Research Lead - Somali Dialogue Platform at Rift Valley Institute (RVI)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead the development and delivery of the Platform’s research and analysis work (60%)

• Lead the conceptualisation, planning and implementation of the Platform’s research and analysis activities, ensuring the research programme is informed by a high level of analytical, evaluative and innovative thinking to develop the Platform
• Work closely with the Platform representatives, staff, Somali partners and external actors to ensure the design of research activities and outputs is appropriate.
• Work closely with other Platform senior staff to set overall strategy, planning and approach, and ensure research work is seamlessly integrated with other activities
• Ensure the Platform’s research is based on robust design and methodologies, and is relevant and responsive to the needs of stakeholders in political dialogues.
• Establish and oversee rigorous systems for data collection, management and analysis
• Undertake primary research when appropriate (literature reviews, key informant interviews) and analysis of primary data
• Manage and oversee the production of research outputs and publications, with support from RVI’s publications team, as well as consultant copy-editors and graphic designers
• Support dissemination and uptake strategies for research findings and analytical insights through dissemination in various formats including presentations in donor briefings, policy advisory workshops and engagement events.
• Develop collaborative partnerships with Somali organisations from whom the Platform can commission high-quality research outputs
• Identify and manage consultants that can support the Platform’s research activities.

Programme management (40%)

• Manage the budget for the Platform’s research activities ensuring they are within budget and demonstrate value-for-money, working closely with the Platform Team Leader and Grant and operations Manager
• Line-Manage and support the Research Coordinator and research consultants, managing the changing composition of the research team, and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of staff and consultants undertaking research.
• Support and mentor junior researchers working on the Platform
•  Ensure Platform research activities are conducted adherence with RVI’s values and ethics

Person Specification

Knowledge and Qualifications

• Minimum of a Masters degree in a relevant field of study
• Excellent and detailed understanding of current and historical political dynamics in Somalia and the region
• Excellent grasp of social science research design and methodology and concepts especially qualitative methods
• Expertise and knowledge in the field of peacebuilding, democratisation, federalism, and state-building.
• Commitment to the Platform’s core vision and principles

Experience

• A minimum of five-year’s experience in leading, designing and implementing social science and political research projects in fragile environments, including conducting field research, commissioning research, managing research teams and the production of research outputs.
• Track-record in developing relationships with other research organisations and supporting partners to deliver effective research products.
• Experience in complex data management processes for large qualitative research projects
• Experience of training and mentoring researchers.
• Track record of delivering policy-relevant research to a range of high-level audiences (UN, government, institutional donors)
• Experience in programme financial management.

Skills and Abilities

• An ability to write and present highly complex issues and information
• Excellent writing and editing skills in English essential; fluency in Somali is highly desirable.
• Demonstrable ability to implement advanced and innovative research methodologies and data analysis (including mixed methods),
• Excellent political analysis skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to lead and inspire and teach others
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic and political environment and willing to iterate job role as part of a collaborative process of shaping an innovative peacebuilding programme
• Cultural sensitivity and experience of working with diverse constituencies