Mmc Research Specialist - Lac

1. Background:

MMC is a global network engaged in data collection, research, analysis, and policy and programmatic development on mixed migration, with regional hubs in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Latin America, and a global team based across Copenhagen, Geneva and Brussels. 

MMC is a leading source for independent and high-quality data, research, analysis and expertise. MMC aims to increase understanding of mixed migration, to positively impact global and regional migration policies, to inform evidence-based mixed migration responses for people on the move and to stimulate forward thinking in public and policy debates on mixed migration. MMC’s overarching focus is on human rights and protection for all people on the move. The three overall objectives of the MMC are:

• To contribute to a better, more nuanced, and balanced understanding of mixed migration (knowledge)
• To contribute to evidence-based and better-informed migration policies and debates (policy)
• To contribute to effective evidence-based protection responses for people on the move (programming)

MMC is part of the Danish Refugee Council (DRC). While its institutional link to DRC ensures MMC’s work is grounded in operational reality, it acts as an independent source of data, research, analysis and policy development on mixed migration for policy makers, practitioners, journalists, and the broader humanitarian sector. 

For more information on MMC visit our website (http://www.mixedmigration.org/).

2. Context:

MMC’s Latin America and the Caribbean (MMC LAC) regional hub was established in 2019 and is currently based in Bogota, Colombia. MMC LAC ensures the production of evidence that fills operational information gaps and informs evidence-based responses on mixed migration in the region. It works closely with the other Danish Refugee Council teams, as well as other INGOs, UN agencies and other partners.

Since 2019, MMC LAC has been conducting 4Mi, MMC’s primary data collection project on mixed migration. 4Mi complements other data collection initiatives in Latin America as it collects original first-hand data directly among refugees and migrants, provides in-depth yet quantitative data on the range of refugees’ and migrants’ experiences, analyses data continuously, ensuring up-to-date information and enables a  degree of comparison over time, offers large-scale data allowing for advanced analysis, and contributes to the evidence base for informing programming.

In 2024/2025, MMC LAC will provide high-quality data and analysis on mixed migration in North, Central and South America to governments, NGOs and stakeholders. This will include continuous regional and route-based trend analysis across the region. In-depth and dedicated data collection will be conducted to respond to specific information gaps in the region on vulnerable populations or unaddressed dynamics. MMC will be part of various coordination platforms’ Information Management Working Group and will enhance mixed migration policies in the region by providing knowledge, data and expertise to policymakers, coordination platforms, regional bodies and states.

3. Purpose:

MMC seeks a highly motivated and experienced researcher to establish MMC as a leading voice in migration research in the Latin America and Caribbean region. This role has a regional focus: although the selected candidate will be based in Bogota (Colombia) but will be expected to travel across the LAC. Travel can represent up to 30% of the working time.

The primary objective of this role is to bolster MMC's presence in Latin America and the Caribbean by disseminating timely and high-quality research to inform policy and programming in the region. This year will prioritize leading high-level policy engagements and fostering collaboration with policymakers. The researcher will also oversee MMC's research initiatives, conducting thorough data analysis and producing multiple outputs based on both quantitative and qualitative data. These outputs will cover various themes, including children and youth along migration routes, social media monitoring, the impact of climate change and climatic events on human mobility, and the integration of migrant populations.

Reporting directly to the MMC Manager, the successful candidate will lead the coordination of the MMC research team. Responsibilities will include conducting both quantitative and qualitative data analysis, facilitating qualitative data collection, staying abreast of emerging trends and dynamics in mixed migration across the region, representing MMC in various forums with key migration stakeholders, providing support for reporting and fundraising activities, actively shaping MMC's research agenda and processes in the region, and ensuring effective dissemination of research findings, among other duties.

4. Duties and Responsibilities:

Data Collection and Analysis

• Supports the research design for new MMC research projects and works with programming partners to develop concept notes for their data and information needs.
  • Developing research methodologies and tools, including sampling strategies, semi-structured interview guides and quantitative modules,
• Conducts quantitative and qualitative data analysis for MMC:
  • Taking the lead on coding and labelling variables to be used in qualitative analysis to be used in qualitative analysis,
  • Analyzing quantitative data from MMC’s ongoing 4Mi initiative; this analysis will serve as the basis for the drafting of a variety of MMC publications (Snapshots, briefing papers, research reports etc.),
  • Supporting data collection processes as needed, including conducting semi-structured interviews and feeding into data collection processes.
  • Supporting data collection on social media and analysis,
  • Support the data collection on social media (webscrapping), analysis and interpretation of big data.
• Supports the visualization of data.
• Stays current on the latest mixed migration research and trends in Latin America and the Caribbean by regularly monitoring media and other relevant sources.
• Stays up to date on the latest research methods and techniques used in the field of migration and explore new ways to apply them to MMC research.

Producing Research Outputs

• Regularly produces internal briefing notes, Snapshots, Quarterly Mixed Migration Updates, and more extended Research Reports and Briefing Papers.
• In coordination with the MMC Manager, contributes to research formulation and collaboration processes.
• Engages humanitarian and development programming staff to identify data and research gaps MMC can fill, responds to information requests, and support sector-level information-gathering.

Research Dissemination and Engagement

• Takes the lead on disseminating research products (from online communication to launching events with partners, etc.) and actively contributes to planning and convening research dissemination events.
• In coordination with the management team, liaise with counterparts at peer INGOs and UN agencies to inform MMC research agenda and strategy through bilateral engagements and appropriate country-level and regional forums/working groups.
• Interfaces with other researchers and research organizations operating within the region to ensure non-duplication, to work collaboratively, and to participate in local capacity building.
• Contributes to MMC reporting of its research activities quarterly or as needed.
• Leads high-level policy engagement.
• Represents MMC in various forums with key migration stakeholders.

Research Coordination

• For each project, the Research specialist supports the design, planning, implementation and publication phases and ensures realistic planning in synergy with other projects and data collection capacity.
• The Research Specialist will technically supervise the MMC researchers and MMC Information Management Officers.
• Provides technical guidance to other MMC researchers and team members on the analysis and drafting of outputs.
• Leads on capacity-building of team members in the region.
• In coordination with the MMC Manager, ensures accuracy and coherence of content across regional outputs.
• Together with the MMC Manager and 4Mi Team Leader, supports the overall planning of regional research and the effective delivery of funded projects.

Fundraising

• Participates in fundraising activities and grant writing and in expanding MMC’s funding base. This includes scanning for new opportunities, drafting concept notes and proposals

5. Required qualifications:

Experience and technical competencies: (include years of experience)

• At least 5-7 years of experience working in research or academic context;
• Demonstrated experience in high-level policy engagement.
• Demonstrated experience in intersectoral collaboration with regional and national stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting quantitative data analysis with strong experience using quantitative data analysis software is essential;
• Demonstrated experience in producing single-authored, high-quality publications in the field of migration;
• Demonstrated experience in primary data collection and analysis, including with experience using qualitative analysis software would be an asset;

Education: (include certificates, licenses etc.)

• Master’s degree in development economics, migration or refugee studies, or other social sciences.
• Demonstrated literacy in quantitative data analysis.
• Demonstrated coursework and independent research in the field of migration or refugee studies is highly desirable.

Languages: (indicate fluency level)

• Full professional proficiency in English and Spanish.
• Portugues, Creole, is an asset.

Core Competencies of DRC:  

• Striving for excellence 
• Collaboration 
• Taking the lead 
• Communication 
• Demonstrating Integrity 
• Ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment
• Proactivity, with a sound commitment to teamwork and with a spirit of genuine collaboration 
• Excellent communication skills, as well as patience and politeness, are required. 
• Multi-tasking and organizational skills is a must 
• Adaptable and Flexible 
• Proven analytical and critical thinking skills 
• Exemplary sense of ethics in the workplace 
• Team-oriented & good sense of humor 

6. Application Process: 

Are you interested? Then apply for this position online: www.drc.dk/about-drc/vacancies/current-vacancies. All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English.

DRC provides equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability. DRC encourages all applicants to apply and does not practice any discrimination in any recruitment process. 

However, applicants must be aware that DRC cannot employ, under an expatriate contract, a citizen of the country in which she/ he is going to be stationed (in such case, Colombia). 

You are welcome to contact the MMC Manager, simon.tomasi@mixedmigration.org, for additional information regarding the position. 

Applications close on March 22nd, 2024.Applications submitted after this date will not be considered. 

Due to the urgency of the position, DRC has the right to recruit a candidate who matches the required profile before the above deadline.