Zimbabwe: Researcher, Rooted in Trust

Internews is seeking a candidate for the position of Researcher, who will manage the implementation of an Information Ecosystem Assessment (IEA) in Zimbabwe. The Researcher will have a strong focus on how vulnerable and marginalized groups communicate to access information about COVID-19 related issues and how their use of online media intersects with their use of traditional media and other sources. Research activities will include desk research, social media monitoring, Key Informant Interviews, Focus Group Discussions, surveys, capacity assessment interviews and field observations. The Report will help to inform public health and humanitarian response agencies to better communicate key messages to the at-risk population. 

Day-to-day tasks:

• Work with the Lead Researcher and Project Manager to design the research activities;
• Adapt research tools to the local context;
• Coordinate with partner organizations to provide training to ensure quality data collection practices;
• Clean, collate and analyze data collected by staff and partner organizations;
• Conduct key informant interviews with community leaders, influencers, public health and humanitarian agency officials, media representatives and others;
• Identify information flows, uses, popular platforms, trusted actors, and how information on the virus is produced, distributed and accessed;
• Write the content of the report in a clear and consistent manner;
• Generate graphs or other engaging content to display data;
• Present the findings in a variety of formats to suit different audiences, including delivering research findings back to the target community through events or resources;
• Collaborate with key informants to identify further areas of research;
• Deliver regular reporting to the project team;
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisors;
• Understanding of and demonstrated commitment to upholding Internews’ Core Values.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Strong Monitoring and Evaluation, Research and Learning background, especially using a mix of qualitative and quantitative, observational and participatory data collection and analysis methods, working in complex, humanitarian contexts;
• Master’s degree in social sciences, international development, evaluation, or a related field
• At least 5 years’ experience conducting research;
• Experience researching information preferences and barriers, media dynamics or risk communication;
• Fluency in spoken and written English;
• Excellent intercultural communication skills/cultural sensitivity and the ability to forge strong cross-cultural relationships and build trust demonstrated through previous experience;
• Strong co-design facilitation, presentation, writing and communication skills;
• Familiarity with the latest literature on mis- and disinformation, trust and related research emerging from political, social and communication science;
• Strong understanding of the humanitarian principles to ensure data collection and provision follows the Core Humanitarian Standards;
• Relevant experience working with data collection and analysis software, including Kobo Toolbox or similar software;

Preferred:

Note: Candidates who do not have these preferred qualifications, but are interested and willing to learn, are encouraged to apply.

• Data visualization skills and knowledge of relevant software to produce infographics is a plus
• Knowledge of more than one local language is a strong plus
• Self-motivated and used to work in a fast-paced environment
• Fluency in Ndebele, Shona and other minority languages spoken in Southern Zimbabwe is a distinct advantage
• Awareness of, and familiarity with, the issues and dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic and/or other health crises in humanitarian contexts is a strong asset

This is a remote-first position. The ideal candidate is based in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The candidate must have work authorization in a location that does not require sponsorship from Internews. To apply please click here.