ROLE TYPE: Full-time 24 months, with the possibility of extension

REPORTING TO: Deputy Head of Research/Project Manager

DEPARTMENT: Research

LOCATION: Beirut, Lebanon

CLOSING DATE: 11th November 2024

About Ark

ARK is a social enterprise, empowering local communities through the provision of agile and sustainable interventions to create greater stability, opportunity and hope for the future.

We believe that strong, resilient communities are the foundation of local, national, regional and international development and stability - and ultimately a safer, peaceful and more prosperous world. At ARK, we have delivered research and programmatic interventions validating this approach in over twenty countries since 2008. As a social enterprise we work in partnership with communities, our donors, and other implementers to build local capacities, generate opportunity and bring about sustainable change.

Learn more about our impact here: https://www.ark.international/impact

About The Role

ARK Group is a leading provider of research and consultancy services. The research department enables the company's research-informed and evidence-based approach, which is validated by a track record of programmes and projects for governmental donors and international/multinational organisations across a range of thematic areas. Utilising innovative mixed-methods methodologies and working closely with local partners, communities and subject matter experts, the research department generates relevant data and insights as part of standalone research projects and/or to inform and drive conflict- and gender-sensitive programme ideation, design, implementation, and learning.

The Senior Research Officer will play a leading role in the development and operational management of a new Conflict Sensitivity Monitoring Facility (CSMF) at ARK Group. This role involves overseeing and implementing regular primary research to inform ARK's evidence-based approach to conflict sensitivity in international security assistance efforts in Lebanon. Reporting to the Project Manager and working closely with other members of the research team, the selected candidate will play a key role in research design, analysis, production of research outputs and presentation and socialization of findings to donors and other stakeholders. This role will require a proactive individual with experience in conflict analysis, mixed-methods research, and familiarity with the socio-political dynamics of Lebanon and the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).

What You'll Be Doing

Research Design, Analysis and Reporting

• Develop and manage mixed-methods research projects aimed at promoting conflict sensitivity within international security assistance in Lebanon
• Design data collection tools (surveys, interview guides, etc.) in line with project objectives
• Coordinate with local partners and field teams to execute research plans, ensuring high-quality data collection and adherence to ethical research standards
• Assist in the analysis of qualitative and quantitative data, using appropriate methodologies to generate insights
• Prepare high-quality reports and presentations that effectively communicate findings to both technical and non-technical audiences, including governmental and international stakeholders
• Ensure all research activities comply with ARK Group's ethical guidelines, with particular attention to conflict sensitivity and gender inclusion
• Implement quality assurance processes for data collection, analysis, and reporting
• Work with programme teams to ensure that research insights inform the design, implementation, and evaluation of conflict- and gender-sensitive programming
  
  
  

Project Management and Administration

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the CSMF, including planning and reporting
• Monitor project milestones, track deliverables, and ensure adherence to project timelines and quality standards
• Coordinate with ARK's internal teams and external partners to maintain alignment on project goals and objectives
• Provide regular updates to senior management and stakeholders on project progress, challenges, and successes
• Facilitate stakeholder workshops and meetings to discuss research findings and gather input on conflict sensitivity risks and solutions
  
  
  

Requirements

Essential

• Masters degree in relevant subject (development studies, conflict studies, sociology, political science, international relations, anthropology)
• At least 4 years of experience conducting research on themes such as armed actors, political violence, peacebuilding, security sector reform or human security;
• Close familiarity with design and implementation of quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methodologies;
• Full professional proficiency in English and Arabic;
• Experience writing, editing and producing reports and other types of outputs for a variety of target audiences;
• Proficiency with MS Suite;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of a fast-moving team, willingness to contribute at different levels required to achieve success, self-motivated and ability to work independently;
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines;
• Commitment to the conduct of ethical research with human subjects and knowledge of gender mainstreaming, conflict sensitivity and Do-No-Harm principles.
  
  
  

Desirable:

• Experience conducting research in Lebanon and/or the security sector.
• Familiarity with relevant software such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), data visualisation tools, R, SPSS, Stata, Nvivo, or similar tools commonly used in the analysis of primary data.
  
  
  

Competencies

• Organisational Alignment - The ability and willingness to align one's own behavior with the needs, priorities, and goals of the organization, and to act in ways that promote the organization's goals or meet organizational needs. Organizational Alignment means focusing on the organization's mission before one's own preferences or professional priorities
• Team Leadership - The ability to lead and manage a team. Leadership involves communicating a compelling vision and embodying the values of the organization
• Building Work Relationships - The ability to develop contacts and relationships, internal and external to the organization, to facilitate work efforts or to gain support/cooperation. It implies building long-term or on-going relationships with clients or stakeholders (e.g., someone internal or external to the organization, on whom your work has an impact)
• Integrity - Demonstrating the highest level of commitment to and respect for persons of concern to organization, partners and colleagues in all aspects of work and ensuring that personal professional behaviour is of the highest standard
• Emotional Intelligence - The ability to understand and manage one's own emotions and the emotions of others in order to build positive relationships and navigate difficult situations
• Self-management - The ability to manage one's own emotions, thoughts, and behavior in different situations
• Wellbeing and Duty of Care - The ability and commitment of a leader to create and sustain a work environment that prioritizes the physical and psychological well-being of employees and fosters a culture of trust and care
• Communication - Good listening, writing, and speaking skills, setting out logical arguments clearly and adapting language and form of communication to meet the needs of different people/audiences
• Planning and Organising - The ability to develop clear, efficient and logical approaches to work
• Results Orientation - The tendency to set and meet high goals for self, and others where appropriate, focusing on delivery of targets, quality, and deadlines
  
  
  

Benefits

Why join ARK?

• Impactful Work: Your expertise will directly impact the lives of those in need.
• Global Reach: Collaborate with international experts and local stakeholders.
• Innovation: Engage in pioneering solutions for sustainable change.
• Career Growth: Expand your horizons with varied projects and challenges.
  
  
  

Our People

Our team covers a diverse range of professional backgrounds, from diplomacy, humanitarian, development and the military, to the UN, civil society groups, multilateral organizations, journalism and the private sector.

Smart: We think deeply about things. We're proud of our institutional knowledge and our grounding in rigorous research, which we use to make informed decisions.

Humble: Our work leaves little room for pride or arrogance. Our operating environment is constantly evolving, and we recognize out limitations. We believe in and rely on the education and experiences of others while remaining quick to read, invite feedback, and ask sensible questions.

Accountable: Each of us want ARK, its partners, and beneficiaries to succeed. This means taking initiative, assuming ownership when necessary and never giving up on our beneficiaries. We are committed and accountable, to both our donors and the communities we serve.

Collegiate: We know we are stronger together and that every contribution counts. We trust each other and always support each other.

Outspoken: We tackle diverse challenges, and we always want to find the best solution to a problem. We aren't afraid to share our opinions, and we want to hear those of others too.

ARK Group is an equal opportunity employer. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. ARK Group does not discriminate on the basis of ability, age, gender identity or expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs or sexual orientation. We welcome all kinds of diversity. ARK Group places human dignity at the center of its development and stabilization work and is this committed to the protection from sexual exploitation and abuse of children and adults. All ARK Group employees and related personnel are expected to share this commitment and only those who also uphold these values will be recruited as part of our team. This vacancy is therefore subject to a range of due diligence checks.