BACKGROUND ON IMPACT AND REACH
REACH was born in 2010 as a joint initiative of two International NGOs and the United Nations Operational Satellite Applications Programme. REACH’s purpose is to promote and facilitate the development of information products that enhance the humanitarian community’s decision making and planning capacity for emergency, reconstruction and development contexts. REACH facilitates information management for aid actors through three complementary services: (a) need and situation assessments facilitated by REACH teams; (b) situation analysis using satellite imagery; (c) provision of related database and (web)-mapping facilities and expertise.
IMPACT Initiatives is a humanitarian NGO, based in Geneva, Switzerland. The organisation manages several initiatives, including the REACH Initiative. The IMPACT team comprises specialists in data collection, management and analysis and GIS. IMPACT was launched at the initiative of ACTED, an international NGO whose headquarter is based in Paris and is present in thirty countries. The two organizations have a strong complementarity formalized in a global partnership, enabling IMPACT to benefit from ACTED’s operational support on its fields of intervention.
We are currently looking for a REACH Cash and Markets Assessment Officer to support our REACH team in South Sudan.
Department: REACH**
Position: Cash and Markets Assessment Officer**
Contract duration: 6 months
Location: Juba, South Sudan
Starting Date: ASAP
COUNTRY PROFILE
IMPACT, through REACH, has been implementing programming in South Sudan since 2012. Responding to the Sudan Border Crisis, REACH initially engaged through coordinated information management support – in the form of refugee camp mapping and service provision analyses, thematic assessments, and multi-sectoral needs assessments – in Maban County, Upper Nile State and Pariang County, Unity State. IMPACT was engaged by DFID to provide a series of impact evaluations of their BRACE programming across Greater Bahr el Ghazal and Upper Nile States in 2013; a programme with run for two years, included 5 total assessments, and reached a total of more than 20,000 households. Immediately following the conflict of December 2013, REACH expanded its programming to include the IDP response, participating in Initial Rapid Needs.
Assessments of conflict affected areas, providing mapping and monthly service provision analyses for major IDP sites around the country, and running large-scale IDP return intentions assessments.
2018 saw the expansions of both IMPACT and REACH programming to 10 of 10 states, spanning the refugee, IDP and development responses, and covering diverse activities such as cross-border port monitoring, assessments of hard to reach areas, flood mapping and vulnerability analysis, market monitoring and supply chain analysis, analysis of tensions and conflicts over access to natural resources, and third party monitoring of humanitarian and development programming. In 2019, REACH expanded its role within the technical space, increasing involvement in Integrated Phase Classification (IPC), Needs Analysis Working Group, UN technical agencies, and academics. In response, REACH has also expanded into multiple new research cycle streams beyond humanitarian needs monitoring, including sector specific, population movement, and AAP research.
Broadly, REACH South Sudan implements assessments across three core units:
Monitoring of the humanitarian situation in South Sudan, through monthly assessments covering over 2,000 settlements in South Sudan, conducting an annual representative Multi Sector Needs Assessment to provide a snapshot of needs, and ad hoc rapid assessments in times of sudden escalations in conflict or natural disasters.
Monitoring population movement trends in South Sudan, including tracking and analyzing large-scale displacement, returns and seasonal movements, through port and road monitoring, ad-hoc assessments, and a population movement baseline; assessing the perceptions of affected populations of the humanitarian response; engaging with the protection cluster in identifying and filling major information gaps; and mainstreaming a context sensitive approach within REACH South Sudan.
Providing direct technical support to humanitarian clusters through active engagement with coordination bodies, dedicated assessments and information products, and strategic engagement to promote innovative methods towards understanding sector-related needs in South Sudan.
FUNCTIONS
Under the supervision of, and in close coordination with the Deputy Research Manager of the Sectors (FSL, Cash & Markets, Climate) Unit, Research Manager, IMPACT Country Coordinator and IMPACT HQ in Geneva, the REACH Cash & Markets Assessment Officer is responsible for the management, implementation and follow-up REACH of South Sudan’s cash & market portfolios. S/he is the technical focal point for the responsible for the South Sudan Joint Market Monitoring Initiative (JMMI) and supporting its implementation and expansion. S7he liaises with relevant stakeholders, including the CWG and other key stakeholders. S/he is also responsible for related logistics, partner coordination reporting and finance requirements. S/he provides input to the strategic development of REACH in country and region.
Summary
The REACH Cash & Markets Assessment Officer (C&M AO) shall be responsible for:
- Designing and implementing an overall cash and markets assessment strategy for the REACH South Sudan mission, developing corresponding analytical frameworks and methodologies;
- Supporting the South Sudan Joint Market Monitoring Initiative (JMMI) on behalf of the Cash Working Group (CWG); overseeing coordination, data collection and output production; further developing methodology, tools and products;
- Leading the JMMI Technical Working Group (JMMI-TWG) and organizing meetings as needed, thereby ensuring full buy-in from CWG partners;
- Compiling and analysing available REACH data related to cash and markets to produce market reports on South Sudan;
- Leading on in-depth market assessments including research design, coordinating logistical aspects, overseeing data collection and analysis as well as writing assessment reports and factsheets;
- Providing information management support to REACH South Sudan and its partners through in-depth data analysis, technical training development, macro development, when possible;
- Actively advocating for the establishment of a community of practice around common methodologies, tools and analysis;
- Actively participating in regular coordination/cluster meetings (particularly Cash Working Group; FLS and other working groups as needed) meetings; providing regular market updates;
- Building capacity of project staff, particularly in terms of data cleaning, output production as well as external engagement;
- Providing technical backstop for other REACH Assessment officers on topics related to cash & markets;
- Working to ensure the harmonisation of cash & markets-related indicators among critical, nation-wide assessments (REACH AoK, FSNMS, SMART, IOM VAS, IACWG IRNA etc);
- Supporting the development / revision of assessment / programme strategies, reports or new proposals;
- In coordination with the Country Coordinator, external representation of REACH with donors, partners and the wider Aid Community through clusters and sectoral working groups;
- Coordinating timely and accurate reporting to IMPACT headquarters;
- Liaising with staff of ACTED departments to ensure close coordination is maintained
RESPONSIBILITIES
ASSESSMENT MANAGEMENT AND COORDINATION**
Objective 1.1: Technical focal point for the Joint Market Monitoring Initiative (JMMI)
The JMMI is a regular market data collection exercise in collaboration with 23+ members from the CWG. Critical market indicators are assessed on a monthly basis across 35+ locations across South Sudan. The JMMI was initiated by the CWG, WFP & REACH in August 2019. It is guided by the JMMI Technical Working Group (JMMI-TWG), led by REACH and supported by the CWG members. The C&M AO leads the JMMI-TWG and is responsible for supporting the initiative. S/he is responsible for continued development of tools and methodology, in close collaboration with the JMMI-TWG and other technical partners. S/he supports project staff and oversees coverage/partner/field team coordination, data collection, data cleaning and output production (and develop staff capacity in those areas as needed). S/he codes analysis scripts (in R) and adjusts existing ones as needed. S/he builds on existing data cleaning, analysis and output production SOPs and ensure all processes are fully documented. S/he supports adjustments to JMMI outputs (factsheets, datasets and online dashboard) as needed. S/he actively expands the initiative, aims to include additional partners (e.g. international organizations, NGOs, national partners) and works with various clusters (e.g. FSL, shelter/NFI, WaSH, CCCM) and other market monitoring systems (e.g. WFP-VAM, FAO- Climis & FEWSNET) to increase coverage, reach and impact of the initiative.
Objective 1.2: Conduct Qualitative Market Assessments (RaMA) and Assessments of Financial Service Providers (FSP)
The C&M AO is responsible for the planning and implementation of qualitative, regional market assessments and assessments of FSPs or any needs based thematic assessments as identified by the CWG. S/he is responsible for research design and tool development, identifying assessment areas (based on CWG partner interests, JMMI findings and relevance for overall South Sudanese market system), managing assessment budgets, coordinating logistics with partner organisations, overseeing and actively participating in the data collection processes, as well as analysing and reporting on findings.
Objective 2.1: Regular analysis of available market data, as well as synthesis, dissemination and presentation of key findings
The C&M AO gathers market assessments from partners and collects other relevant studies. S/he is responsible for the regular analysis of all available market data (including JMMI, AoK, FSNMS, Climis, FEWSNET as well as other market assessments and reports), piecing information streams together and regularly synthesising and presenting key findings both internally and externally. S/he conducts longitudinal studies of JMMI data reports on findings. S/he collects regular updates from field staff on market developments and develops a system to efficiently gather qualitative market information across South Sudan, with the aim of better contextualizing JMMI findings (why something is happening as opposed to what is happening). S/he is responsible for aggregating monthly Area of Knowledge (AoK) market data into South Sudan wide market access profiles. S/he follows macro developments and collects available indicators, and discusses findings and opportunities with economic advisors from partner agencies (e.g. DFID and World Bank).
Objective 3.1: Provide technical support to REACH South Sudan on tool design, implementation and analysis of market indicators
The C&M AO works closely with the Research Manager and Deputy Research Manager to act as the REACH South Sudan-internal focal point for all assessments related to cash & markets. S/he reviews the design and reporting of ad hoc market assessments and market sections from multi-sectoral assessment (e.g. MSNA, ABA, AoK). S/he provides technical backstop for other REACH Assessment officers regarding correct cash & markets terminology and analysis. S/he provides technical input and advises on the conceptualization of the markets section of INT (Integrated Needs Tracking) and SMI (Shocks Monitoring Index) systems. S/he provides technical capacity building to other AOs (e.g. R, ODK, Excel).
Objective 4.1: Continue and advance active engagement with Cash Working Group (CWG)
The C&M AO actively participates in regular CWG meetings. S/he provides regular market updates and advocates for the importance of a better understanding of market dynamics for cash programming (and cash feasibility considerations). S/he continues to actively engage with the CWG and builds on REACH’s critical advisory role, and explores options on how REACH may expand its role within the CWG. S/he continues to act as a CWG focal point for market-related topics and discussions. In close collaboration with the CWG coordinator and CWG partners, s/he identifies information gaps as well as opportunities on how to fill them.
Objective 4.2: Provide technical support to CWG and CWG partners on tool design, implementation and analysis
The C&M AO continues to provide technical support to the CWG. S/he is actively participating and engaging in technical sub-groups (e.g. JMMI-TWG, MEB, PDM, labor rates). S/he works closely with the CWG coordinator and CWG partners to continue to streamline the market modules used in data collection, including but not limited to ad-hoc rapid assessments, PDMs, IRNAs, FSNMS and CWG market assessment SOP. S/he will
provide support to agencies on analysing available market data. S/he provides location-specific JMMI analysis as required by JMMI participating agencies. S/he may design and facilitate partner trainings and workshops, which will be used to build the capacity of cash partners in terms of data collection and methodology.
REACH REPORTING
The C&M AO is responsible for consolidating all analyses and conclusions from each assessment into IMPACT products such as factsheets, reports and briefs using standard formats. S/he is responsible for following the designated timeline of reports to be submitted to project partners and donors. S/he must ensure the writing of timely and accurate assessment reports and factsheets, ensuring the quality and accuracy of technical information provided as well as the confidentiality and protection of collected information. S/he will ensure that assessment reports contribute to aid coordination and planning and add to the general base of field knowledge in the country for all organisations working in the areas.
S/he will also manage the drafting of narrative reports and contribute to the development of financial reports through regular budgetary follow-up.
The C&M AO will also store, organize and disseminate assessments, project documents and best practices among partners and potential partners. S/he will coordinate timely and accurate reporting to IMPACT.
HR MANAGEMENT
The C&M AO is responsible for day-to-day management of project and field staff both directly and remotely. He/she is expected to guide and direct IMPACT staff and prepare and follow up workplans with each staff member that directly reports to him/her. The C&M AO will be required to take the lead in the recruitment of IMPACT assessment staff in coordination with the ACTED HR Officer. This will include the preparation of ToRs, observation of recruitment procedures by planning recruitment needs in advance, and undertake interviews.
The C&M AO will ensure that all field teams are comprehensively briefed on the objective, expected outputs and that the overall implementation strategy of any given activity is clearly understood. He/she will ensure that project/field staff are given training and complete all the necessary documentation in line with program requirements set by IMPACT.
REPRESENTATION
Representation of IMPACT in cluster and multi-sector meetings/ technical working groups in country and follow up on technical issues identified in cluster meetings in other parts of the country. This specifically will include liaising with external partners to identify potential for data sets to be integrated into existing databases and mapped to support the coordination of the broader humanitarian community.
The C&M AO will further represent IMPACT vis-a-vis current and potential donors and communicate relevant information to the IMPACT Country Coordinator. He/she will participate in inter-NGO meetings and those of UN agencies and any other relevant inter-governmental institutions at the national or provincial level.
More generally, the C&M AO is expected to contribute to the creation of a positive image and overall credibility of the organisation, notably through the application of IMPACT’s mandate, ethics, values and stand-point with regard to other actors.
ACCOUNTABILITY TO COMMUNITIES AND BENEFICIARIES
The staff member is responsible for ensuring that all relations with the communities we work are conducted in a respectful and consultative manner. Due attention must be paid to ensuring that communities are adequately consulted and informed about IMPACT programme objectives, activities, beneficiary selection criteria, and methodologies. This is the responsibility of every IMPACT staff member.
REQUIREMENTS
- A good sense of humour about bugs and bucket showers required;
- Excellent academic qualifications, including a Master degree in relevant discipline (e.g. economics, statistics, international development);
- At least 2 years’ experience working in humanitarian settings required;
- At least 6 months’ experience leading cash & markets related assessment required;
- Previous coordination experience with external partners is an asset;
- Excellent analytical skills;
- Excellent communication and drafting skills for effective reporting;
- Ability to innovate and develop new ideas;
- Ability to implement humanitarian assessments, both qualitative and quantitative;
- Ability to operate in a cross-cultural environment requiring flexibility;
- Excellent team management skills;
- Familiarity with the aid system, and understanding of donor requirements;
- Prior knowledge of the region an asset;
- Fluency in English required;
- Ability to operate R is required;
- Advanced XLSForm (ODK, KoBo) skills required;
- Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel are required;
- Ability to operate Adobe InDesign and Illustrator is an asset;
- Ability to operate GIS is an asset;
- High level of autonomy and willingness to spend time in deep field locations with harsh living conditions and away from IMPACT/ ACTED support;
- Ability and willingness to actively build capacity of local staff
CONDITIONS
- Salary defined by the IMPACT salary grid; educational level, expertise, hardship, security, and performance are considered for pay bonus;
- Additional monthly living allowance;
- Free food and lodging provided at the organisation’s guesthouse or housing allowance (depending on contract length and country of assignment);
- Transportation costs covered, including additional return ticket + luggage allowance;
- Provision of medical, life, and repatriation insurance + retirement package
More Information
- Job City Juba
