICRC regarding the setup and composition of potential ethical review mechanisms.

Methodological support (20%)

• Provides methodological support on formulating research questions, data sources, methodology, critical reflection and the uptake of research findings to other researchers within the ICRC as required.
• Develops the CORE’s architecture that supports and facilitates evidence-informed research.
• Participates in a research platform across ICRC departments to stimulate reflection on research practices.

Main duties and responsibilities continued

Training (20%)

• Organises two, one-week research training workshops for researchers from the humanitarian sector.
• Identifies and invites internal and external participants with relevant research expertise to the workshops.
• Develops agenda and material for training workshops.
• Organises and facilitates sessions on research methodologies, ethical guidelines and research management as required.

Funding (20%)

• Conducts a thorough review of sources of research funding available to the CORE.
• Creates a database of potential funding sources based on carefully referenced sources including application timelines, requirements and required format of applications.
• Explores and develops academic partnerships to develop and support new and ongoing research projects and future grant applications.

Education and experience required

• A Master’s degree with a strong primary research component. A PhD a strong advantage.
• A minimum of 5 years research experience.
• Strong academic networks with universities or research institutions.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct high quality research, leading to publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience in developing research protocols and submitting them to an ethics review board.
• Demonstrated experience reviewing research through belonging to an ethics review board or as an academic supervisor a strong advantage.
• Proven experience in writing successful grant and funding applications for research projects.
• Fieldwork experience in the humanitarian sector is a plus.
• Experience in quantitative and qualitative research design, data collection and data analysis.
• Prior experience managing research within complex policy/operational environments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external interlocutors.

Desired skills and profile

• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to work in a principled and pragmatic matter to ensure project work is aligned with the policies and operational realities of a large-scale humanitarian organisation.
• Team player with strong communication and intercultural skills.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Fluency in English. Spoken French an advantage.

Additional information

• Location: Geneva
• Type of contract: Long term assignment
• Length of assignment: 1 year
• Activity rate: 100%
• Estimated start date: January 2020
• Application Deadline: Tuesday, the 3rd of December 2019

To apply follow the link to the Career Site: http://bit.ly/2CUpFEj