Research Lead at Terre des hommes (TDH)

Job Description

Terre des hommes is the leading Swiss child relief agency. We are committed to improving the lives of millions of the world’s most vulnerable children. Children are the first to suffer in times of war, natural disasters and as a result of poverty. At Terre des hommes, our goal is to steadily improve the conditions of the most vulnerable children worldwide. We are focused on five main objectives: • Improving the health of infants up to the age of 3 and of children in need of specialised medical care • Protecting migrant children • Preventing child exploitation • Promoting restorative justice for children in conflict with the law • Providing humanitarian aid to children and their families in times of emergency and crisis OUR PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS REVOLVE AROUND • Children’s rights and their best interests • Creating a strong local presence in close proximity to children, their families and communities • Establishing close cooperation with local bodies based on respect • Constant improvement and innovation • Enhancing heath and protection systems in the long term • Gaining recognition in Switzerland as a reliable organisation and source of financing

Purpose of the role

Responsible for delivering on TdH NL’s strategic research objectives. Build and share knowledge, generate and communicate new insight, share expertise and methods that work and influence systemic change.

Position in the organisation

The Research Lead reports to the Head of REI and has two direct reports, however, will also be accountable for managing multiple contacted research teams to complete research commissioned by TdH NL.

Result areas & Core activities

Manage research team and contractors; Collaborate closely with Child Participation and Influencing Leads, Global Heads of Programmes and teams and teams and partners in regions and countries where TdH NL works; Implement multi-country research studies that include child participation; Facilitate research uptake for influencing; Develop of academic links and influence; Support post-graduate learning and research among staff and partner staff; Represent TdH NL as an expert.

About you

Required knowledge and experience:

In possession of a PhD; Academic expertise in a relevant research area, ideally child exploitation (SEC, WFCL or CTUM); In addition to academic roles, must have at least 5 years experience in roles requiring management of people; Strong and relevant track record of publication; Ideally with experience of conducting research with children, including especially vulnerable groups of children; Mixed methods social sciences background preferred; Experience of curriculum development, teaching and research supervision desirable; Working knowledge of children’s rights and intersectionality frameworks; Competence in safeguarding children in research.

Competences:

Research project management; Safe and ethical research design; Ability to balance academic rigour with an understanding of development and child protection in LMICs and humanitarian emergency settings. Must inspire critical enquiry and encourage practitioners to engage with empirical research; Manage research budgets; Support research grant proposals; Cultural literacy; Data management and analysis software; Ability to work and communicate effectively in English