Research Officer

Job Title: Research Officer

Reporting to: Project Manager

Sector: Food Security and Livelihood

Location: Based in Aden with frequent travelling to project locations in Al Mokha district (Taiz governorate) and Al Khawkhah and At Tuhayta districts (Al Hodayda governorate) of Yemen.

Contract Duration: 5 months, extendable based on funding.

Project title:

Increasing Resilience through Innovative and Sustainable Improvement of Food Security and Livelihoods for Returnees, IDPs, Migrants and Host Communities in the Western Coastal areas of Yemen

About NMO:

NMO is a registered national NGO with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor No. 284. Our mission is to take the lead to empower communities in Yemen through humanitarian response and sustainable development programs in a professional way through effective partnerships. NMO started its activity in Yemen since 2012, and has been implementing projects in 5 sectors namely FSL, Education, WASH, Shelter, and Governance and skill-building.  

Project Background: 

In partnership with DKH, NMO is planning to implement the fuel-efficient cooking and food drying solutions project in two governorates (3 coastal districts Al-Mukha, Al Khawkhah, and At Tuhayta of Hodaiedah and Taiz governorates). this Project will seek to introduce fuel-efficient cooking solutions to the target population. The innovative part here is not so much in the solution itself (solar ovens, fuel-efficient stoves, and heat retention bags), but more in the location: Can a locally adapted version be developed for Yemen that strengthens community resilience? The expectation is that the main food items which surveyed households prepare on a Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) or fire-wood operated stove can be prepared also with solar-energy (including frequently consumed basic food items such as rice and tea). Moreover, fuel-efficiency solutions such as a heat retention bag, can allow households to keep food items hot and reduce the need for re-heating or preparing meals at two different times. The introduction of such innovations and the awareness and acceptance of the targeted population is expected to lead to re-ducted expenditure of cooking fuel, as well as a reduced time-allocation of women and girls to collect firewood (and its exposure to protection risks).

Project goal:

Existing livelihood strategies are enhanced and more sustainable through the successful introduction of locally adapted innovative products and processes, increasing community resilience and food security:

The fuel-efficient cooking solutions (solar stoves and driers, fuel-efficient stoves and heat retention bags) on the Red Sea Coast of Yemen that will be aims to:

• Create additional employment and income earning opportunities for vulnerable coastal women and men through introduction of locally adaptable, innovative, and affordable products and processes, increasing community resilience and food security.
• Expanding the depth and breadth of benefits generated from the use and production of fuel-efficient cooking solutions (solar stoves, fuel-efficient stoves, and heat retention bags) that reduce the costs for fuel and time spend on collecting wood.
• Reduced risk and vulnerability of women to protection and health risks such as gender-based violence and risks from inhaling toxic smoke and burns from open fire.
• reduced energy costs while promoting more efficient energy use.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

NMO is looking for an efficient and qualified person to fill the position of Research Officer to carry out the following Tasks and Responsibilities:

1. Adhere to the policies and procedures of the Renaissance Makers Organization.
2. Participate in preparing the narrative reports for training and workshops, monthly and final reports on the project.
3. Communicate with donor's (DKH) consultants and follow up required tasks to achieve planned project outcomes.
4. Participate in the preparation of training manuals by communicating with trainers and consultants.
5. Participate in the regular monitoring of field activities, report on the results and make recommendations for improvement and development.
6. Use an appropriate and innovative methodology to search for approaches and strategies to implement similar projects.
7. Ensure the collection and analysis of basic information on the intended beneficiaries and the development of correct standards in accordance with business standards and intervention strategies.
8. Identify potential problems in the field, discuss proposed solutions with local authorities and/or report to the project officer in a timely manner and take appropriate action with the support of the project officer.
9. Improvement, learning and providing direction in respect of activities as a guide and modification of directives.
10. Participate in supervising the implementation of activities in the targeted communities and geographical areas for the benefit of the targeted beneficiaries in accordance with the standards and an integrated approach of the project strategy.
11. Assist in preparing reports in coordination with the project team.
12. Design and lead research surveys such as market research (including data analysis)
13. Propose innovative solutions to improve program design and identify new opportunities.
14. Providing advice to the project team on the project implementation methodology through reading and research studies and drawing the correct frameworks for implementation.
15. Develop proposals for the implementation of the project.
16. Providing technical advice and contributing to the implementation of training programs in the field of intervention.
17. Participate in preparing plans for field and office needs for project implementation needs.
18. Evaluation of current and preferred fuel-efficient cooking solutions (solar stoves and heat retention bags), generic and food dryers, and potential demand and supply.
19. Support the project team in the procurement of all fuel saving cooking solutions (solar stoves and heat retention bags), general dryers, food dryers and technical equipment including but not limited to review of bills of quantities, bid documents and bid analysis.
20. Participate in the assessment of technical and physical requirements for creating a small fuel-efficient cooking solution (solar stoves, fuel efficient stoves, heat retention bags), workshop, community dehydrators, food dehydrators and foundation for a group or cooperative of community-oriented men targeted in an area The Red Sea in Yemen
21. Carry out any other tasks assigned to him by the direct supervisor or the department manager. 

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

Qualifications: University degree in (Economics, Business Administration, Education, Accounting, Agriculture …etc.) or a comparable discipline.  

Experience:

• At least two years' experience working as a researcher, Reporter, managers in the field of livelihood activities or related fields.
• Familiar with fieldwork.
• Experience with training materials and guidelines.
• The ability to prepare reports in the English language. 

Skills:

• Encourage innovation & creative solutions: Identifies opportunities to be creative in their own work and to help the team be more innovative and accurate in their respective tasks and areas of work.
• Ability to read, audit, analyze and summarize guidelines and tools.
• Focus on getting results: Monitors team’s deliverables and provides feedback to ensure outcomes are delivered consistently and accurately.
• Make commitments and make good on commitments: Provides accurate guidance to team on expected responsibilities and tasks, whilst also upholding own commitment to the team.
• Strong task management skills including attention to detail to achieve timeliness and required quality.
• Knowledge of office systems, including experience with computer application (e.g. Word, Excel, E-mail).
• English: Fluent interpersonal skills in English (oral and written). Able to attend and interact in meetings with English native speakers.
• Ability to work independently, problem-solving and make decisions skills.
• Strong Community Mobilization skills.
• Honest, hardworking and committed to community development.
• Ability to effectively represent the organization and its program at field level.
• Ability to write professional reports.
• High skills in communication, persuasion, and presentation.