Oxfam America

Researcher, Humanitarian and Climate Change

Department: Policy

LOCATION:

Washington, D.C.

REPORTS TO:  

Head of Research

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

COORDINATES WITH:

Head of Research, Research Unit, OA Director of Humanitarian Policy, OA
Humanitarian Policy Team, OA Climate Change Team, Policy Department, Humanitarian Response Department, Regional Offices, Humanitarian Press Officer, Publications and Editorial Unit, OI Humanitarian Advocacy and Campaigns Team, OI Humanitarian Research Coordinator, OI Climate Change Research Lead

PURPOSE OF POSITION: 

The Researcher will divide her/his time between working with Oxfam’s advocacy and campaigning on humanitarian issues and climate change issues—serving to bridge the two.  The Researcher will contribute to Oxfam’s Humanitarian Advocacy and Campaigning.  The Researcher  will be the OA focal point in an OI “ideas network” – maintaining regular relations with key academic, policy community and government experts on humanitarian and security issues – to better shape OI humanitarian advocacy and campaigning through research, to include ensuring it relates to the US context.  The Researcher will also contribute to Oxfam’s climate change advocacy and campaigning, focused on reform of climate change policy particularly concerned with adaptation for the benefit of developing countries and poor people.  The Researcher will contribute specifically to link issues of disaster risk reduction with adaptation and how conflict relates to climate change.   S/he will work with the Head of Research to ensure the policy agenda is supported by accurate and current research.  The Researcher will engage with consultants to produce research, monitor commissioned research projects and synthesize research.  S/he will also conduct research as needed and possible. 

OA’s in-house research consists of:

  1. Commissioning research
  2. Conducting targeted research for the production of briefing papers
  3. Communicating research through the writing of policy materials
  4. Coordinating of research, review processes and drafting of papers
  5. Contributing to defining priorities and directions of advocacy work

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. In collaboration with the Head of Research, the OA Humanitarian Team and OI Humanitarian Advocacy and Campaigns Team, develop research agendas that constitute and support part of the broader strategies for OA humanitarian advocacy and OI humanitarian campaigning. 
  2. In collaboration with the Head of Research, OA Climate Change Team, OI Climate Change Campaign and OA Humanitarian Response Department, develop research agendas linking humanitarian issues with climate change which will constitute part of the broader strategies for OA Climate Change advocacy and campaigning and OI climate change campaigning. 
  3. Write Oxfam policy briefing papers and reports; executive summaries for internal research reports and briefings on issues for the Humanitarian Team (including collaboration with Policy Advisors) at OA and OI levels.
  4. Develop terms of references in collaboration with Head of Research and Humanitarian Policy Team for research to feed into the policy work on Humanitarian issues.
  5. Develop terms of references in collaboration with Head of Research, Climate Change Policy Team and Humanitarian Response Department for research linking humanitarian issues with climate change to feed into the policy work on climate change. 
  6. Work with regional offices by advising on research when requested. 
  7. Engage consultants to conduct research as outlined in terms of references and supervise their work. 
  8. Review all Oxfam Humanitarian research and publications with policy content and provide feedback on analytical rigor.
  9. Lead OA review processes of OA and OI publications on humanitarian issues.  This involves identifying additional internal reviewers, external peer reviewers and compiling comments.
  10. When possible provide targeted research on protection, humanitarian assistance and disaster risk reduction issues and respond to internal requests for information on research and statistics.
  11. Organize forums to disseminate research and analysis internally and externally.
  12. Identify research institutes and scholars focused on humanitarian issues of relevance for the Policy Department and develop relationships with them as potential consultants and external peer reviewers. 
  13. Participate in external meetings and seminars on issues related to Oxfam’s humanitarian agenda.
  14. Represent Oxfam at conferences and meetings and give lectures related to the humanitarian issues.
  15. Participate in research consultations and meetings with other agencies in DC.
  16. Participate in inter-departmental teams, particularly those related to humanitarian and climate change issues, and attend staff meetings.

EXPECTATIONS FOR THE POSITION:

  • The incumbent will stay abreast of professional standards, trends and issues affecting this set of responsibilities, demonstrating continuous learning of the field. Keep abreast of research produced by Oxfam affiliates and partners, other NGOs, research institutions and academics relating to humanitarian issues and also linked to climate change issues.
  • S/he will work effectively and collaboratively in support of building a team-based culture of work, will perform all duties appropriately for a multi-cultural environment, treating all persons with dignity and respect, and will be familiar with and committed to Oxfam America mission and goals.
  • Ability to travel up to 25% of time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:
Education: 

Ph.D. degree in a relevant field of study or equivalent experience conducting research

Experience and Core Competencies:

  1. 5 years of work experience in research and/or policy analysis
  2. Experience in conducting significant research projects involving field research
  3. General background in humanitarian issues
  4. Knowledge of emergency relief, disaster risk reduction, humanitarian assistance and protection of civilians in conflict situations 
  5. Background in analysis of root causes of conflict and humanitarian crises
  6. Knowledge of US government
  7. Strong research, analytical and writing skills.  Must be able to explain issues to audiences with limited expertise in the issues
  8. Ability to synthesize vast amounts of research into succinct and clear reports that can inform policy-making
  9. Attention to detail and accuracy
  10. Work effectively in a team setting in a fast-paced environment
  11. Ability to think and operate strategically and creatively
  12. Strong organizational skills
  13. Proficiency in at least one foreign language, preferably French or Spanish.
  14. Good interpersonal skills
  15. International experience
  16. Publications

Preferred: 

  1. Experience in making judgments on quality of research
  2. Prior experience in research for a campaign or cause related organization
  3. Familiarity with international humanitarian law

Please see our How to Apply page for application information. Oxfam America is an Equal Opportunity Employer.