Senior Research Officer

LOCATION: Beirut, Lebanon

REPORTING TO: Head of Research

ROLE TYPE: Full-time, Permanent

CLOSING DATE: 17th July 2025

ABOUT ARK 

ARK is a social enterprise, empowering local communities through the provision of agile and sustainable interventions to create greater stability, opportunity and hope for the future. 

We believe that strong, resilient communities are the foundation of local, national, regional and international development and stability – and ultimately a safer, peaceful and more prosperous world. At ARK, we have delivered research and programmatic interventions validating this approach in over twenty countries since 2008. As a social enterprise we work in partnership with communities, our donors, and other implementers to build local capacities, generate opportunity and bring about sustainable change. 
Learn more about our impact here:  https://www.ark.international/impact 

Purpose of the Role

The Senior Research Officer will serve as the lead researcher and analytical focal point for the expansion of ARK’s Conflict Sensitivity Monitoring Facility (CSMF) into Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon. Working under ARK’s Head of Research, the Palestinian Analyst will design, oversee, and deliver analysis related to conflict sensitivity risks, social tensions, security governance, and recovery in and around Palestinian camps. This is a full-time position requiring strong analytical capacity, contextual understanding of Palestinian communities in Lebanon, and experience with field-based research. 

What you'll be doing

• Lead the analytical design and implementation of the CSMF in Palestinian camps, including development of research questions, risk indicators, and reporting frameworks. 
• Produce high-quality written outputs, including risk updates, briefing notes, and analytical reports. 
• Liaise with ARK’s broader research team to ensure analytical coherence across southern Lebanon and camp contexts. 
• Contribute to tool development (e.g. survey instruments, qualitative protocols) and ensure research methods remain conflict sensitive. 
• Participate in and lead stakeholder briefings and presentations on emerging risks and conflict sensitivity findings. 
• Collaborate closely with ARK’s Field Coordinator and data collection teams to ensure the quality, relevance, and safety of fieldwork in the camps. 
• Ensure all research activities comply with ARK Group’s ethical guidelines, with particular attention to conflict sensitivity and gender inclusion. 
• Implement quality assurance processes for data collection, analysis, and reporting. 
• Monitor project milestones, track deliverables, and ensure adherence to project timelines and quality standards. 

Essential 

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, sociology, development studies, or related field.
• At least 4 years of experience conducting research on themes such as armed actors, political violence, peace-building, security sector reform or human security.
• Close familiarity with the design and implementation of quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methodologies.
• Full professional proficiency in English and Arabic.
• Experience writing, editing and producing reports and other types of outputs for a variety of target audiences.  
• Proficiency with MS Suite.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of a fast-moving team, willingness to contribute at different levels required to achieve success, self-motivated and ability to work independently.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to the conduct of ethical research with human subjects and knowledge of gender mainstreaming, conflict sensitivity and Do-No-Harm principles. 

Desirable  

• Master’s degree preferred, or equivalent experience in applied research, policy analysis, or monitoring and evaluation.
• Previous experience conducting research in the Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon.
• Familiarity with relevant software such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), data visualisation tools, R, SPSS, Stata, Nvivo, or similar tools commonly used in the analysis of primary data.  

Why join ARK?  

• Impactful Work: Your expertise will directly impact the lives of those in need.  
• Global Reach: Collaborate with international experts and local stakeholders.  
• Innovation: Engage in pioneering solutions for sustainable change.  
• Career Growth: Expand your horizons with varied projects and challenges.  

Our People  

Our team covers a diverse range of professional backgrounds, from diplomacy, humanitarian, development and the military, to the UN, civil society groups, multilateral organizations, journalism and the private sector.  

Smart: We think deeply about things. We’re proud of our institutional knowledge and our grounding in rigorous research, which we use to make informed decisions.   

Humble: Our work leaves little room for pride or arrogance. Our operating environment is constantly evolving, and we recognize out limitations. We believe in and rely on the education and experiences of others while remaining quick to read, invite feedback, and ask sensible questions.   

Accountable: Each of us want ARK, its partners, and beneficiaries to succeed. This means taking initiative, assuming ownership when necessary and never giving up on our beneficiaries. We are committed and accountable, to both our donors and the communities we serve.   

Collegiate: We know we are stronger together and that every contribution counts. We trust each other and always support each other.   

Outspoken: We tackle diverse challenges, and we always want to find the best solution to a problem. We aren’t afraid to share our opinions, and we want to hear those of others too.   

ARK Group is an equal opportunity employer. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. ARK Group does not discriminate on the basis of ability, age, gender identity or expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs or sexual orientation. We welcome all kinds of diversity. ARK Group places human dignity at the center of its development and stabilization work and is this committed to the protection from sexual exploitation and abuse of children and adults. All ARK Group employees and related personnel are expected to share this commitment and only those who also uphold these values will be recruited as part of our team. This vacancy is therefore subject to a range of due diligence checks.