WASH/Data Specialist – Sectors and Thematics Unit for HQ, based in Geneva

ABOUT IMPACT AND REACH

IMPACT Initiatives is a humanitarian think tank, based in Geneva, Switzerland. The organisation manages several initiatives, including the REACH Initiative, which was created in 2010 to facilitate the development of information tools and products that enhance the capacity of aid actors to make evidence-based decisions in emergency, recovery and development contexts. The IMPACT team comprises specialists in research design; data collection, management and analysis; GIS and remote-sensing.

We are currently recruiting for a role to support dually our WASH assessment and Public Health Data portfolio at either Senior Officer or Specialist level (depending on experience).

OVERVIEW

Department: Programmes, Communications and Research (PCR) Division

Position: WASH/Data Specialist – Sectors and Thematics Unit (STU)

Contract duration: months

Location: Geneva, Switzerland

Starting Date: January 2026

Please note that this is a link for internal applicants only and applications of external candidates will be automatically rejected.

FUNCTIONS

Under the supervision of IMPACT's Public Health Specialist, the WASH/Data Specialist will fill dual roles within the Sectors and Thematics Unit (STU). In general, the role will serve two functions within STU as a WASH Specialist and Public Health Data Specialist. The individual will act as the in-house WASH Specialist by holding relationships with the Global WASH Cluster and other relevant stakeholders as well as providing technical support to country teams on assessing WASH indicators. The position is based in Geneva. As the Public Health Data Specialist, they will support with the maintenance, revisions and dissemination of core R or Kobo resources for public health assessments in support of REACH country teams.

Mission
Supporting Public Health Data and Analyses NeedsMaintenance, revision, and development of core public health data, analysis, and tool resources

• Develop, maintain, and document standard scripts and tools for public health data analysis.

• Support the development of quality data collection toolkits for public health data collection activities aligned with globally recognized approaches and standards.

• Participate in the Public Health and R Communities of Practice.

Supporting HQ and country teams on the utilization of public health data and analysis resources

• Directly support country teams to implement PHU data cleaning and analysis guidelines through capacity building, mentorship, and technical support.

• Where necessary, surge to other departments (e.g. research) or country teams to support implementation of PHU data practices and guidelines.

• On an exceptional basis, to backstop and provide direct support country teams in implementing data processing or analyses when timely results are necessary.

Supporting public health related external engagements

• As needed, serve as a focal point for public health data related external engagements with stakeholders as identified by the Public Health Specialist or STU Manager.

Supporting IMPACT/REACH WASH Assessment and AnalysesExternal engagement

• Take the lead in holding relationships with key WASH stakeholders to ensure IMPACT WASH assessment and analysis workstreams are aligned with stakeholder needs and priorities.

• Support the development of quality data collection toolkits for public health data collection activities aligned with globally recognized approaches and standards.

Global division and country technical assistance

• Provide training to field teams and HQ staff on internal public health toolkits, including tools, scripts, cleaning processes, data visualisation, etc

• Represent and advocate for WASH standards in IMPACT assessments and analyses globally.

WASH project specific implementations and development

• Support the implementation of technical development projects related to WASH, such as exploratory research related to WASH MSNI improvements, the WASH Insecurity Analysis, the Acute Needs Analysis or other relevant analytical frameworks.

Supporting Public Health Research Quality Assurance Processes

• Support in data-oriented "Traffic Light Reviews" for public health indicators such as water and food consumption, malnutrition, and mortality as needed.

• Support the review of Terms of References and Information products from a WASH technical lens.

Profile
REQUIREMENTS

• Advanced quantitative degree in data science, public health, epidemiology, statistics, physics, mathematics, computer science, or related subjected

• Minimum 3 years of relevant working experience

• Proficient with R, including preferably rmarkdown and report generation, function building and testing, and package development and maintenance. Experience with Python is a plus.

• R function writing, programming, and/or package development experience is a strong advantage

• Practical experience with working with xlsforms with ODK/Kobo

• Strong experience in data compilation, cleaning, processing, and applied analysis.

• Proven track record of working with and compiling data of varying quality, type, and structure from multiple different sources

• Experience in working with sampling and analysis of complex survey data is strongly preferred.

• Familiarity with core WASH programming, indicators and assessment standards in humanitarian settings is an advantage.

• Knowledge of GIS software (QGIS, ArcGIS, GoogleEarth, etc) and spatial analysis an advantage.

• Fluency in English required, competency in French a strong asset.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• For this position, gross salary between 5'800 CHF and 5'957 CHF monthly (before income tax). NB - IMPACT salaries are strictly determined by our salary grid depending on the grade of the position and the level of education and experience of staff. A contribution to medical insurance of 489 CHF per month is already included in the salary figure.

• Insurance covering professional and non-professional accidents throughout the period of employment with IMPACT

• Health insurance, life insurance and repatriation assistance in case of field visits/temporary deployments

• Enrolment in IMPACT Initiatives Research Foundational Learning Programme within the first 3 months from the start of contract.

• Applicants must hold a valid work permit for Switzerland or be EU/EFTA citizens

• Up to 40% of remote work on a weekly basis.

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