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 policymakers, practitioners, journalists, and the broader humanitarian sector.

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

MMC in Latin America and the Caribbean

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.

Overall purpose of the role

The overall purpose of the role is to serve as the regional lead for the Mixed Migration Centre MMC Latin America and the Caribbean (MMC LAC) team on the management and analysis of quantitative data collected by 4Mi enumerators in countries of operations, as well as other data collection initiatives led by MMC LAC (4Mi Cities, social media listening).

Under the supervision of the IM Team Leader and in close collaboration with the MMC Manager, the MMC Team Leader, and the rest of the MMC LAC team, the successful candidate will be responsible for data cleaning, management and analysis according to the SOPs. He/She will lead quantitative data management and visualisation, develop survey tools and methodologies, and draft research products based on quantitative data along with the Information Management Officer. He/She will be responsible to review and validate all quantitative research outputs. Contributing to better use of data, the post holder will also provide support on data collection and management trainings, support with enumerator network supervision, and support the team with administrative tasks, among other responsibilities. He/she will support the team in developing research designs and field planning for all new and existing projects and lead/support scoping missions across the regions. The successful candidate will also be responsible for developing the methodologies, tools and processes to implement data collection on social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, among others).

The post holder plays a key role within the team in ensuring high-quality standards for the data collected on a daily basis by the 4Mi. He/she will be a go-to person across the region and within the MMC global network for survey, data collection and data management questions. The IM Specialist will be responsible for the coordination with other MMC regions and with the global team in Geneva.

Responsibilities: (in bullet points)

Information management and data processing

• Lead on the management of 4Mi data: working with the IMO TL and 4Mi officer, ensure maintenance of the data collection platform, that data is safely stored and shared, well organized and retrievable, that data protection guidelines are met, and that quality is assured;
• Ensure collected data is migrated into datasets in appropriate formats (such as .dta or .csv or .nvp);
• Ensure the regular availability of clean datasets for the region and for global use: export data in appropriate formats, and ensure that data is regularly validated and cleaned with the IMO;
• Identify and implement changes to surveys at regional level and make suggestions to update surveys at global level as needed according to trends identified in data cleaning and validation;
• Lead IM and data processing in compliance with internal procedures;
• As regional focal point for 4Mi information management, work with the regional MMC Manager as well as colleagues across the 4Mi network to develop information management tools, and to improve information management and data processing standards for 4Mi (such as data management SOPs);

Survey design

• Revise the coding of the survey as required, and in line with MMC standards, coordinating with the 4Mi Global Coordinator as relevant;
• Develop new surveys and/or modules according to the MMC LAC research agenda, with the 4Mi team and the Research team;
• Design new data collection methodologies with the 4Mi team and the research team, according to the MMC LAC research agenda.

Data collection

• Ensure the maintenance of the electronic data collection solution;
• Support the training of 4Mi enumerators on the questionnaire and the data collection software; including travel to field locations;
• Support the 4Mi team when relevant to conduct field missions to deploy new 4Mi surveys and/or modules, observe 4Mi enumerators and provide technical feedback and support as needed, including identifying the need for retraining/additional training;
• Develop new research design modalities and methods as needed per project;
• Provide backstopping to the 4Mi team when needed to provide feedback and support to 4Mi enumerators to ensure the quality of the data.
• Lead the development of social media listening methodologies, tools and processes to implement data collection on social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, among others).

Data analysis and creation of knowledge products

• Support with and train others on the visualization of data, including GIS data, using relevant software such as QGIS, Adobe Illustrator, Excel, Affinity
• Lead the quantitative analysis data of 4Mi data using relevant software applications such as Excel, STATA, R and/or Python in support to the Research agenda;
• In liaison with the regional 4Mi team, conduct quantitative analysis to create both visual and written material (including maps) for use in presentations, on the MMC website, in 4Mi snapshots, and other products;
• Develop dashboards presenting data for internal and external use at regional level;
• Propose analytical themes based on data trends;
• Lead on the drafting of snapshots and other quantitative analytical products;
• Lead on the review and finalization of all quantitative research products.

Technical supervision (if applicable following successful recruitment of additional staff)

• Provide technical line supervision, guidance and support to the Information Management Assistant/Officer;
• Participate in recruitment and contribute to performance appraisals of Information Management Assistant/Officer.

Team support

• Develop and adapt tools for tracking data quality, survey targets, enumerator feedback, and other data points to support effective information management;
• As needed and as possible, provide trainings to team on information management skills and tools, such as the PowerBi application used for dashboards;
• Assist the team with administrative or any other tasks related to the 4Mi.

As this is a Specialist-level position, the successful candidate is expected to work with a high level of autonomy and outputs are expected to be extremely high calibre for external partners, donors, researchers and other migration stakeholders.

Experience and technical competencies: (include years of experience)

• At least three years of experience working in quantitative research;
• Demonstrated experience in data management, cleaning, validation, storage;
• Demonstrated experience with electronic data collection procedures and solutions (ODK, Kobo, Qualtrics, ONA, SurveyCTO);
• Demonstrated experience in the training and supervision of data collection teams;
• Demonstrated experience contributing to the development of survey tools and methodologies;
• Demonstrated experience in conducting quantitative analysis (using a relevant software application such as Excel, STATA, SPSS, R, Python) and drafting analysis based on quantitative data;
• Demonstrated experience in conducting social media listening initiatives (web scrapping, big data analysis and interpretation);
• Demonstrated experience in data visualization applications such as PowerBi;
• Experience in GIS theory and GIS software (including QGIS, ArcGIS, CARTODB…) is an asset;
• Demonstrated understanding of current mixed migration debates and dynamics in the region is an asset;
• Previous experience working with international NGOs is an asset;
• Enthusiastic about learning, pushing limits, and finding new solutions;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, particularly writing for external publications;
• Strong attention to details and rigor in dealing with quantitative data and analysis.

Education: (include certificates, licenses etc.)

• Advanced Degree in statistics, economics, data analysis, or any relevant computer science degree.

All functions within DRC require the incumbent to master DRC’s core competencies:

• Achieving Excellence: focusing on delivering results and ensuring efficient processes

• Collaboration: engaging relevant parties and encouraging feedback

• Taking Initiative: taking ownership and initiative while seeking innovation

• Communication: listening and speaking effectively and honestly

• Demonstrating Integrity: acting in accordance with DRC’s vision and values

We offer:

• The opportunity to be part of one of the best NGOs worldwide.

• Access to over 1,000 free online training courses and certificates.

• Prepaid health insurance, covering 100% of the policy for the employee and special rates for beneficiaries.

• National fixed-term contract for six months, with all legal benefits, renewable for six months, which could transition to an indefinite-term contract, depending on funding and performance.

• Salary position: G2 non-manager, starting at COP $ $ 5.568.000 depending on candidate’s experience and competence.

• Estimated start date: May 1st, 2024.

• Salary and conditions according to Colombian employment terms.

Application Process:

All applicants must submit a cover letter (1 page) and an updated resume (not exceeding 3 pages) in Spanish or English.

Application deadline: March 20, 2024.