Mixed Migration Centre (MMC) Project Specialist

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is looking for a MMC Project Specialist

Location: East Africa and Great Lakes Region (Nairobi, Mogadishu, Addis Ababa & Kampala)

Organization: Danish Refugee Council (DRC)

Deadline: 08 Sep 2025

Job Description

About MMC.

Mixed Migration Centre (MMC) is a leading source for independent and high-quality data, information, research and analysis on mixed migration. Through the provision of credible evidence and expertise on mixed migration, MMC aims to support agencies, policy makers and practitioners to make well-informed decisions, to positively impact global and regional migration policies, to contribute to protection and assistance responses for people on the move and to stimulate forward thinking in the sector responding to mixed migration. MMC’s overarching focus is on human rights, protection and assistance.

MMC is part of and governed by Danish Refugee Council. 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, and practitioners.

Overall purpose of the role:

The Project Specialist will work closely with the Data and Research Manager to ensure the successful execution of multiple quantitative research projects, from inception to completion. This will include contributing to the project design to align activities with 4Mi goals, tracking project expenditure, working closely with country offices to close out all projects, compiling donor reports and supporting in dissemination of project deliverables. Additionally, the Project Specialist will provide technical oversight to the 4Mi Officer to ensure SOPs for enumerator supervision are upheld and there is smooth progress in data collection activities.

Responsibilities:

Project coordination

Contribute to project design to ensure feasibility of proposed quantitative research
Create enumerator supervision and tracking tools to maintain high quality standards in field activities
Provide oversight during enumerator training and ensure training guides are updated, comprehensive and of high quality
Prepare detailed narrative reports for donors, summarizing project activities and outcomes
Monitor data collection expenditures, ensuring they align with the budget and are accurately reflected in financial reports

Research

Complete data analysis and compile research outputs, including infographics
Contribute to the design of qualitative and quantitative questionnaires, supervise fieldwork and contribute to data analysis and findings
Support in dissemination of findings through MMC presentations within DRC and other external engagement
Stay up-to-date on the latest mixed migration developments in the region to enhance research relevance and impact

Country-level coordination

Foster strong relationships with DRC colleagues in data collection locations by conducting kick-off meetings and overseeing the contracting and payment processes for enumerators
Supervise MMC partners and consultants in conducting data collection activities in locations DRC has no/limited presence
Design tools to gather feedback from enumerators and DRC staff in the field and ensure it is integrated into project activities such as data analysis and future project designs
Develop and recommend tailored solutions to address challenges encountered during project implementation

Team coordination

Offer ongoing technical support to the 4Mi Program Officer (PO) to ensure the smooth recruitment, training, and daily monitoring of enumerators.
Oversee the 4Mi PO’s workload, ensuring tasks are balanced and aligned with project timelines and priorities.
Facilitate communication among team members, making sure that everyone understands their roles, tasks, and deadlines

Others

When needed represent MMC at coordination meetings with DRC teams or humanitarian partners
Any additional tasks in support of the 4Mi project

About you

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s 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 act in line with our vision and values.

Experience and technical competencies:

At least 5-year experience in data collection, conducting surveys or other research activities;
Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of mixed migration issues in the region;
Demonstrated ability to be proactive and to take lead whenever required;
Outstanding communication skills with enumerators of various nationalities and language groups
Proficiency in IT systems, including android-based applications;
Outstanding organizational skills;
Excellent ability to work under minimal supervision and strong problem-solving skills;
Enthusiastic about learning, excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
Strong verbal and written communication.
Sensitivity to issues affecting refugees and migrants in the region.
Knowledge of standard best practices related to procurement and code of conduct in an INGO setting

Education:

Preferably Master’s degree in a relevant field, including but not limited to research methods, international development, migration studies or business administration.

Languages:

Written and verbal fluency in English;
Verbal fluency in Swahili, Arabic or French (desired)

Conditions:

Contract: End of contract is December 31, 2025 Salary and other conditions are offered in accordance with DRC’s Terms of Employment for Staff ; Employment band G1.

Duty station: Nairobi – Kenya or Addis Ababa – Ethiopia or Kampala – Uganda or Mogadishu – Somalia.

Availability: As soon as possible

Reporting Line: MMC 4Mi Project Manager

Providing equal opportunities: We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other factor. At DRC we celebrate diversity and appreciate our employees for the people they are and their unique skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. We encourage all interested candidates to apply.

Promoting high standards: DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process