Research Manager for Somalia (Mogadishu)

About the role

REACH, an initiative of Acted, promotes information products that help the humanitarian community plan and respond in emergencies, reconstruction and development contexts. It is looking for a Research Manager to lead its research team in Somalia, based in Mogadishu. The post is under the line management of the Deputy Country Representative and reports to the Country Representative and HQ. It is open to external applicants, starts on 1 January 2027 and runs for 1 year with possible extension.

Key responsibilities

• Manage international and national research staff across MSNA, food security and nutrition, cash and markets and ad-hoc assessments, including recruitment, appraisals, capacity building and day-to-day team leadership.
• Plan research cycles in line with the country strategy, review Terms of Reference before data collection, monitor progress and delays, and coordinate with the Field Manager and operations teams.
• Oversee the annual MSNA, food security and nutrition assessments, support to the Somali Cash Consortium, market monitoring and rapid ad-hoc assessments.
• Ensure research products are drafted accurately, reviewed by HQ before release, uploaded to data portals and disseminated to donors, clusters and coordination bodies.
• Identify information gaps, develop advocacy and dissemination strategies, and represent REACH at the ICCG and in cluster and IPC/Cash Working Group meetings.
• Support the Country Representative and Deputy Country Representative in M&E, external engagement, and fundraising and grants management when requested.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of data and ensure respectful consultation with affected communities.

Required profile

• Master's degree in a relevant discipline (international relations, development, humanitarian response, data science, political science, statistics, social research or similar).
• At least 3-5 years of experience in a humanitarian setting (assessments, M&E, research design and analysis).
• Previous management role in an INGO at field level, with a track record managing international and national teams.
• Fluent English; Somali is an asset. Openness to working in a high-risk security zone and willingness to look after own well-being.
• Past experience in the Horn of Africa or other hard-to-reach emergency contexts is desirable.

Required skills

• Strong quantitative and qualitative research experience, including sampling, methodology design and analysis, with technical oversight of research products.
• Knowledge of the humanitarian programme cycle (HNRP/JIAF) and coordination forums (ICCG, clusters); IPC and MSNA experience highly desirable.
• Microsoft Office Suite; R, SPSS and/or STATA is an advantage.
• Excellent communication and reporting skills, including high-level presentations and briefings.

What we offer

• Salary of 3'660 to 3'720 CHF per month (before income tax) plus a 300 USD living allowance.
• Accommodation and food in a guesthouse, Swiss private pension fund, health, life and repatriation insurance.
• Flight tickets every 6 months, visa fees covered, and R&R after 2-3 months.
• Annual leave of 36 days, public holidays, family leave, and pre-departure training in Geneva and Paris.