HEKS/EPER has over 1500 permanent employees. The organisation is active at 24 locations in Switzerland and in 35 countries worldwide with 290 programs and projects worth around CHF 144 million. In 2024, HEKS/EPER reached around 16 million people with its work.
HEKS/EPER pursues the vision of a just world where the dignity of everyone is respected, peace reigns, and the natural environment is preserved. The aim is a systemic change at a social, economic and political level. HEKS/EPER is doing its part to improve the living conditions of people in Switzerland and around the world, to promote their rights, raise awareness and mobilise to this end.
Lived diversity - inclusion is important to us:
We welcome applications regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age or sexual orientation.
HEKS/EPER is recruiting four (4) Field Researchers / Data Collectors to support field-based needs assessments and Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL) activities across the Gaza Strip.
The post holder will conduct community interviews, beneficiary verification, and digital data collection using KoboToolbox while ensuring high standards of data quality, confidentiality, and safeguarding. The position requires frequent field presence, flexibility, and close coordination with the MEAL Officer, Project Officers, and implementing partners.
Safeguarding & Code of Conduct
HEKS/EPER is committed to creating a safe environment for all individuals it works with. The organization applies a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH), fraud and corruption, and any violation of beneficiary rights or dignity.
All staff members are required to sign and strictly adhere to HEKS/EPER's Code of Conduct, Safeguarding Policy, Data Protection Policy, and Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) procedures upon appointment.
Successful candidates will be subject to reference checks and safeguarding screening as part of the recruitment process.
Field Researcher / Data Collector, Local Position Gaza Strip
Your main responsibilities:
Data Collection & Field Work
- Conduct structured needs assessments, field surveys, and beneficiary interviews across targeted locations.
- Collect accurate and complete data using KoboToolbox or other approved digital tools as directed.
- Verify beneficiary identity and eligibility in accordance with programme criteria and protection protocols.
- Obtain informed consent from respondents before conducting interviews and ensure participation is voluntary and confidential.
- Maintain regular and reliable field presence in line with the agreed work plan and field schedule.
Data Quality & Reporting
- Ensure all data is collected consistently, completely, and in compliance with approved tools and protocols.
- Identify and promptly report data inconsistencies, field challenges, or observations to the supervising MEAL Officer.
- Submit collected data within agreed timelines and in the required formats.
- Maintain strict confidentiality of all beneficiaries and programme-related information.
Community Engagement & Coordination
- Engage with beneficiaries, households, and communities in a respectful, professional, and culturally sensitive manner.
- Provide clear and accurate information about the programme and data collection process to respondents.
- Support community accountability activities, including feedback and complaint referral mechanisms, when required.
- Coordinate with field officers, implementing partners, and relevant community stakeholders as directed.
- Represent HEKS/EPER professionally in all interactions with beneficiaries, partners, and community representatives.
MEAL Support
- Assist in the rollout and field testing of data collection tools and methodologies.
- Support post-distribution monitoring (PDM), outcome monitoring, and other MEAL activities as assigned.
- Contribute observations and field intelligence to support programme learning and adaptation.
- Support rapid assessments and emergency data collection activities during humanitarian responses, when required.
Compliance & Safeguarding
- Adhere strictly to HEKS/EPER organizational policies, data protection standards, and humanitarian principles.
- Uphold beneficiary dignity, safeguarding principles, and the Do No Harm approach at all times.
- Report any safeguarding concerns through established channels without delay.
To be successful you bring:
Qualifications & Requirements
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Sociology, Public Health, Business Administration, Statistics, or another closely related field.
- Minimum two (2) years of relevant professional experience in humanitarian field data collection, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL), community engagement, or community-based programming.
Experience
- Prior experience in humanitarian field data collection, household surveys, beneficiary verification, needs assessments, post-distribution monitoring (PDM), or community engagement is strongly preferred.
- Experience working with NGOs, INGOs, or UN agencies is an advantage.
- Familiarity with humanitarian response methodologies, accountability to affected populations (AAP), and safeguarding principles is an asset.
- Experience using KoboToolbox or other digital/mobile data collection platforms is strongly preferred.
Skills & Competencies
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Arabic; working knowledge of English is an advantage.
- Demonstrated ability to use smartphones and digital data collection platforms; experience with KoboToolbox is preferred.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy and integrity.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and in challenging, dynamic field conditions.
- High sense of responsibility, professional ethics, and confidentiality.
- Ability to work both independently and as an effective member of a team.
- Knowledge of Gaza Strip geography and community dynamics is a significant advantage.
What you can expect from us:
Contract Conditions
- Contract type: Daily basis, as per operational field requirements.
- Duration: Six (6) months, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding.
- Work location: Field-based across multiple locations throughout the Gaza Strip.
- Flexibility in working hours and availability for field deployment is required.
- Daily deployment will be based on operational requirements, security conditions, and approved field activities.