Researcher Author(s) - Resilience and Adaptation Project

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization established with the mission to create a better world through innovative solutions in times of disaster and hardship. Operating in over 40 countries, Mercy Corps partners with local communities to implement bold solutions that help people overcome adversity and build stronger communities from within. The organization is dedicated to addressing the root causes of poverty and conflict, and it actively engages in various humanitarian and development programs to foster resilience and adaptation in vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The position of Researcher/Author is integral to the Resilience and Adaptation Fund Learning Facility (RAFLF), which is funded by the FCDO. The primary purpose of this role is to curate, compile, and develop evidence and learning that will support and inform current resilience and adaptation programs, as well as advocate for future investments in these areas. The researcher will be responsible for producing four focused evidence reports that address critical aspects of resilience programming, utilizing existing research and case studies. The role requires collaboration with Mercy Corps technical leads, program teams, and various stakeholders to ensure that the findings are relevant and actionable. The researcher will also facilitate participatory workshops to refine the findings and recommendations, ensuring that the evidence produced is both practical and impactful.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will be tasked with several key activities, including:

• Delivering a comprehensive report on cash and market-based responses to enhance resilience in fragile or conflict-affected settings.
• Refining research questions through focus groups and key informant interviews (KIIs) to identify critical evidence gaps.
• Collaborating with the Mercy Corps project lead and Project Manager to establish timelines and a detailed work plan for the report.
• Conducting literature reviews and desk-based research, as well as commissioning relevant case studies.
• Presenting initial drafts and findings during sense-making workshops to gather feedback and further develop recommendations.
• Finalizing the report with input from Mercy Corps technical leads and presenting findings at stakeholder engagement or advocacy events as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Ph.D. in Development Economics or a related discipline, with a minimum of 5 years of applied research experience, or a Master’s degree with over 10 years of research, evaluation, or analysis experience in international humanitarian and development programs. Additionally, candidates should have experience in conducting independent research and publishing on topics related to climate change and conflict in fragile contexts. Knowledge of innovative methods in applied research and impact evaluation, particularly in economic development and recovery, is essential. Strong leadership, management, and team-building skills are required, along with excellent analytical abilities and communication skills to convey research findings to diverse audiences.

Educational Background:
A Ph.D. in Development Economics or a related field is required, or alternatively, a Master’s degree with extensive experience in research and evaluation. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in research methodologies, particularly those applicable to humanitarian and development contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of applied research experience for candidates with a Ph.D., or over 10 years for those with a Master’s degree. Experience should include independent research, analysis, and publishing on relevant topics, particularly in fragile or conflict-affected settings. Familiarity with the challenges and dynamics of economic development and recovery in these contexts is crucial.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of the organization and the need to communicate findings effectively. Additional languages relevant to the regions of operation may be considered advantageous.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to run from 15 November 2025 to 31 March 2026, with the possibility of travel to project sites, including potentially insecure environments. The role is likely to be full-time during the consultancy period, and the consultant will report to Selena Victor, director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Senior Director of Policy & Advocacy, while collaborating closely with other senior directors and project managers. The position emphasizes a commitment to equal employment opportunities and safeguarding principles, ensuring a respectful and inclusive work environment.