Mali: Researcher, Rooted in Trust

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Country: Mali

Organization: Internews Network

Closing date: 2 Oct 2021

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The Rooted in Trust project works to combat COVID-19 rumors and misinformation in Afghanistan, Lebanon, Iraq, Zimbabwe, Colombia, Brazil, Mali, DRC, Sudan and South Sudan. We work to create impact at the local level and inform approaches to rumor management at the global level. The project is supported by a Global Technical Advisory team made up of media, humanitarian, data science and information management experts.

In Phase I of the project, we collected more than 19 thousand rumors in 14 languages and supported more than 30 local trusted information providers. In this critical phase of the pandemic, we will build on these efforts to listen and respond to the information challenges faced by vulnerable groups in humanitarian contexts, encouraging open dialogue between citizens and scientists and stronger and more collaborative partnerships between information providers (such as local media) and humanitarian and health sources.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Researcher will manage the implementation of research activities in Mali. 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 include desk research, social media monitoring, Key Informant Interviews, Focus Group Discussions, surveys, capacity assessment interviews and field observations. The research will help to inform public health and humanitarian response agencies to better communicate key messages to the at-risk population.

LOGISTICS

This is a remote-first position. The ideal candidate is based in Mali; however, remote candidates based elsewhere will also be considered. You must have work authorization in your location that does not require sponsorship from Internews.

Wherever possible, we work to try to find solutions for international hiring that work for both the company and the candidate. This means that some of the particulars around the offer for a role will be dependent on several factors, and that the benefits and salary structure that apply to a position will ultimately be based upon the candidate's location and where the role is hired.

OUR COMMITMENT TO FOSTERING A CULTURE OF BELONGING

We are an organization of dynamic, mission-driven individuals who are passionate about our core values and about supporting positive change in the world. We pride ourselves on our commitment to innovation and flexibility. We believe that diverse teams are strong teams and work to support an ethic of belonging, dignity and justice for all people. Our current team includes a mix of genders, parents and non-parents, and people of multiple races, nationalities, ages, sexual orientations and socioeconomic backgrounds. We are an EEO employer and encourage candidates of all races, genders, ages, orientations, ethnicities, and national origins to apply, and welcome those with alternative backgrounds and experiences.

DAY-TO-DAY TASKS will include:

• Work with the Lead Researcher, Social Scientist and Project Manager to design 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;
• Contribute to the writing of the final report;
• Generate graphs or other engaging content to display data;
• Deliver regular reporting to the project team;
• Perform any other duties as assigned by supervisors; and

• Understanding of and demonstrated commitment to upholding Internews' Core Values. QUALIFICATIONS WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Strong Monitoring and Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) background, especially using a mix of qualitative and quantitative, observational 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 project/program impact evaluation

• Fluency in spoken and written French and English

• Fluency in other local languages an advantage (e.g., Bambara, Puehl, and/or Dogon)

• 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 research on mis- and disinformation, trust and related research emerging from political, social and communication sciences

• Strong understanding of the humanitarian principles to ensure data collection and provision follow the Core Humanitarian Standards

• Relevant experience working with data collection and analysis software, including Kobo Toolbox or similar**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 a plus
• Strong software skills to ensure proper design and layout of the regular reports
• Self-motivated and used to work in a fast-paced environment

Note: This position is posted in a High Physical Risk location. Conditions in the field may include, but are not limited to, the following: compound living quarters, limited mobility outside of designated areas, limited in-country medical care or pharmacy, limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables, limited access to high-speed internet, dress code requirements, unaccompanied posting, and required advanced safety and security training. If selected for an interview for this position, ensure you discuss specifics of living and working in this unique operating environment and consider them at length during the recruitment process.

How to apply:

To apply, please submit CV and optionally a cover letter via our Careers page.

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