Background

The MMC is a global research centre consisting of five regional hubs (Asia, East Africa and Southern Africa, Europe, West and North Africa, Latin America and Caribbean) and a central unit in Geneva. The MMC is a leading source for independent and high-quality data, research, analysis, and expertise on mixed migration. The MMC aims to increase understanding of mixed migration, to positively impact global and regional migration policies, to inform evidence-based programming responses for people on the move and to stimulate forward thinking in public and policy debates on mixed migration. The MMC’s overarching focus is on human rights and protection for all people on the move. The three overall objectives of the MMC are:

• To contribute to a better, more nuanced, and balanced understanding of mixed migration (knowledge)

• To contribute to evidence-based and better-informed migration policies and debates (policy)

• To contribute to effective evidence-based protection responses for people on the move (programming)

The MMC is part of the Danish Refugee Council (DRC). MMC regional hubs are hosted within DRC offices and are part of the global MMC network. While its institutional link to DRC ensures MMC’s work is grounded in operational reality, it acts as an independent source of data, research, analysis and policy development on mixed migration for policy makers, practitioners, journalists, and the broader humanitarian sector. The position of the MMC does not necessarily reflect the position of DRC. For more information on MMC visit our website (http://www.mixedmigration.org). 

Mixed Migration  

Mixed migration refers to cross-border movements of people, including refugees fleeing persecution and conflict, victims of trafficking, and people seeking better lives and opportunities. Motivated to move by a multiplicity of factors, people engaged in such movements have different legal statuses as well as a variety of vulnerabilities. Although entitled to protection under international human rights law, they are exposed to multiple rights violations along their journey. Those in mixed migration flows travel along similar routes, using similar means of travel - often travelling irregularly and wholly or partially assisted by migrant smugglers. 

The West and North Africa Region

MMC West and North Africa (WANA) form one region under the direct supervision of the MMC Regional Manager for the WANA region based in Dakar, Senegal. MMC WANA is currently directly collecting data in several countries in North and West Africa through its flagship 4Mi methodology. The MMC is a key research reference engaging with policy makers, (I)NGOs, CSOs at both country-level and through regional mechanisms.

Key research themes include children and youth in mobility, smuggling of migrants (SoM), urban migration, use of social media, Returns-Reintegration-Remigration, and climate change and migration. Other thematics might arise, and MMC research remains agile to respond to pressing needs for evidence-based programming and policy development. 

The MMC WANA regional team is positioned primarily in Dakar, with some team members based in other locations across the region. The MMC regional manager sits in Dakar, along with the Data & Research Project Manager, the Information Management Specialist, the Regional Research Officer, and the MMC Finance Specialist. MMC Project Coordinators are hosted by DRC country operations where the 4Mi project is operational, while the Regional Research Coordinator works remotely. The Project Officer will be based in Dakar.

Overall Purpose of the Role

The overall purpose of the role is to support the implementation of MMC research projects in West and North Africa, working especially closely with the Data & Research Project Manager as well as the Project Coordinators and Finance Specialist. The Project Officer’s main areas of responsibility consist of direct support to the implementation of data collection and field research activities with the 4Mi field teams; grants management, including project reporting; knowledge management for MMC WANA; and support to the production and dissemination of research. Emphasis will be placed on support for field operations and coordination, knowledge management, and strengthening internal systems and communication mechanisms within the team.

Responsibilities: (in bullet points)

Field Research Operations and Coordination

• Contribute to and draft field and research protocols under the close supervision of the Data & Research Project Manager.
• Support training activities including through the drafting of training materials, organization of training sessions, and providing support to national Coordinators on logistical implementation of activities.
• Support the implementation of data collection activities including supporting the Project Coordinators in ensuring the smooth and timely recruitment, contracting, and payment of 4Mi enumerators.
• Enhance and support data quality tracking through the creation and maintenance of common tools across the WANA team to support coordination and data monitoring.
• Support the Data & Research Project Manager and Coordinators in meeting operational needs and addressing operational challenges in countries, including but not limited to authorizations for activities, reporting on activities to institutions as per mandatory processes, and adjusting operational modalities.
• Where relevant and necessary, accompany field research and training activities in person (some travel may be required).

Project and Grant Administration

• Coordinate with relevant DRC colleagues on finance, administrative, and procurement procedures as needed for the smooth and timely implementation of project activities.
• In close coordination with the Finance Specialist and Project Manager, support budget management for timely project implementation and proactively address any delays or challenges, such as reconciling project budgets and budget follow-ups, informing Finance Specialist of any rebooking needs, etc.
• Review key documents and support negotiations of contractual terms with donors.
• Support the Finance Specialist on procurement processes and payment to third parties.
• Support kick-off meetings and internal information sharing such as project factsheets.
• Track contractual deadlines and coordinate timely and compliant submission of project and donor reports, contributing to and/or drafting narrative reporting.
• Create grant cards, open and close grants in Dynamics.
• Support for contract management with partners and consultants.
• Serve as backstop to the Finance Specialist in attending the MMC Shared Resources meeting and updating the global shared resources tracker.
• Coordinate with MMC Global, HQ/HQ Hub and country office teams to support the above.

Research

• Conduct 4Mi data analysis and research-related tasks in coordination with the Data & Research Project Manager, Research Coordinator, and Information Management Specialist.
• Support MMC colleagues in monitoring migration-related trends and news across the region as needed.
• Support research dissemination as needed.

Knowledge Management and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL)

• Serve as the primary focal point for the maintenance and organization of the MMC WANA SharePoint.
• Maintain MMC WANA tracking tools, including on data ownership, grants and project deadlines, process documentation, etc.
• Lead on archiving of all relevant project and grants documents on the MMC WANA SharePoint.
• Conduct MEL activities including contributing to after-action reviews, surveys, and key informant interviews.
• Proactively track and suggest where MEL activities are needed (for example, if a certain project has light MEL data).
• Coordinate with other MMC regions, DRC staff, and external partners and stakeholders to collect MEL-relevant data.
• In coordination with the Head of Region and Data & Research Project Manager, fill out and maintain the MMC WANA MEL framework and any related donor-required MEL tools.
• Produce and share/archive meeting notes as needed.

Team Support

• Other tasks to support the MMC WANA team’s research activities as needed, under the supervision of the Data & Research Project Manager.

Experience and technical competencies

Essential:

• At least 2 years of professional experience in a comparable position with an NGO, international organization or research organization; 
• Previous experience with the Mixed Migration Centre;
• Previous work experience in West Africa;
• Demonstrated experience in research project support or project management; 
• Demonstrated experience with grants administration and project report writing; 
• Excellent capacities for reporting and maintaining strong donor relations; 
• Sound understanding of institutional fundraising and donors’ expectations; 
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and influencing skills in cross-cultural settings; 
• Full professional fluency in French and English; 
• Excellent computer skills (MS Office, Internet) and intermediate proficiency in Excel are required; 
• Solid drafting skills in both English and French and experience in data analysis.

Desirable:  

• Previous experience with the Microsoft Dynamics interface and related procurement processes.

Application Process

Are you interested? Then apply for this position on DRC’s internal platform: https://drcngo.sharepoint.com/sites/insite-humanresources/SitePages/Internal-Vacancies.aspx. All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both can be in English or in French. 

DRC provides equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability. DRC encourages all applicants to apply and does not practice any discrimination in any recruitment process. 

However, applicants must be aware that DRC cannot employ, under an expatriate contract, a citizen of the country in which she/ he is going to be stationed (in such case, the Republic of Senegal). 

You are welcome to contact the Data & Research Project Manager for West and North Africa, Sarah Doyel sarah.doyel@mixedmigration.org, for additional information regarding the position. 

Applications close on 26 January 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered. 

Due to the urgency of the position, DRC has the right to recruit a candidate who matches the required profile before the above deadline.        

DRC as an employer
By working in DRC, you will be joining a global workforce of around 8000 employees in 40 countries. We pride ourselves on our:

• Professionalism, impact & expertise
• Humanitarian approach & the work we do
• Purpose, meaningfulness & own contribution
• Culture, values & strong leadership
• Fair compensation & continuous development

DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process.

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit https://drc.ngo/about-us/work-with-us/.

Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other factor. At DRC we celebrate diversity and appreciate our employees for the people they are and their unique skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. We encourage all interested candidates to apply!