Researcher - IDMC

Job description

1. Conduct research on displacement drivers and patterns in relation to sustainable social and economic development, environmental and climate change, disaster risk reduction, urban development, migration and demographic change; and on the economic impacts of displacement.
2. Develop, maintain and nurture a global partnership base of experts and institutions for core and new thematic areas, including building a network of relevant expertise in economic and social development, demographic change, environmental and climate change, urban growth and governance related to human mobility.
3. Lead on exploring new research opportunities and multi-disciplinary analysis together with relevant staff in the Data and Analysis Department.
4. In coordination with the Head of Department and Political Analyst, identify influencing opportunities in regional and global policy processes and contribute to developing relevant evidence and messaging.
5. Management of selected research projects, including identification of strategic partners, organisation of workshops and consultations, peer reviews, producing analysis and report writing.
6. Produce policy briefs and other written outputs in alignment with IDMC’s research priorities and policy agenda.
7. Identify funding opportunities for new research areas and support the development of institutional proposals.
8. Research support to the Policy & Research Department, under guidance from the Head of Department and in line with agreed priorities.
9. Drafting of thematic content for briefing notes, presentations and reports in support of the Director and Heads of Department.
10. Liaise with and provide support to Communications Team, including in the development of website content.
11. Representation of IDMC at external meetings and conferences.
12. Perform other duties in the department as appropriate.

Qualifications

Generic professional competencies:
• Master’s degree related to development economics, international development, migration and displacement, humanitarian affairs, disaster risk and climate change or related field
• Excellent communication skills and ability to represent the organisation at senior policy and technical levels
• Strong writing skills and ability to condense large amounts of data and analysis in an efficient manner
• Strong initiative and collaborative working style
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal – knowledge of another official UN language a plus

Specific skills, knowledge and experience:
• Proven ability to connect and work through disparate and complex development problems through clear analysis and conceptual framing.
• Knowledge of human mobility issues in the context of conflict, generalised violence, disasters and climate change, or development
• Experience of working with a diversity of institutions in different regional contexts, including universities, UN agencies, NGOs, national research institutes, and at different levels of seniority
• Ability and desire to develop networks and engage with new partners for country research and analysis
• Experience of analysing socio-economic and environmental conditions in different country contexts
• Experience of processing and analysing large amounts of data and qualitative information into concise and communicable briefing papers and information pieces
• Ability to question, understand and evaluate quantitative and qualitative research on internal displacement
• Proven ability to convey complex problems in accessible concepts and terms, both verbally and in writing and to adapt language and messaging for different audiences
• Proven ability to clearly communicate research findings and their global and regional policy relevance
• Ability to apply judgement in cooperation with partners, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities and tight deadlines

Education level

• College / University, Master / Phd grade

Personal qualities

Please note that for reasons related to the procedure for work permits in Switzerland, preference will be given to candidates with nationality of a EU or EFTA country.

Language

• English

Miscellaneous info

• Travel: Some travelling must be expected