IMPACT Initiatives is an independent international humanitarian and development research organization founded in 2010 and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
The organization specializes in generating reliable data, research and analysis to support evidence-based humanitarian and development decisions. It works with humanitarian agencies, governments, donors and other development stakeholders to understand the needs of crisis-affected populations and improve the effectiveness of aid programmes.
IMPACT Initiatives operates through three main initiatives: REACH, AGORA and PANDA. Its work covers humanitarian assessments, information management, spatial analysis, recovery planning, programme evaluation and monitoring. Impact +1
Mission
To shape practices and influence policies in humanitarian and development settings by generating and promoting knowledge, tools and good practices that improve decision-making and positively impact individuals and communities.
Vision
To act as a catalyst for change in humanitarian and development practices and policies, creating sustainable positive impacts for individuals and their communities.
Core Values and Working Principles
- Evidence-based decision-making.
- Research quality and methodological rigour.
- Accountability and transparency.
- Collaboration and partnership.
- Innovation and learning.
- Inclusiveness and community participation.
- Humanitarian principles and respect for affected populations.
Core Areas of Intervention
1. Humanitarian Research and Needs Assessments
- Conducting multi-sectoral humanitarian needs assessments.
- Collecting data from crisis-affected and displaced populations.
- Identifying gaps in humanitarian assistance.
- Producing research to support emergency response planning.
- Monitoring changes in humanitarian conditions.
2. Data Collection and Information Management
- Designing and implementing quantitative and qualitative research.
- Managing large-scale humanitarian datasets.
- Developing information products for humanitarian stakeholders.
- Supporting data quality assurance and analysis.
- Providing evidence to guide humanitarian programming.
3. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Spatial Analysis
- Using GIS and mapping technologies to analyse humanitarian needs.
- Producing maps showing displacement, population movements and service availability.
- Applying satellite imagery and remote-sensing information.
- Supporting geographical analysis of hard-to-reach communities.
4. Food Security and Livelihoods
- Conducting food security assessments.
- Monitoring market conditions and prices.
- Analysing household livelihoods and economic vulnerability.
- Supporting evidence-based food security and livelihood interventions.
5. Displacement and Humanitarian Situation Monitoring
- Monitoring the conditions of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
- Assessing the needs of returnees and host communities.
- Conducting assessments in hard-to-reach areas.
- Analysing displacement trends and humanitarian access challenges.
6. Programme Design, Monitoring and Evaluation
- Assessing the performance and effectiveness of humanitarian programmes.
- Supporting programme design and implementation.
- Conducting third-party monitoring and evaluations.
- Identifying implementation gaps and opportunities for improvement.
- Providing recommendations to strengthen aid delivery.
7. Localised Recovery and Community Development
- Supporting area-based approaches to humanitarian recovery.
- Analysing community needs and local development priorities.
- Promoting coordination among local authorities, communities and aid organizations.
- Supporting recovery and stabilization planning in crisis-affected areas.
8. Research and Policy Support
- Producing analytical reports and humanitarian situation updates.
- Supporting evidence-based policy development.
- Providing research findings to inform humanitarian coordination.
- Strengthening the use of data in development and recovery planning.
The Organization’s Three Main Initiatives
1. REACH Initiative
REACH provides humanitarian data, assessments and analysis to help aid organizations understand the needs of crisis-affected communities and improve humanitarian response planning.
2. AGORA Initiative
AGORA promotes localized, multi-sectoral humanitarian and recovery action by supporting collaboration between aid organizations, local authorities and communities.
3. PANDA Initiative
PANDA focuses on improving the effectiveness of humanitarian and development programmes through programme assessments, monitoring, evaluation and recommendations for better implementation. Impact +1
Geographic Reach
IMPACT Initiatives operates internationally, with a presence in more than 30 countries and a global team of research, data analysis, GIS and field coordination specialists. Its headquarters is in Geneva, Switzerland.
IMPACT Initiatives in Nigeria
IMPACT Initiatives has operated in Nigeria since 2017 through its REACH Initiative, with a focus on the northern regions of the country. Its work supports humanitarian decision-making through research and assessments covering food security, markets, displacement, health, WASH and other humanitarian needs.
Its Nigeria activities have included:
- Multi-Sectoral Needs Assessments (MSNA).
- Hard-to-Reach (H2R) assessments.
- Area-Based Assessments.
- Rapid assessments and situation monitoring.
- Joint Market Monitoring Initiative (JMMI).
- Food security and nutrition monitoring.
- Humanitarian needs and response analysis.
- Third-party monitoring of humanitarian programmes.
The organization has historically worked across both Northeast and Northwest Nigeria and has maintained programme activities in Abuja.
Target Beneficiaries and Stakeholders
- Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
- Refugees and returnees.
- Conflict-affected communities.
- Vulnerable households.
- Women, children and young people.
- Host communities.
- Humanitarian and development organizations.
- Government institutions and local authorities.
- Donor agencies and international organizations.
- Community-based organizations.
Partnerships and Collaboration
IMPACT Initiatives collaborates with international organizations, humanitarian agencies, research institutions, governments and local partners.
Its institutional and initiative-level relationships include:
- ACTED – its sister organization and operational partner in many field contexts.
- United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), particularly through technical collaboration with its Operational Satellite Applications Programme (UNOSAT) on REACH.
- Local and international humanitarian organizations.
- Government institutions and humanitarian coordination bodies.
- Donor agencies and development partners.
These relationships include different forms of technical, operational and programme collaboration. ArcGIS StoryMaps +1
Careers and Opportunities
Potential career areas within IMPACT Initiatives include:
- Research and Assessment.
- Data Collection and Analysis.
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
- Information Management.
- Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL).
- Humanitarian Needs Analysis.
- Food Security and Livelihoods.
- Market Monitoring.
- Protection and Displacement Analysis.
- WASH and Public Health Research.
- Programme Management and Coordination.
- Research Quality Assurance.
- Field Operations and Coordination.
- Reporting and Communications.
- Finance and Administration.
- Human Resources.
- Procurement and Logistics.
Focus Areas – IMPACT Initiatives
Humanitarian Research • Needs Assessments • Data Collection • Information Management • GIS and Mapping • Food Security • Market Monitoring • Displacement Monitoring • Programme Evaluation • Third-Party Monitoring • Recovery and Stabilization • Evidence-Based Decision-Making • Humanitarian Coordination • Development Research
