Baseline Quantitative Data Collection Firm

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), which is dedicated to providing research-based policy solutions to sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition. Established in 1975, IFPRI operates in over 40 countries and employs a diverse team of researchers, policy analysts, and support staff. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and international organizations, to improve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and nutrition through evidence-based research and policy recommendations. IFPRI's mission is to provide evidence-based solutions to end hunger and malnutrition, and it aims to achieve this through innovative research and partnerships that address the challenges of food systems and agricultural development.

Job Overview:
The position involves conducting baseline quantitative household surveys as part of an assessment of the integration of the Gender Transformative Mechanism (GTM) into the Participatory Agriculture and Climate Transformation (PACT) programme in Ethiopia. The selected firm will be responsible for coordinating and executing surveys with approximately 2100 households across 104 landscapes in 52 woredas in the Amhara and Oromia regions. The firm will assess various outcomes related to the PACT-GTM interventions, including participation in training, adoption of climate-smart practices, access to climate finance, and changes in gender equality and women's empowerment. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of the local context, effective communication with stakeholders, and the ability to manage a large field team to ensure successful data collection and analysis.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The firm will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including obtaining necessary ethics clearance and research permits, translating survey instruments into local languages, conducting pretests, and collecting data using Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) on tablets. The firm will also develop a field implementation manual, hire and train enumerators, and ensure that data collection adheres to quality assurance protocols. Additionally, the firm will be responsible for logistical arrangements, conducting household listings in control landscapes, and maintaining regular communication with the IFPRI team regarding survey progress. The firm must also ensure timely data cleaning and submission of cleaned datasets, along with a data collection report detailing the processes followed during the survey.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate significant experience conducting surveys in the Amhara and Oromia regions within the last five years, particularly in conflict-affected areas. They should possess expert knowledge of the local context and languages, with written and spoken proficiency in Amharic and Oromiffa being essential. Experience in conducting survey-related trainings, managing large field teams, and building relationships with local communities and authorities is also required. Strong program management skills, excellent computer proficiency, and familiarity with CAPI and statistical software packages are necessary. Additionally, candidates should have experience in obtaining local ethics review and permits for research activities.

Educational Background:
While specific educational qualifications are not explicitly stated, it is implied that candidates should possess relevant academic backgrounds in fields such as social sciences, agricultural studies, or related disciplines that support the execution of quantitative surveys and data analysis.

Experience:
The position requires a firm with a proven track record of conducting quantitative surveys, particularly in the context of agriculture and gender issues. Experience in managing field teams and overcoming challenges in data collection in rural and potentially conflict-affected areas is crucial. The firm should also have experience in coordinating large-scale surveys and ensuring the quality and reliability of data collected.

Languages:
Proficiency in Amharic and Oromiffa is mandatory for this position, as the surveys will be conducted in these languages to ensure effective communication with respondents. Knowledge of additional local languages may be considered an asset, but the primary requirement is fluency in the aforementioned languages to facilitate accurate data collection and interaction with the local population.

Additional Notes:
This position is specifically open to firms, and the application process requires submission of a letter of interest, a technical proposal detailing prior experience and team composition, and a comprehensive budget. The deadline for applications is set for March 10, 202

• It is important to note that only selected applicants will be contacted, and the organization is unable to respond to every applicant individually. The role is expected to involve full-time commitment during the data collection phase, and firms should be prepared to manage logistics and field operations effectively.