MMC Data and Research Project Manager Europe

The MMC is a leading source for independent and high-quality data, research, analysis and expertise on mixed migration. The MMC aims to increase understanding of mixed migration, to positively impact global and regional migration policies, to inform evidence-based protection responses for people on the move and to stimulate forward thinking in public and policy debates on mixed migration. The 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)

The MMC is a global network, with regional hubs in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America hosted in DRC regional offices, and a small central team in Geneva. The MMC is part of, and governed by, 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 policy makers, practitioners, journalists, and the broader humanitarian sector. The position of the MMC does not necessarily reflect the position of DRC. For more information on MMC visit our website here: www.mixedmigration.org

One of MMC’s flagship project is the (4Mi). 4Mi collects data through in-depth structured interviews, focusing on protection risks and the conditions and experiences faced by people on the move, as well as their motivation for migration. 4Mi fills information gaps around protection and vulnerabilities with a view to informing policy and humanitarian programmatic response as well as enhancing sector understanding and knowledge on migration dynamics. Aside from 4Mi data collection MMC Europe is carrying a number of other quantitative and qualitative data collection initiatives, using dedicated methodologies and tools.

About the job

In Europe, MMC has been carrying out 4Mi data collection in Italy and Greece from 2019 to 2021, and has engaged on a number of other research initiatives and projects, all available here. The MMC is now carrying out several new initiatives, focusing on:

• Vulnerabilities to trafficking in persons and return intentions of people displaced from Ukraine in Central Europe;
• Experience and access to Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) services for undocumented migrants in Western Europe;
• The impact of irregularity on access to services and employment in Italy, Greece and Spain;
• Access to housing of documented and undocumented migrants in Italy, Greece and Malta;
• Journeys toward Europe, migration-related decision making for movements within Europe and the role of public policy.

Other thematic might arise and the MMC research remains agile to respond to pressing needs for evidence-based programming and policy development.

Reporting to the Head of MMC Europe, and with a technical reporting line to the Head of Research & 4Mi, as the Data and Research Project Manager you will be responsible for the implementation of data collection and research activities within Europe. You will be managing country Project Officers and Information Management Officers. In close collaboration and under the supervision of the Head of MMC Europe you will be contributing to the design and implementation of the MMC EU strategy, partnership development in Europe, donor engagement and relationship management.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

Oversee operations and management of quantitative and qualitative data collection in Europe

• Manage country project officers and information management officers.
• Manage the recruitment, training of data collection and other research partners/enumerators; oversee their day-to-day management.
• Ensure that the team regularly provides updated, clean datasets and all data collection and research deliverables are met
• Oversee management of the data collection platform and survey software.
• Maintain duty of care for data collection partners/ enumerators and contribute to the risk analysis.
• Lead in the implementation of methodological developments and standards in the region, and their review, in coordination with the 4Mi network across MMC.
• Monitor and manage budgets; ensure timely donor reporting and maintaining donor relations.
• Contribute to the eventual expansion, strategic development, and fundraising for MMC Europe
• Coordinate with the Head of MMC Europe/Head of Research & 4Mi on changes to and development of projects.
• Manage external consultants working on specific research projects

Analysis and dissemination of knowledge

• Analyse and interpret data; draft, contribute to, and present analysis in visuals, presentations, and written reports; ensure regular, timely production of analysis.
• Work closely with colleagues across the global MMC network to innovate and develop 4Mi and other data collection methodologies and tools, to ensure reliability and relevance.
• Keep abreast of new development and ongoing debates on migration.
• Identify partners, key informants, contacts and other interlocutors critical to the success of MMC and maintain relationships with key regional stakeholders in mixed migration.
• Support DRC’s use of MMC data in programming and advocacy, in close coordination with the Head of MMC Europe.
• Develop and regularly update the research agenda by closely following up regional mixed migration trends and dynamics in the region and offer sector-leading and original insights and analysis on mixed migration.
• Coordinate and manage sector-leading research initiatives and analysis. Produce high-quality research output (report, papers) and in-depth analysis on trends in mixed migration in the region.
• Maintain and manage the regular dissemination of high-quality MMC EU products such as articles, reports, the Quarterly Mixed Migration Updates and 4Mi Snapshots.

External representation, policy engagement and partnerships

• Under the lead of the Head of MMC Europe and in close collaboration with the global team, represent MMC in regional fora (conferences, working groups, etc.) and coordinate with relevant regional partners (IOM, UNHCR, other UN agencies, NGOs, donors and embassies, etc.).
• Under the lead of the Head of MMC Europe, establish and maintain new partnerships with regional stakeholders and donors.
• Regularly present MMC research and analysis at conferences, round tables, etc.
• Participate in regional policy discussions (e.g. through policy papers, round tables, etc.).

Internal engagement and coordination

• Closely coordinate with the DRC representation in Brussels and DRC Regional Office, to create effective synergies and contribute to evidence-based programming and advocacy.
• Closely coordinate with the other 4Mi/data collection and research PM that are part of the MMC network.

About you

To be successful in this role, the selected candidate is expected to meet the following criteria:

• Advanced university degree in International Political Sciences, Social Sciences or similar;
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a relevant international position;
• Strong background in migration and having a clear understanding of the regional mixed migration dynamics in Europe;
• Proven record in quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, and production of publications based on quantitative and qualitative data;
• Excellent communication and networking skills;
• Proven experience in leading and conducting research;
• Human rights/protection knowledge and knowledge of international refugee law.
• Experience in project cycle and budget management;
• Experience in team management, and working in a multicultural environment;
• Team Player with strong coordination skills and objective oriented;
• Fluent in English and French

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies: 

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process. 

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback. 

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation. 

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly. 

Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

Find the definitions of DRC’s core competencies here.                                                   

We offer

Contract length: 12 months, national, renewable contract, depending on performance and funding.

Salary and conditions: Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment in Belgium or Switzerland (depending on final location of the position).

Duty stations: Brussels, Belgium OR Geneva, Switzerland with travels within the region. Please note that you need to have the right to work in Belgium or Switzerland (through nationality or existing work visa) in order to be considered for this role.  

Start date: as soon as possible

For questions regarding the vacancy please contact Roberto Forin, head of MMC Europe, at roberto.forin@mixedmigration.org

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English.

Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 31.01.2024

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.