Data Manager – Managing Exits from Armed Conflict project At United Nations University

United Nations University Centre for Policy Research in New York is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. The Centre combines research excellence with deep knowledge of the multilateral system to generate innovative solutions to current and future global public policy challenges.

About the Project: Managing Exits from Armed Conflict (MEAC)

UNU-CPR’s Managing Exits from Armed Conflict (MEAC) initiative is a multi-year collaboration to develop a unified, rigorous approach to examining how and why individuals exit armed conflict and evaluate the efficacy of interventions meant to help support their transition to civilian life. MEAC is conducting large scale survey research in Cameroon, Chad, Colombia, Iraq, Niger, and Nigeria, as well as qualitative research activities. The project seeks to inform evidence-based programme design and implementation in real time to improve programme efficacy. MEAC is generously supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Switzerland’s Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, IrishAid, the UN Development Programme (UNDP), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) – along with the United Nations Department of Peace Operations (DPO), UNICEF, and the World Bank.

Terms of Reference

UNU-CPR is looking for a Data Manager to support the MEAC projects quantitative research design and data analysis.

The consultant will report to the MEAC Project Director, Senior Project Manager, and will collaborate closely with the Data Analyst, Case Study Managers, Principle Investigators and field research teams in Nigeria, Colombia, Iraq, and the Lake Chad Basin. The work can largely be accomplished remotely.

Expected Outputs:

• Oversee the programming of surveys and respondent case management in SurveyCTO and troubleshoot problems that arise in testing and rolling out the surveys
• While data collection is ongoing, closely oversee and monitor incoming survey data and conduct ongoing quality checks of the data
• Coordinate with local research coordinators around survey logistics and data collection
• Ensure management and storage of MEAC data comply with data protection measures as required
• Oversee data scrubbing and cleaning as necessary
• Immediately after data cleaning, prepare summary reports of survey data to aid in decisions around analytical outputs
• Develop and conduct statistical analyses of the data and write up results in an accessible way for outputs for lay audiences
• Lead on data visualizations and interactive data presentations (e.g., Power BI)
• Design effective workflow processes, document lessons learned, and mainstream the steps for survey design, survey testing, data collection, and analyses (e.g., by compiling a clear codebook and keeping a code library)

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of relevant professional experience and a M.A. in computer science, data management, statistics or social science with coursework in experimental design, statistics, and/or survey research; or advanced degree in these fields in lieu of professional experience (e.g., Ph.D.).
• Proficiency in survey software (extensive previous experience with SurveyCTO is preferred), and advanced proficiency with statistical software (preferably in R, but also potentially in STATA, SPSS).
• Understanding of varied statistical methods of analysis, including multivariate regression.
• Experience with survey research, data management and data protection
• Experience working on and analyzing data from large-scale surveys in the field or M&E studies and assessments is desired.
• Substantive background in conflict prevention/resolution, peacebuilding, development, or related area is desired.
• Ability to work within a team.
• Ability to work remotely.
• Strong analytical and data visualization skills.
• Ability to generate digestible reports of large datasets.
• Ability to write and present findings clearly, concisely, and in a manner that translates complex ideas into accessible language for practitioners and policymakers.
• Ability to multi-task and define priorities in a dynamic, fast paced work environment.
• Experience and/or interest in policy-oriented research and writing a bonus
• Experience researching or working in Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Colombia and/or Iraq is a bonus.
• Excellent written and oral communication in English.

Duration of contract

The successful candidate will be retained under a Consultant Contract (CTC) for the above-mentioned project for 8 to 9 months. Consultants engaged by UNU may not provide services for more than twenty-four (24) months in a thirty-six (36) month period. Expected start date: 15 April 2022. Remote work possible.