ROLE:

The senior qualitative researcher is a senior-level position within the organisation. This role is pivotal in strengthening our qualitative research and evaluation methodologies and capabilities. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in project management and a deep understanding of qualitative research and evaluation design and methodologies. The candidate should have experience in implementing Theory-Based Evaluations,including using contribution analysis, Most Significant Change (MSC) technique, outcome harvesting, and other advanced qualitative methods. You should have extensive experience in designing, conducting, and disseminating qualitative research, including conducting, in-depth interviews, focus groups, and thematic analysis. You should be familiar with management consulting and adept at responding to Request for Proposals (RFPs) or Terms of Reference (TORs). Experience in research/evaluations for organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Global Fund, and UN organizations would be advantageous.

The work will be delivered through:

• Well-managed consulting projects
• Designing, conducting, and disseminating robust programme evaluations
• Ensuring effective working relationships within teams and with clients
• Growing the client base through developing a network of appropriate relationships

LOCATION: South Africa, Nairobi or Nigeria. (You should have the legal right to work and live in the location).

KEY INITIATIVES AND PERFORMANCE MEASURES:

• Manage projects, generate sound advice, and provide quality assistance to clients.
• Support project teams in developing qualitative research frameworks.
• Design and develop qualitative research protocols and tools, including discussion guides and interview protocols.
• Lead in collecting, analyzing, synthesizing, and reporting high-quality qualitative data. Demonstrated proficiency in using qualitative analysis software such as Atlas.ti, Dedoose, NVivo, or similar platforms is essential for effective data management and analysis.
• Apply for and obtain Institutional Review Board (IRB) ethics approval for research studies.
• Work with stakeholders to review and monitor project-based evaluation and learning plans.
• Mentor junior consultants in qualitative research methods, including training in the use of qualitative analysis software.
• Prepare well-structured project documents and proposals using MS Word and MS PowerPoint.
• Contribute to new business development with a focus on qualitative research components.
• Negotiate with clients and build company intellectual property.
• Stay updated with industry developments in qualitative research.
• Demonstrate exceptional writing skills, including preparing and publishing articles in peer-reviewed journals, presenting findings at conferences, and developing conference papers and presentations. Ensure that research outputs meet high academic standards and are suitable for top-tier publications and conferences.

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND PERSONAL COMPETENCIES:

• Strong academic background – Minimum of a Postgraduate degree in Social Sciences, Public Health, Anthropology, Sociology, or a related field. A Master’s Degree is desirable.
• 4 – 5 years of experience in management consulting or relevant public health research and evaluation
• Expertise in qualitative research and evaluation design
• Expertise in qualitative research and evaluation methodologies, including contribution analysis, outcome harvesting and the most significant change approach
• Desirable: Relevant experience includes public health research, evaluation, learning, knowledge management, health systems strengthening, AGYW, HIV prevention, SRHR, and behavioural sciences (SBCC)
• Entrepreneurial in nature- proactive self-starter who is able to be assertive. A confident networker with strong relationship management skills
• Ability to work as part of a multicultural team – build teams and foster collaboration to achieve project goals, meet milestones and produce high-quality deliverables
• High level of organisation, attention to detail, professionalism and reliability.
• Ability to prioritise and manage work in a fast-paced environment across multiple projects and work streams with competing time/ resource demands
• Proficiency in qualitative data analysis software (e.g., Dedoose, Atlas Ti)
• Excellent communication and writing skills in English
• Proficiency in French is advantageous for this role