Research Officer – Ethiopia Conflict Sensitivity Hub

The Rift Valley Institute (RVI), in collaboration with Mercy Corps and with funding from the Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), has set up the Ethiopia Conflict Sensitivity Hub (ESCH). The primary purpose of the Hub is to promote conflict-sensitive approaches among humanitarian, peacebuilding, and development actors working in Ethiopia. It aims to prevent conflicts that may inadvertently arise from the actions of local and international Humanitarian, Development and Peace (HDP) actors. Furthermore, the ESCH seeks to enhance the contributions of HDP actors to peacebuilding, thereby promoting sustainable peace and development by strengthening the capacity of individuals and organizations.

The Hub’s activities are centred around three key pillars: research and analysis, capacity development, and convening. The ESCH is hosted by Mercy Corps with support from a consortium of partners, including the Rift Valley Institute, which leads the research and analysis pillar.

RVI is recruiting two Research Officers (ROs) who will be responsible for conducting research activities of the Hub, including writing research updates, undertaking issue-specific research projects and conflict assessments.

Under the supervision of the Research Advisor, the Research Officers will be responsible for the design of research projects, data collection, analysis and report writing at the Hub. This involves identifying relevant conflict sensitivity research themes, issues, and processes, conducting conflict analyses. The Research Officers will also be responsible for hiring consultants, including by drafting terms of references and subsequently reviewing the various stages of research processes. Additionally, the Research Officers will assist in identifying, locating, reviewing, and summarizing relevant conflict-sensitive research outputs, preparing guidance notes to ensure HDP actors and the broader conflict sensitivity community have access to the research information.

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Key Responsibilities

Conducting research and data analysis (60%)

• Under the guidance of the RA, work with consultants and partners to develop research projects, methodologies and frameworks, facilitate data collection and analysis.  
• Conduct literature reviews to identify, locate, and summarize relevant conflict-sensitive research outputs.
• Collect, analyse, and interpret data from diverse sources, ensuring data quality and maintaining a safe repository.
• Prepare detailed reports, presentations, and publications based on research findings.
• Prepare guidance notes and other knowledge products to ensure accessibility of research findings to HDP actors and the broader conflict sensitivity community.

Managing research projects (20%)

• Contribute to the planning and timely completion of all research activities of the ESCH
• Support the Research Advisor in overseeing the work of external researchers and consultants and ensuring quality and ethical standards
• Assist in maintaining and managing an online research data base and research repository for the Hub.
• Develop research budgets, monitor and prepare financial reports.
• Contribute to the drafting donor reports

Convening of Research Dissemination and learning events (20%)

• Assist in organizing and facilitating Conflict Sensitivity learning and dissemination workshops, seminars, and webinars and administering blogs.

Others

Carry out other roles as assigned by the Research advisor.

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