Senior Research Consultant
Organizational Context
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a UN agency established in 1951, promotes humane and orderly migration. IOM Bangladesh, in partnership with UNFPA, is initiating formative qualitative research to investigate the complex link between international labour migration and the rising prevalence of child marriage in Bangladesh. This role sits within the Migration Data and Research (MDR) Unit, funded by the EU's REMAP II project.
Job Purpose
This Senior Research Consultant role is established to lead and conduct formative qualitative research exploring the pathways through which international migration influences child marriage in Bangladesh. The consultant will be responsible for the entire research cycle, from finalizing the research design and developing data collection tools to supervising data collectors, overseeing data quality, conducting rigorous analysis, and producing a comprehensive final report. The research aims to understand the dynamics of this complex issue, identifying strategic economic calculations that may link migration benefits to early marriage, and will inform policy and programming to address child marriage in the context of migration.
Responsibilities
The Senior Research Consultant will manage the full research cycle, beginning with the design phase by reviewing existing frameworks and developing a detailed inception report with a tailored methodology, data collection tools, and a work plan. This includes identifying research locations and supporting team formation. In the data collection phase, the consultant will train and supervise data collectors, ensure adherence to ethical standards, oversee fieldwork, and monitor data quality, producing progress reports. The analysis and reporting phase involves leading data transcription, consolidation, and rigorous qualitative analysis using thematic, content, and narrative techniques. The consultant will prepare a draft research report with findings and case studies, and finalize the report based on feedback, including an executive summary and actionable recommendations.
Work Experience
A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in leading and conducting qualitative social research is required. Expertise in migration, gender dynamics, and child marriage, preferably in South Asia, is essential. Proven experience in managing research teams and extensive experience with qualitative data analysis techniques and software are also necessary.
Skills
Strong understanding of research ethics, excellent analytical and report writing skills in English, and strong communication and interpersonal skills are required. Previous experience with UN agencies is highly desirable.