South Sudan: Humanitarian Lead Researcher 145 views0 applications

Overview:

Internews is seeking a Lead Researcher to conduct an information ecosystem survey (IES) in Jamjang in Unity State (Yida, Ajuong Thok and Pamir). This will be a short-term Consultant position working with a team of locally recruited field enumerators to map out existing “information needs” of refugees and host community.

The IES is designed to offer a better understanding of the information needs and behaviour of information consumers. The findings will also serve to help guide aid agencies in their approach and engagement with communities which should result in more effective aid delivery.

The assessments will focus the current most common and trusted channels through which refugees get information, the extent to which they are able to access reliable information, what they identify to be their primary information needs, as well as gauging their levels of trust associated with various forms of information exchange and delivery. This mapping of the information needs will also reveal the dynamics of informal information networks and the trusted “information brokers” that drive them. Through this exercise, Internews will identify viable entry points for the design and improvement of information services for Sudanese refugees. The sampling size will be based on UNHCR population data for both Jamjang.

Information ecosystems are complex adaptive systems that include information infrastructure, tools, media, producers, consumers, curators, and sharers. They are complex organizations of dynamic social relationships through which information moves and transforms in flows.

The survey findings will inform Internews’ approach to better communicate with refugees arriving in Yida for them to make informed decision on relocation to Parmir camp. With a better understanding of the information that would encourage relocation, Internews will ensure that programming will play a vital role in supporting UNHCR’s relocation efforts by delivering messages and information about available services and living conditions in Pamir. It will also measure how Jamjang FM radio station changed the way refugees seek information.

Activities:

Activities within the proposed process will include a desk research analysis, the production of an adapted “information needs” assessment methodology and the information needs assessment report.

Desk Research (3 days)

The researcher will conduct desk research to collate a wide range of contexts and factors that constitute the “media landscape” that influences and shapes access, available content, inclusion and engagement of audiences. Desk research will include: existing data on reach, audience, language and content orientation of legacy media, internet penetration and mobile phone ownership and use – disaggregated by age and gender – who produces content and what are the rules and regulations are that influence access to reliable and relevant information inside and outside camps, prevalence of SMS use, and prevalence/popularity of social media streams (Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp). The desk research will be heavily informed by partners experience in the country.

The desk research will provide preliminary findings that will inform the following:

• Selection of field research locations and approach.
• Selection of target communities and information providers.
• Criteria for the selection of key Informant Interviews.
• Criteria for selection of focus groups.
• Design of questionnaires drawn from Internews extensive database of previous work.
• Identification of areas for additional exploration.

Design of Questionnaire and Field Research Approach (4 days)

The design of the questionnaire includes a 3-day workshop with the enumerators, who will be recruited among the target audience, and will help adapt and amend the research questions. This process ensures relevance of the questionnaire, scope and research methodology, while also providing the teams of enumerators to get familiar with it and be well-equipped with practical skills and good understand of the research goals.

Field Research (two weeks), including:

• Field Research – surveys (2 weeks)
• Focus Group Discussions with selected key-demographics within the target audience (5 days – in parallel)
• Key Informant Interviews and observation (3 days in parallel)
• Final Workshop with enumerators (1.5 days)

Training on data analysis (one week)

• Training of Internews’ information management officer on:
  • qualitative data analysis
  • production of infographics, snapshots and other documents

The final data analysis and report writing can be completed remotely

Deliverables:

The lead researcher will be responsible for producing an initial (4-6 pages) and a final report of approximately 20-25 pages with recommendations for the design of future interventions, including the selection of partners and strategies. A slide deck summarizing key points and featuring illustrative visuals will be delivered along with the report.

The lead researcher will train a newly recruited information management officer on data management.

Requirements

• Minimum five years of relevant professional experience in research, communication strengthening, media, or/and humanitarian affairs.
• Master’s Degree in relevant discipline (i.e., research, communication, journalism, public relations).
• Strong research background: qualitative, quantities, data analysis and data visualization, ethnographic studies and human centered design research methodologies.
• International experience, particularly in Sub-Saharan countries.
• Established ability to lead and facilitate strategic communication planning and programming with multi-stakeholder engagement, including senior government officials, international development partners, women’s organizations, NGOs, and CSOs, preferably in South Sudan.
• Excellent interpersonal communication, organizational, teamwork, facilitation and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to produce high quality reports and to work under tight deadlines.
• Strong written and spoken Arabic and English required.
• Understanding of and demonstrated commitment to upholding Internews’ Core Values .

Duration & Availability

• 8-week contract
• April

Note: This position is posted in a High or Extreme Physical Risk location. Conditions in the field may include but are not limited to the following: compound living quarters, limited mobility outside of designated areas, limited in-country medical care or pharmacy, limited access to fresh fruit and vegetables, limited access to high speed internet, dress code requirements, unaccompanied posting, and required advanced safety and security training. If selected for an interview for this position, ensure you discuss the specifics of living and working in this unique operating environment and consider them at length during the recruitment process.