REACH Assessment Assistant- Nairobi at ACTED

The REACH Assessment Assistant (RAA) supports the planning, implementation, and follow-up of REACH research cycles in Somalia, with a particular focus on qualitative data collection and analysis. Based in Nairobi and working in close coordination with the REACH Somalia team and external partners, the RAA will support the timely and high-quality delivery of research outputs. A key component of the role is supporting and piloting remote qualitative data collection, including phone-based interviews with Somali-speaking respondents in Somalia, and contributing to qualitative analysis and narrative reporting. Although based in Nairobi, the role will require travel to Somalia to support with in-person data collection when needed.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

COORDINATION

Support internal coordination with:

• REACH Field, GIS, Data, and Assessment colleagues; and
• relevant Acted departments (finance, logistics, etc.),

RESEARCH DESIGN

Support research design tasks, particularly for qualitative and mixed-methods components such as;

• Contributing to the development of qualitative methodologies and tools (e.g. interview and FGD guides);
• Supporting the drafting of Terms of Reference, workplans, and data analysis plans.
• Supporting operational planning for qualitative data collection, including remote or phone-based approaches.
• Contributing to the preparation of training materials or guidance for enumerators or interviewers, where relevant.

 IMPLEMENTATION

Support the implementation of assigned research cycles. This includes:

• Conducting qualitative data collection, including in-person interviews or facilitation in Somalia or remote interviews or discussions by phone with Somali-speaking respondents.
• Applying strong probing techniques to ensure depth and clarity of responses.
• Producing accurate and detailed transcriptions and translations (Somali–English), as required.
• Supporting data cleaning, organization, and qualitative coding or categorization;
• Supporting qualitative and mixed-methods analysis in close coordination with Assessment, Data, GIS, and Field colleagues.

OUTPUT PRODUCTION

Contribute to output production. This may include:

• Drafting qualitative findings and narrative analysis sections for reports, factsheets, or situation overviews.
• Supporting the preparation of cleaned qualitative datasets or coded data matrices (e.g, DSAGs);
• Contributing to presentations or briefing materials for internal and external audiences.

DATA CONFIDENTIALITY AND PROTECTION

The RAA will maintain the strictest confidentiality on all data collected and related processes, ensuring full compliance with Acted data protection policy and SOPs. He/she will actively take measures to prevent the unauthorized sharing of any information and data belonging to Acted and its partners or collected during his/her assignment with Acted.

Necessary skills

Analysis skills

• Qualitative analysis skills, including the ability to identify key themes, patterns, and divergences across interviews or focus group discussions.
• Ability to synthesize qualitative findings into clear, structured narrative analysis.
• Data literacy and basic proficiency in Excel for organizing and reviewing data.
• Ability to think analytically and critically, and to assess data quality, bias, and limitations.

Process skills

• Strong attention to detail, particularly for transcription, translation, and data management.
• Planning and organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Ability to operationalize research plans into concrete activities and deliverables.
• Effective written and verbal communication, particularly in English.

Human qualities

• Personal values align with Acted organizational values,
• Curiosity and openness to learning, with a willingness to test and adapt new approaches.
• Flexibility and adaptability to different work situations and access constraints.
• High level of motivation, self-commitment, and reliability.
• Ability to work autonomously with appropriate supervision.

Teamwork and professional skills

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a multicultural and cross-functional environment.
• Willingness to take initiative while respecting guidance and quality standards.
• Problem-solving mindset and ability to raise challenges proactively.

Requirements:

• Academic: Excellent academic qualifications, preferably including a bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline.
• Research and Analysis skills: Proficiency and proven experience with research and analysis; demonstrated experience with qualitative data collection methods, including conducting interviews or focus group discussions, effective probing, and producing detailed transcriptions.
• Analysis and writing skills: Ability to analyze qualitative data and draft clear, well-structured narrative outputs in English;
• Language skills: Fluency in Somali and English is required.

ACTED is committed to equality and diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunities employer. Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.