Disaster Risk Reduction Research Specialist

Disaster Risk Reduction Researcher with REACH Initiative 

REACH Initiative is looking for a motivated researcher with a background in Disaster Risk Reduction who is passionate about improving the humanitarian response in Ukraine, to join our team of experienced, dedicated humanitarians. 

About REACH Initiative

REACH is a unique humanitarian NGO, which provides research, data, and analysis to support more effective humanitarian action in crisis contexts. By providing precise and reliable information on the humanitarian situation of populations in Ukraine, REACH’s work informs better delivery of aid and more transparent decision making. REACH is hosted in the countries we work in by our sister organization ACTED.

In Ukraine, REACH has a supportive and closely working team of over 60 people, spread across seven offices, all of whom are dedicated to producing high quality research to improve the situation for people in Ukraine. Have a look at the data and analysis we produce here. 

REACH is seeking a candidate with a background in Disaster Risk Reduction to join our growing assessment and technical team as a DRR Research Specialist. 

Duties and Areas of Responsibility

• Conduct original research in the broad field of DRR to inform the humanitarian response in Ukraine. This could include community vulnerability assessments to different hazards, supporting local authorities in the development of risk mitigation strategies, or assessment of the response capacity of the emergency services. 
• Implement research, including designing research scope, coordinating with data collection teams, and cleaning and analyzing data.
• Use creative approaches to ensure research is presented in the best way possible, including by designing factsheets and briefs, working with the GIS and Data team to produce dashboards or StoryMaps, or drafting long-form reports.
• Ensure operational partners have access to data and findings, by conducting presentations and attending meetings.
• Work closely with experts across the humanitarian response, including UN Agencies, other NGOs, and government departments to ensure research findings are used to plan aid delivery. 

Person Specification

• Experience conducting primary qualitative or quantitative data collection or analysing secondary data in the broad area of DRR, including preparedness to multi-hazard risks. 
• Good understanding of Disaster Risk Management cycle and civil protection structure in Ukraine at national and local level. 
• Prior experience in the implementation of disaster risk reduction projects in local community or introduction of decision-making tools based on the risk assessment is strongly desirable. 
• Knowledge of the ecosystem-based approach to disaster risk mitigation is desirable but not required. 
• Prior experience in the humanitarian sector is desirable but not required.  
• Fluency in Ukrainian and/or Russian, and good English required.
• Good English writing skills are required 
• Highly motivated and passionate about improving the humanitarian response in Ukraine

Terms and Conditions

This full-time post is for an initial 6 months, with the possibility of renewal following successful completion. We offer a competitive salary, in line with the candidate’s experience and skills.

REACH believes investing in each staff is a critical part of our work. As a member of the team, you will receive training and the opportunity to participate in learning and development. 

This job is available in Odesa office.

Starting date: ASAP.

Application Procedure 

Please submit a CV in English to apply for this position. Please make sure your CV clearly shows why you would be a good fit for this position with REACH.