Qualitative Researcher

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all qualified candidates, irrespective of nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, gender identity and sexual orientation, as well as persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. UNICEF’s office is accessible to a certain extent, and employees are entitled to reasonable accommodations that are needed for ensuring equitable working conditions.

UNICEF Strategic Plan aims to contribute to the national efforts to progressively fulfil the rights of all children in Serbia, especially the most disadvantaged and excluded ones, and enable them to develop to their full potential in an inclusive and protective society respectful of their voices. The country programme is focused on: (a) young child health and wellbeing; (b) quality and inclusive pre-university education, including early childhood education and care (ECEC); (c) child protection; (d) young people development and (e) social policy, public financing and child rights monitoring.

Serbia is one of the few countries in which all six rounds of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), a nationally representative and globally recognised survey on the situation of children and women, were implemented. The third (2005), fourth (2010), fifth (2014) and sixth (2019) round of MICS included two surveys – the first representative at the national level and the second representative for population from Roma settlements – to close the data gap for this very vulnerable population group. Implementation of all rounds of MICS allows observation of trends in the selected areas. More specifically, the trends in MICS research indicated the significant progress in the mortality and immunization coverage outcomes in Roma, while some other have stagnated, such as growth or exclusive breastfeeding.

The MICS and other evidence generation initiatives by UNICEF in Serbia give rise to a number of research questions that require further enquiry. UNICEF will seek over the coming period to explore several such areas through qualitative methodologies that are focused on attribution of development impact.

Work Assignment Overview:

The purpose of this consultancy is to support data collection through qualitative research in the field, including in marginalized communities and households, in alignment with UNICEF ethical standards. Data collection would be carried out with guidance from an internationally contracted company or research entity. The focus will be on documenting the attribution of health mediators on the Roma child health, nutrition and wellbeing, with the focus on immunisation.

Duration of the assignment: November 2022 – March 2023 (up to 30 working days, remote work)

Task description:

1. Background reading of methodological approach and attendance of training organized by the institutional contractor,
2. Review, comment and complement the study protocol, and compile research tools (interview guides, consent forms etc.), quality control and monitoring plans for data collection, etc.,
3. Lead on development of detailed data collection work plan based on the selected methodology, which outlines key milestone activities and timeframe for a) preparatory work for starting field research including piloting of the data collection instrument, b) data collection, and c) data processing,
4. Lead on the piloting of the research tool and finalization of the interview guides, to include visits to the field. Consider other aspects of study implementation such as logistics, finance matters, data processing and data analysis,
5. Perform data collection as per the study protocol - collect data through recorded, confidential semi-structured interviews and field observation as per the study protocol. Audio record and take notes of or transcribe the interviews,
6. Support data processing, initial coding and initial analysis for the study, in consultation with the institutional contractor.

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

• Master’s degree in social sciences. PhD is an asset.
• At least 2 years of experience in fieldwork management, data-collection and analysis.
• Experience of working with projects and interventions targeting vulnerable groups. Experience in working with Roma community is an asset.
• Ability to work independently.
• Published articles in national and international peer-reviewed journals is an asset.
• Excellent analytical, inter-personal, communication and writing skills.
• Fieldwork multi-tasking skills, including succinct note-taking in distractive environments.
• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken Serbian and English language.

How to apply:

The application must include a financial proposal in RSD as a separate document, providing the following information:

1. Daily rate (all inclusive, e.g. health insurance, usage of mobile phone),
2. Daily travel allowance for an overnight stay in Serbia (including accommodation),
3. Transportation costs per km (for travel within Serbia).

Important notes:

Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.

For every child, you must demonstrate UNICEF's core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.