Call for a Lead Researcher to conduct a Baseline Study for Amplifying Women’s Voices in Covid-19 Response Project

Deadline: 20 January 2021 (6pm)

Location: Hwange District, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe

Project Areas: Jambezi, Chidobe, Chewumba

Duration of Contract: 30 Working Days

Start Date: 01 February 2021

About Youth Invest

Youth Invest (YI) is a pro-youth and feminist-oriented organisation promoting the participation of women and youth in Hwange Rural districts and in Zimbabwe’s broader socio-political, cultural, and economic development. YI conducts community mobilization and advancement of Economic, Social and Cultural (ECOSOC) rights of youth and women through knowledge management and capacity building on: a) Business Leadership and Entrepreneurship, b) Human Rights and Democracy, c) Poverty and Sustainable Livelihoods and d) Gender Equity.

Project Summary

YI is implementing Amplifying Women’s Voices in COVID-19 Response project which seeks to cascade values of democratic systems to communities at grassroots level. Through its thrust on evidence-based advocacy, credible research and use of mainstream and new media, the project tackles the issues of diminishing human rights due to increased securitisation and constitutional reversals in Zimbabwe in dealing with COVID-19 pandemic. The project strategically positions Matabeleland North women to speak out against decades of marginalization and consequent women’s rights abuses. Through advocating for a gendered COVID-19 response, the women will be strengthening their voice against corruption.

The project seeks to influence positive attitude change within Hwange Rural District citizens, and position women as strategic custodians for transparency, justice and integrity. The focus on rural-based women is aimed at implementing catalytic and context-specific interventions. Through working towards a gender-responsive COVID-19 response the project amplifies the rights of the marginalized and uplifts communities during crisis times where democracies are threatened.

Terms of Reference

The Lead Research Consultant will lead and oversee the implementation of the two components of the Baseline Study: Research and Validation Meeting.

Develop the Methodology of the Baseline Study; Translate data collection tools into IsiNdebele, Nambya and Tonga languages; Conduct a pilot survey and revise the data collection tools based on the findings of the pilot survey; Conduct Baseline Study; Collect and analyse data.

Deliverables

One Baseline Study Report capturing key variables: data collected and organised; analysis of opinions and data to solve problems and predict community trends; Baseline Report Booklet

Qualifications

A minimum of a Bachelors’ Degree in Development Studies, Sociology, Psychology, Gender Studies and any other relevant programmes. A Master’s Degree is an added advantage; Demonstrable experience in statistics and research methodologies; Excellent writing and communication skills; Strong analytical skills and creative thinking; Primary and secondary proficiency in IsiNdebele, Nambya and Tonga is a distinct advantage; Primary proficiency in English required; Youth and women from Hwange District are encouraged to apply.