Consultant firm for Data collection on Understanding food losses among beans producers in Rwanda

Job Posting Organization:
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is a research institution that aims to provide evidence-based solutions to reduce hunger and improve 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 researchers and experts dedicated to addressing global food policy challenges. The organization collaborates with various partners, including governments, NGOs, and private sector entities, to strengthen food systems and promote sustainable agricultural practices. IFPRI's mission is to provide policy solutions that help improve food security and nutrition, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The position involves conducting a follow-up study to assess food losses among beans producers in Rwanda, building on a baseline survey conducted in May-June 202

• The consultant will be responsible for tracking and managing a sample of 686 beans producers across five provinces, implementing a structured tracking protocol, and ensuring accurate data collection. The role requires developing a detailed fieldwork plan, translating the survey questionnaire into local languages, and administering the survey using tablets. The consultant will also be tasked with ensuring data quality through daily checks and maintaining oversight during fieldwork. This research is crucial for understanding the extent of food losses and informing public policy debates aimed at reducing these losses in Rwanda.

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

• Sample Tracking and Management: Tracking and locating the original baseline sample of beans producers, implementing a structured tracking protocol with multiple contact attempts, and documenting all contact attempts and outcomes.
• Survey Preparation and Data Collection: Developing a fieldwork plan and timeline, translating the survey questionnaire into local languages, programming and administering the questionnaire on tablets, and providing feedback to IFPRI on questionnaire clarity.
• Data Quality Assurance: Implementing daily data quality checks, capturing GPS coordinates during visits, maintaining supervisor oversight, and ensuring consent procedures are consistently applied.
• Deliverables: Preparing a plan and timeline for data collection, providing a cleaned dataset for completed interviews, and submitting a final technical report detailing fieldwork outcomes, completion rates, and key indicators.

Required Qualifications:
The consultant or survey team leader must possess at least five years of professional experience in implementing surveys, particularly in the agricultural sector of Rwanda. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for building trust with interviewees and communities. The candidate should demonstrate a proven track record of successful survey implementation and data collection, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
While specific educational qualifications are not explicitly stated, a background in social sciences, agricultural studies, or a related field is likely preferred. Advanced degrees may be advantageous, particularly for roles involving data analysis and survey methodology.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in survey implementation, particularly in agricultural contexts. Experience in managing field teams, conducting interviews, and ensuring data quality is crucial for this role. Familiarity with the local agricultural landscape and community dynamics in Rwanda will be beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in Kinyarwanda or other local languages is highly desirable to facilitate effective communication with survey participants and ensure accurate data collection.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration is tied to the timeline of the survey project, with proposals due by March 10, 202

• The position is likely to be full-time during the data collection phase, and the consultant will be expected to work closely with IFPRI and local stakeholders. Compensation details will be outlined in the financial proposal submitted by interested firms.