Survey Firm for Quick Baseline Survey of Farmers

Job Posting Organization:
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is a research center that aims to provide evidence-based solutions for ending hunger and poverty. Established in 1975, IFPRI operates in over 40 countries and employs a diverse team of researchers and support staff dedicated to improving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and nutrition. The organization focuses on policy-oriented research and works closely with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to implement effective agricultural policies and practices.

Job Overview:
The position involves conducting a quick baseline survey of farmers in Eastern Uttar Pradesh to assess the impact of delayed monsoon onset on rice transplantation timing. The survey aims to gather real-time data from 3,000 farmers across 40 villages in the Azamgarh and Ghazipur districts. This initiative is crucial as it seeks to fill the existing data gap regarding farmers' responses to drought conditions and their coping mechanisms. The survey will utilize a lean instrument with fewer than 10 questions to ensure minimal burden on respondents while collecting essential data. The collected data will be used to understand the effects of delayed monsoon on agricultural productivity and inform future agricultural policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The survey firm will be responsible for administering a short in-person survey to 3,000 rice farmers across the designated villages. This includes selecting the villages in collaboration with IFPRI, conducting the surveys using Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI), and ensuring the data is shared with IFPRI within 14 days of the survey's commencement. The firm must also ensure quality control by backchecking a minimum of 10% of the interviews to verify accuracy and authenticity. Additionally, the firm will need to prepare and deliver clean, digitized baseline data, a codebook, and a field note summarizing any deviations from the sampling plan. The firm will also be expected to facilitate follow-up calls with consenting farmers throughout the Kharif season, although this may be contracted separately.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must demonstrate a proven track record of conducting large-sample farmer surveys in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in the eastern region. The firm should have the capacity to deploy a sufficient number of trained enumerators to complete the required interviews within the specified timeframe. Experience with CAPI-based data collection is essential, as is the ability to share data in real-time with IFPRI. The firm must also have supervisory staff capable of meeting the backcheck requirements and possess local familiarity with the Azamgarh and Ghazipur districts to navigate the compressed timeline effectively.

Educational Background:
While specific educational qualifications are not explicitly stated, it is implied that the firm should have a strong background in agricultural research, survey methodology, and data analysis. The lead consultant's CV should reflect relevant experience and expertise in conducting agricultural surveys and familiarity with the local context.

Experience:
The position requires firms with established experience in conducting agricultural household surveys, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. A history of managing large-scale surveys and familiarity with the local agricultural landscape is crucial for success in this role. The firm should also demonstrate the ability to manage a team of enumerators effectively and ensure high-quality data collection within tight deadlines.

Languages:
While specific language requirements are not mentioned, proficiency in Hindi and English is likely necessary for effective communication with farmers and stakeholders in the region. Familiarity with local dialects may also be beneficial for engaging with the farming community.

Additional Notes:
The advertisement does not specify the contract duration or seniority level, but it is implied that the position is project-based and may involve full-time commitment during the survey period. Compensation details are not provided, but interested firms are encouraged to submit a detailed budget proposal along with their application. The recruitment appears to be open to both national and international firms, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.