Senior Researcher - Western Hemisphere (Maternity Cover)

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established to respond to disasters and hardships, Mercy Corps operates in over 30 countries worldwide, partnering with communities to implement bold solutions that help people overcome adversity and build stronger communities from within. The organization is dedicated to its mission of alleviating suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities. With a diverse workforce, Mercy Corps emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and impact in its programs, ensuring that they align with their global strategy, Pathway to Prosperity (P2P).

Job Overview:
The Senior Researcher position is situated within the Evidence Use Team (EUT) at Mercy Corps, which is part of the Programs function that supports the organization's mission through program impact, innovation, and influence. This role is primarily focused on managing the Remittances for Resilience HQMA, which involves overseeing all aspects of award delivery while the incumbent Senior Researcher is on leave. The Senior Researcher will lead research efforts, ensuring that programs are delivered on time, within scope, budget, and quality standards. The position also entails providing methodological support for programmatic research and contributing to the overall strategy of the Evidence Use Team. The role requires a proactive approach to stakeholder engagement and the ability to manage complex research projects effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Researcher will have a range of responsibilities, including:

• Leading the delivery of the Remittances for Resilience HQMA, ensuring adherence to timelines, scope, budget, and quality.
• Supporting the design and implementation of research studies in Guatemala and Colombia, including baseline data collection and analysis for longitudinal studies.
• Managing relationships with donors and stakeholders, ensuring organizational credibility and effective communication.
• Overseeing financial management and reporting associated with the award.
• Coordinating with staff, external researchers, and consultants involved in the award.
• Providing methodological support for programmatic research components as capacity allows.
• Participating in team meetings and contributing to the Evidence Use Team's strategic planning.
• Engaging in additional duties as assigned, fostering a culture of curiosity and learning within the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Senior Researcher position should possess an advanced degree in fields such as international development, economics, geography, political science, environmental science, sociology, or a related discipline. They should have at least two years of relevant experience in conducting independent research, analysis, and publishing on topics related to climate adaptation, migration, and natural resource governance, particularly in fragile contexts. Familiarity with both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies is essential, along with experience in study design and working with international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) like Mercy Corps. Proficiency in Spanish is required, and candidates should demonstrate the ability to work effectively across diverse cultural settings.

Educational Background:
The ideal educational background for this position includes an advanced degree in a relevant field such as international development, economics, geography, political science, environmental science, sociology, or a related area. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of the research themes associated with the role and for effectively contributing to the organization's mission.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience in conducting independent research and analysis, particularly in areas linked to climate adaptation, migration, and natural resource governance. Candidates should have a proven track record of publishing research findings and working with both quantitative and qualitative methodologies in development or humanitarian contexts. Experience with study design, including sample selection and randomization, is preferred, as is familiarity with donor-funded projects that involve rigorous research management.

Languages:
Working proficiency in Spanish is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for engaging with stakeholders and conducting research in Spanish-speaking regions. While not mandatory, proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate and collaborate in diverse environments.

Additional Notes:
This position is a maternity cover role, and it is based in a flexible office or home-based location within the Western Hemisphere. The role requires up to 40% travel to support country programs, which may include travel to areas with limited amenities and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security concerns. The organization emphasizes ongoing learning, allowing team members to dedicate 5% of their time to personal and professional development activities. Mercy Corps is committed to equal employment opportunities and maintaining a safe and inclusive work environment, adhering to strict safeguarding and ethical standards.