Consultant for Qualitative Fieldwork on Small-Scale Irrigation Technology

Job Posting Organization:
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is a research organization established in 1975, dedicated to providing research-based policy solutions to sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition. IFPRI operates in over 40 countries and employs a diverse team of researchers and support staff, working collaboratively with various stakeholders to influence policies and practices that improve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and nutrition globally.

Job Overview:
The consultant will conduct qualitative fieldwork focusing on Key Informant Interviews (KII) and Gendered Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) to explore the access, use, and financing of Small-Scale Irrigation Technology in Kenya. This role is crucial as it aims to identify barriers faced by smallholder farmers, particularly women, in adopting irrigation technologies. The consultant will engage with various stakeholders to gather insights that will inform strategies to enhance the adoption of irrigation practices, thereby stabilizing food production amidst climate challenges. The study will be implemented in selected counties with high irrigation potential, and the findings will contribute to understanding the dynamics of irrigation technology adoption and the specific needs of women and men farmers.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identify and compile a list of Key Informants related to gender and irrigation practices.
• Assist in finalizing the Key Informant Protocol and Focus Group Discussion Protocol to ensure they are comprehensive and culturally appropriate.
• Translate consent forms and interview protocols into the local language to facilitate effective communication.
• Conduct approximately 15 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) to gather qualitative data from stakeholders.
• Implement 16 FGDs, ensuring a balanced representation of women and men participants.
• Provide verbatim translations of KIIs and FGDs transcripts to maintain the integrity of the data collected.
• Analyze the data to develop key themes emerging from the KIIs and FGDs.
• Draft a comprehensive report in English summarizing the findings and insights gathered from the fieldwork.
• Solicit feedback on the draft report from IFPRI and incorporate the comments received to enhance the quality of the final report. 1
• Produce a polished final draft report that reflects the findings and recommendations based on the qualitative study.

Required Qualifications:
For individuals, the following qualifications are required:

• Must be based in Kenya to facilitate fieldwork and engagement with local stakeholders.
• Strong English writing skills to effectively communicate findings and insights.
• A Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field such as social sciences, agricultural studies, or gender studies.
• Proven experience in conducting gendered analyses to understand the dynamics affecting women and men in agriculture.
• Demonstrated ability to draft comprehensive reports in English based on qualitative research.
• At least 5 years of experience in designing and implementing qualitative fieldwork in Kenya, showcasing a strong understanding of local contexts.
• A track record of successfully completing studies within set timelines, demonstrating reliability and professionalism.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field. This could include disciplines such as social sciences, agricultural economics, gender studies, or any related field that equips the individual with the necessary analytical and research skills to conduct qualitative studies effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in qualitative research, specifically in designing and implementing fieldwork in Kenya. Candidates should have a strong background in conducting gendered analyses and should be familiar with the challenges and opportunities related to small-scale irrigation technologies in the region.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, particularly in writing, as the consultant will be required to draft reports and communicate findings. Knowledge of local languages may be beneficial for conducting interviews and FGDs, but it is not explicitly stated as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration is set for three months following the receipt of a fully signed contract. This position is intended for individuals or firms based in Kenya, and applications must include a CV, a writing sample of a completed qualitative study, and a cover letter detailing relevant experience. For firms, a technical and financial proposal is required, including CVs of technical staff and a detailed budget. The application process emphasizes the importance of including a daily rate and costs for enumerators who will be hired separately by IFPRI. It is noted that only selected candidates will be contacted, indicating a competitive selection process.