IMPACT Initiatives is a humanitarian NGO based in Geneva, Switzerland, managing several initiatives including the REACH Initiative. It is recruiting a Data Specialist for its REACH team in Syria, based in Damascus. The contract is 9 months (extension dependent on funding), starting 1 December 2026.
Under the line management of the IMPACT Senior Research Manager, the Data Specialist ensures the validity, quality and efficiency of all IMPACT research cycles in Syria. They provide technical inputs at every stage of the research cycle: secondary data review, assessment conceptualization, research design, data cleaning, data analysis, production of information products (maps, factsheets) and dissemination. They also build and run a continuous capacity-building programme for data team members and may train partners.
Key responsibilities:
- Research planning and implementation: review ToRs (sampling design, methodology, analysis plan, data management plan); co-construct qualitative and quantitative data collection tools; develop data processes and scripts; oversee validation of data collection.
- Data management, cleaning and analysis: ensure data is stored per IMPACT's Data Management Guidelines, cleaned, documented and securely maintained; ensure analysis follows ToRs and is validated by HQ; protect data confidentiality; perform additional analyses on external and previous datasets.
- Team management: directly manage the data team (data officers and assistants), including recruitment, work plans and performance indicators; hold regular meetings and review staff work.
- External engagement: engage in technical fora in country and support presentation of IMPACT data products to third parties.
- Strategy: contribute to IMPACT's strategy in Syria, work with clusters, partners and working groups to identify data gaps, and support IMPACT Global Communities of Practice.
Requirements:
- Master's degree preferred in a relevant discipline (e.g. Statistics, Data Science, Data Analytics).
- At least 4 years of relevant work experience.
- Excellent research and analytical skills, including sampling methods, cleaning and analysing large datasets, and trend analysis; GIS experience desirable.
- Advanced R or Python, with clean, reusable, scalable code; GitHub experience preferred; PowerBI or R Shiny highly desirable; ArcGIS Pro/QGIS/Leaflet an advantage.
- Experience line managing and building the capacity of technical staff.
- Familiarity with the aid system and research community.
- Ability to train and mentor teams and partners.
- Strong communication and reporting skills; ability to multitask and work independently.
- Cross-cultural flexibility and ability to operate in a complex security environment.
- Fluent English; Arabic is a benefit. Past experience in Syria or the Middle East is desirable.
Benefits: monthly salary of CHF 3,420-3,480 before income tax plus a USD 300 monthly living allowance; accommodation and food in the guesthouse; Swiss pension fund, health and life insurance, repatriation assistance; flights every 6 months and visa fees covered; R&R every 3 months; 36 days annual leave; pre-departure induction in Geneva and Paris including security training.
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online via the IMPACT Initiatives Teamtailor job page. Applicants are encouraged to share a link to a GitHub or similar repository of relevant work.
https://impactinitiatives.teamtailor.com/jobs/8486470-data-specialist-for-syria-based-in-damascus-external-applicants