Data Scientist/ Statistician at International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Research on Decision Making, Expectations, and Risk Awareness Amon Young Ethiopian Migrants on the Eastern Route – Phase 3 (community of high Emigration in Ethiopia)

In 2019, the Regional Data Hub (RDH) for the East and Horn of Africa (EHoA) launched a multistage research project aimed at better understanding the experiences, decision-making, perceptions and expectations of young Ethiopians along the Eastern Route regarding their migration projects. The project aims to investigate the nexus between decision-making, migrant expectations and realities on the ground by interviewing migrants leaving the Horn towards the Arab Peninsula. The final phase of the project will target communities of high emigration in Ethiopia, where both returning, re-migrating and potential migrants will be interviewed to get a more comprehensive picture of their motivations, perceptions and expectations, as well as a better understanding of the environment in which significant outward migration is taking place. In this sense, the analysis will focus on two main themes:

Theme 1: Family ties, remittances and well-being

To further understand migrants’ transnational activities including to what extent communication technology allows migrants to stay in touch with family and friends across borders, and how it allows migrants to maintain a sense of connection with their communities at home.

Theme 2: Safer migration/ improving risk awareness

To further understand levels of risk awareness, knowledge gaps and misleading narratives (brokers, returnees etc.), since information and awareness are key to risk mitigation.

This research will be conducted in five communities across five regions of Ethiopia, where the incidence or impact of migration phenomena is highest, through mix-method methodologies.

Tasks to be performed under this contract:

Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Regional Director, the direct supervision of the Regional Data Hub (RDH) Coordinator, and in close coordination with the RDH research team, the incumbent will support the RDH to draft the quantitative research tools as per overall research methodology guided by IOM, lead the sampling design, and conduct the data analysis as per data analysis plan of the final products – two reports and three thematic briefing papers.

The consultant will also support IOM to monitor the distribution of the sample through GPS coordinates of the interviews conducted either during the administration or after it, as well as to carry out thorough quality checks on interview metadata.

Objective:

Support the RDH to draft the quantitative research tools and sampling design, conduct quality check, and lead the data analysis as per data analysis plan.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Draft the quantitative assessment tools;
2. Determine the sampling design for data collection in five communities of high emigration, around 2,500 surveys;
3. Conduct quality control throughout the different phases of the data collection processes;
4. Lead the data analysis as per plan – layout of the final products (two reports and three thematic briefing papers);
5. Liaise with IOM in case of questions and clarifications on data analysis;
6. Edit texts, charts and other graphic elements in line with IOM guidelines;

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

1. Advanced Degree in statistics, demography, health and population studies with a strong quantitative information/data management and data analysis component with four years of relevant professional experience
2. Strong understanding of migration issues;
3. Excellent knowledge of statistics, survey and assessment methodologies; experience in combined qualitative and quantitative research methods;
4. Proficient in the use of a statistical software (such as STATA, SPSS or R) and Excel;
5. Professional experience with a UN agency, or an international organization, is an advantage;
6. Excellent research, writing, communication and analytical skills;
7. Excellent communication skills and drafting abilities in English (oral and written); ability to prepare clear and concise reports, with a strong attention to detail and quality;
8. Personal commitment, efficiency, and flexibility;
9. Strong organizational and time management skills, and ability to deliver under tight timelines;