Consilient (www.consilientresearch.org), is a research firm dedicated to delivering localized on the ground insights to the aid and development community. Rather than the traditional remote approach to research, we at Consilient believe the best work is done when a full-time team collaborates together in-country to deliver informed products across topical sectors. As such, Consilient delivers all its research products to the development sector, government, U.N. and donor clients with full-time locally based research teams.

Today, with a team of more than 75 national and international staff members, Consilient is engaged in research activities across a multitude of sectors, which include: Emergencies & Humanitarian Aid, Education, Food Security & Resilience, Gender Empowerment, Financial Inclusivity, Migration & Displacement, Livelihoods & Economic Growth, Social Protection, Health, Water & Sanitation, and Security, Stabilization, and Preventing Violent Extremism. We have maintained an office in Sudan since 2015 and have been long-term research partners for a number of INGOs and UN agencies in Sudan. After the outbreak of conflict in Sudan in April 2023, Consilient’s Sudan country staff have been relocated to a satellite office in Nairobi, but Consilient remains an active data collection partner through our network of on-the-ground researchers and enumerators in all 18 states in Sudan.

Job Description: We are currently looking to hire a Focal Point to support Consilient’s work in Sudan. The Focal Point would be responsible for representing Consilient with stakeholders inside Sudan, ensuring that our field operations and functioning are well supported, and liaising with federal and state government authorities when necessary. In close coordination with Consilient’s Country Director, the Focal Point may be asked to attend briefings, program meetings, or conduct presentations with INGO or UN partners in Sudan. He/she would also be responsible for coordinating with federal and state government authorities to maintain active company registrations, obtain research permissions, and facilitate visas/travel authorizations if necessary. He/she may also serve as an additional focal point for in-country researchers/enumerators during data collection, in close collaboration with Consilient’s Fieldwork Managers.

We are particularly interested in applicants who previous experience working closely with INGOs, UN agencies, and government agencies in Sudan.

Kindly note that the successful applicant is required to be based in Sudan, with a preference for Port Sudan.

Description of Main Duties:

• Attend meetings, briefings, or other engagements with INGOs, UN agencies, or other Consilient partners who are based in Sudan;
• Conduct presentations or other debriefs of Consilient’s work, in close coordination with the technical research team, to stakeholders based in Sudan;
• Liaise with federal and state level government officials to maintain active company registration, approvals, travel permits, and visas, among other official documents;
• Maintain good communication with counterparts (Liaison Officers and Focal Points) at other organizations (INGOs, national NGOs, UN agencies, etc) in order to be well informed on administrative or bureaucratic processes and any changes to them;
• Stay informed of shifting regulations and policies in Sudan that affect Consilient’s operational presence;
• Establish and maintain an active network of contacts within government entities or implementing organizations, able to facilitate and assist Consilient’s work in Sudan;
• Produce periodic access reports for each state/region separately, drawing upon the knowledge and experience of Consilient’s researcher network;
• When necessary and in coordination with Consilient’s Fieldwork Managers, manage teams of enumerators/researchers in Sudan and troubleshooting operational challenges or barriers;
• Where candidates have a research background or experience, contribute to the design and development of Consilient’s research and analytical products in Sudan.

Position Requirements:

• At least four years of previous experience working in the development and/or humanitarian sector in Sudan, preferably with a UN agency or national government agency;
• Experience in liaising with governmental/local authorities (particularly HAC and other permissions bodies), INGOs, and national NGOs;
• Ability to troubleshoot bureaucratic hurdles and problem solve in support of Consilient’s activities throughout the country;
• Strong familiarity with research and data collection methods and modalities;
• Ability to represent the company at high levels with both national and international stakeholders;
• Fluency in English and Arabic;
• High attention to detail;
• Strong organizational skills;
• Ability to work effectively in a team setting;
• Ability to manage high-stress situations and meet deadlines under pressure;
• Strong sense of research ethics and commitment to working with integrity and confidentiality.