National Research Assistant (based in Sudan) - UNICEF OSE - Innocenti
Organizational Context
UNICEF works in over 190 countries to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The UNICEF Sudan office is implementing a Maternal and Child Cash Transfers Plus (MCCT+) program, an integrated social protection initiative providing vulnerable pregnant women and lactating mothers with cash assistance and access to essential services. UNICEF Innocenti is collaborating on evidence generation for this program.
Job Purpose
The consultancy aims to support the qualitative midline data collection for the mixed-method evaluation of the MCCT+ Phase IV program in Sudan. The research focuses on understanding the impact of the MCCT+ on various aspects of beneficiaries' lives, including health care utilization, dietary diversity, child and maternal health, and household resilience. The qualitative midline will specifically explore significant changes beneficiaries perceive in their lives due to the program and the causal pathways behind these changes. The research will employ the Qualitative Impact Protocol (QuIP) methodology, utilizing interviews and focus groups to gather in-depth narratives and analyze causal connections. The role involves supporting the training of the fieldwork team and ensuring the quality of translated transcripts.
Responsibilities
The National Research Assistant will provide crucial support to the qualitative midline data collection activities for the MCCT+ Phase IV evaluation in Sudan. Key responsibilities include participating in an induction process led by the QuIP researcher and Research Specialist, thoroughly reviewing all essential study documents such as the study protocol and instruments. A significant part of the role will involve supporting the facilitation of fieldwork team training sessions, working closely with the data collection firm under the guidance of the QuIP researcher and Research Specialist. Furthermore, the consultant will be responsible for meticulously checking the quality of approximately 140 translated transcripts. This involves reviewing each transcript against its corresponding audio recording to identify any inaccuracies or areas for improvement. The assistant will then report findings and provide accurate feedback to the QuIP researcher and Research Specialist, detailing necessary improvements to ensure data integrity and reliability for the study's analysis.
Work Experience
A minimum of 2 years of professional experience supporting research activities in Sudan. Experience with supporting both quantitative and/or qualitative data collection operations in Sudan across at least two different studies/projects is required. The candidate must be currently based in Sudan.
Skills
Excellent writing skills, Qualitative data collection support, Transcript quality assurance, Training facilitation support, Research methodology understanding, Interpersonal skills, Attention to detail, Cross-cultural communication, Report writing, Data analysis support