Somalia Research Specialist

ROLE TYPE: Part-time/consultancy, 6 months with the possibility of an extension

REPORTING TO: Head of Research/Project Manager

DEPARTMENT: Research

LOCATION: (Remote)

CLOSING DATE: 1st October 2024

ABOUT ARK

ARK is a social enterprise, empowering local communities through the provision of agile and sustainable interventions to create greater stability, opportunity and hope for the future.

We believe that strong, resilient communities are the foundation of local, national, regional and international development and stability – and ultimately a safer, peaceful and more prosperous world. At ARK, we have delivered research and programmatic interventions validating this approach in over twenty countries since 2008. As a social enterprise we work in partnership with communities, our donors, and other implementers to build local capacities, generate opportunity and bring about sustainable change.

Learn more about our impact here: https://www.ark.international/impact

About the Role

ARK Group is a leading provider of research and consultancy services. The research department enables the company’s research-informed and evidence-based approach, which is validated by a track record of programmes and projects for governmental donors and international/multinational organisations across a range of thematic areas. Utilising innovative mixed-methods methodologies and working closely with local partners, communities and subject matter experts, the research department generates relevant data and insights as part of standalone research projects and/or to inform and drive conflict- and gender-sensitive programme ideation, design, implementation, and learning.

We are looking to hire a researcher specialized in Somalia’s armed actors and the security sector. The successful candidate will function as ARK Group’s subject matter expert on Somalia, conducting mixed-methods research on armed groups (state, hybrid, non-state), security provision/security sector reform and human security and enhance ARK Group’s knowledge and expertise on Somalia and in these thematic areas. The candidate will play a key role on an ongoing multi-country research project to inform relevant policy initiatives in this space. Reporting to the Project Manager (ARK Group’s Head of Research) and working closely with other members of the research team, the selected candidate will play a key role in research design, analysis, production of research outputs and presentation and socialization of findings to the donor and other stakeholders. The successful candidate will also contribute to business development activities related to ARK Group’s Somalia portfolio and build a public profile as a subject matter expert through publications and the participation in relevant fora.

What you’ll be doing

• Develop ARK Group’s knowledge and expertise on armed groups in Somalia, including state, hybrid and non-state armed groups, as well as the relevant context.
• Lead, under the supervision of the Project Manager, the design of research plans, deliverables and data collection tools.
• Review and synthesize relevant scholarly and specialist material from academic journals, policy institutes/think tanks and international organisations.
• Analyse primary and secondary data.
• Lead on the development of relevant project outputs.
• Contribute to data visualisation products such as maps, dashboards, infographics, and graphs.
• Contribute to the preparation of project-related presentations and attend meetings and calls with donors and/or other relevant stakeholders.
• Contribute to ARK Group’s Somalia-related business development activities, including bid writing, project ideation and donor engagement, in close coordination with Head of Research and business development colleagues.
• Build a profile as a subject matter expert through the development of papers and publications, as well as participation in relevant fora, conferences and events.

Requirements

Competencies

• Organisational Alignment – The ability and willingness to align one’s own behavior with the needs, priorities, and goals of the organization, and to act in ways that promote the organization’s goals or meet organizational needs. Organizational Alignment means focusing on the organization’s mission before one’s own preferences or professional priorities.
• Team Leadership – The willingness and ability to lead, guide and motivate others towards a common goal.
• Building Work Relationships – The ability to build and maintain effective, cooperative relationships both within and outside of ARK as appropriate.
• Integrity – Demonstrating the highest level of commitment to and respect for persons of concern to organization, partners and colleagues in all aspects of work and ensuring that personal professional behaviour is of the highest standard.
• Emotional Intelligence – The ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions and the emotions of others in order to build positive relationships and navigate difficult situations
• Self-management – The ability to manage one’s own emotions, thoughts, and behaviour in different situations.
• Wellbeing and Duty of Care – The ability and commitment of a leader to create and sustain a work environment that prioritizes the physical and psychological well-being of employees and fosters a culture of trust and care.
• Communication – The ability and willingness to align one’s own behaviour with the needs, priorities, and goals of the organization, and to act in ways that promote the organization’s goals or meet organizational needs.
• Planning and Organising – The ability to develop clear, efficient and logical approaches to work.
• Results Orientation – The tendency to set and meet high goals for self, and others where appropriate, focusing on delivery of targets, quality, and deadlines.

Essential skills and qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant subject (development studies, conflict studies, sociology, political science, international relations, anthropology).
• At least 10 years of experience conducting research in/or Somalia on themes such as armed actors, political violence, peacebuilding, security sector reform and human security.
• Close familiarity with the design and implementation of qualitative data collection and analysis methodologies.
• Full professional proficiency in English and Somali.
• Experience writing, editing and producing reports and other types of outputs for a variety of target audiences.
• Proficiency with MS Suite.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of a fast-moving team, willingness to contribute at different levels required to achieve success, self-motivated and ability to work independently.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to study Somalia’s myriad armed groups and associated challenges facing local communities and how relevant policy initiatives can sustainably contribute to addressing those challenges.
• Commitment to the conduct of ethical research with human subjects and knowledge of gender mainstreaming, conflict sensitivity and Do-No-Harm principles.

Desirable skills and qualifications

• Experience conducting research in the development sector.
• Familiarity with relevant software such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and data visualisation tools.

Benefits

Why join ARK?

• Impactful Work: Your expertise will directly impact the lives of those in need.
• Global Reach: Collaborate with international experts and local stakeholders.
• Innovation: Engage in pioneering solutions for sustainable change.
• Career Growth: Expand your horizons with varied projects and challenges.

Our People

Our team covers a diverse range of professional backgrounds, from diplomacy, humanitarian, development and the military, to the UN, civil society groups, multilateral organizations, journalism and the private sector.

Smart: We think deeply about things. We’re proud of our institutional knowledge and our grounding in rigorous research, which we use to make informed decisions.

Humble: Our work leaves little room for pride or arrogance. Our operating environment is constantly evolving, and we recognize out limitations. We believe in and rely on the education and experiences of others while remaining quick to read, invite feedback, and ask sensible questions.

Accountable: Each of us want ARK, its partners, and beneficiaries to succeed. This means taking initiative, assuming ownership when necessary and never giving up on our beneficiaries. We are committed and accountable, to both our donors and the communities we serve.

Collegiate: We know we are stronger together and that every contribution counts. We trust each other and always support each other.

Outspoken: We tackle diverse challenges, and we always want to find the best solution to a problem. We aren’t afraid to share our opinions, and we want to hear those of others too.

ARK Group is an equal opportunity employer. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. ARK Group does not discriminate on the basis of ability, age, gender identity or expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs or sexual orientation. We welcome all kinds of diversity. ARK Group places human dignity at the center of its development and stabilization work and is this committed to the protection from sexual exploitation and abuse of children and adults. All ARK Group employees and related personnel are expected to share this commitment and only those who also uphold these values will be recruited as part of our team. This vacancy is therefore subject to a range of due diligence checks.