Consulting Firm for Primary Survey

Job Posting Organization:
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is a renowned research organization dedicated to providing evidence-based solutions to reduce poverty and enhance security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established in 1975, IFPRI operates in over 40 countries and employs a diverse team of more than 300 professionals. The organization focuses on agricultural research and policy analysis, with a mission to improve the nutritional and economic status of people in developing countries. IFPRI's work is particularly significant in the context of gender-responsive policies, as it seeks to empower women in agriculture and ensure their voices are heard in policy-making processes.

Job Overview:
The position involves hiring a consulting firm to conduct a primary survey as part of the Strengthening Women’s Advancement and Resilience in Agriculture (SWARNA) Project. This project aims to establish a Gender Responsive Cell (GRC) in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment (DAFE) in Odisha, India. The consulting firm will be responsible for collecting gender-disaggregated data to assess the performance of welfare schemes and policies, focusing on women's inclusion and the challenges they face in accessing benefits. The firm will engage in training enumerators, digitizing questionnaires, and ensuring the quality and accuracy of data collected through both quantitative and qualitative methods. The survey will cover approximately 600-700 households and include Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with relevant stakeholders, thereby contributing to more inclusive and effective policymaking in the agricultural sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consulting firm will undertake several key responsibilities, including:

• Team Deployment and Training: Deploying a competent survey team consisting of enumerators and supervisors, and providing comprehensive training on survey instruments and data collection methods.
• Primary Data Collection: Conducting individual quantitative and qualitative interviews across selected villages in identified districts, ensuring representation from various agro-climatic regions and social groups. The firm will manage logistics for enumerators, including accommodation and travel arrangements.
• Quality Assurance and Monitoring: Implementing monitoring mechanisms to ensure data collection targets are met, maintaining a log of sample data, and ensuring data consistency.
• Progress Reporting and Collaboration: Conducting regular meetings with IFPRI researchers to provide updates and incorporate feedback throughout the survey process.
• Submission of the Final Dataset: Cleaning the data and submitting raw and cleaned data files, along with a complete record of any changes made during the cleaning process.

Required Qualifications:
The consulting firm must meet several eligibility criteria, including:

• Company Registration: The firm must be legally registered and operational in India for a minimum of 5 years, providing evidence of incorporation or registration.
• Experience in Similar Projects: Demonstrated experience in conducting large-scale household surveys in at least 5 projects of similar scope or larger within the past 3 years. Familiarity with the state of Odisha and its local languages will be advantageous.
• Required Experience: Proven experience in survey design, data collection (including CAPI/ODK tools), data cleaning, quality control, and data validation. Experience working with government departments or international organizations is preferred.
• Financial Capacity: The firm should have an average turnover of at least 1 crore in the past 3 financial years, with audited financial statements to be provided.

Educational Background:
While specific educational qualifications are not explicitly stated, it is implied that the consulting firm should have a team with relevant expertise in social sciences, data analysis, and survey methodologies. The lead consultant should ideally possess advanced degrees in fields related to agriculture, gender studies, or public policy, which would enhance the firm's capability to conduct the survey effectively.

Experience:
The consulting firm should have substantial experience in conducting household surveys, particularly in the context of agricultural policies and gender issues. Experience in managing large-scale data collection efforts and familiarity with the local context of Odisha will be critical for the success of this project. The firm should also demonstrate a history of working with government entities or international research organizations, which will be beneficial for navigating the complexities of the survey environment.

Languages:
The primary language for the survey will be English, but proficiency in local languages and dialects of Odisha is essential for effective communication with respondents. This linguistic capability will facilitate better engagement with the community and ensure accurate data collection.

Additional Notes:
The contract period for this engagement will be from August 01, 2026, to November 30, 202

• The consulting firm will be required to submit a detailed budget proposal along with the application. Payment will be subject to Indian Income Tax deductions at source by IFPRI-SAR. The firm must also adhere to ethical standards regarding data privacy and confidentiality throughout the survey process. Interested firms are encouraged to apply within 15 days of the publication of this advertisement.