8 Data Collection Jobs – Qualitative Research Assistants – MEARL Hub Afrika (MHA)

Job Title:  Qualitative Research Assistants (8 Data Collection Jobs)

Organisation: MEARL Hub Afrika (MHA)

Duty Station: Uganda: Acholi (Amuru, Agago) and West Nile (Yumbe, Nebbi)

South Sudan: Wau

Burundi: Bujumbura, Cibitoke, Gitega, Makamba

DR Congo: Beni, Uvira, Fizi Territories

About Organisation:

MEARL HUB AFRIKA (MHA) is a pioneering social enterprise and research organization committed to unlocking Africa’s potential through data-driven insights. Our work empowers governments, organizations, institutions, and communities with cutting-edge Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, Research, and Learning (MEARL) solutions. By transforming data into actionable insights, we drive sustainable development, informed decision-making, and lasting social impact across the continent.

About the Baseline Study

MEARL Hub Afrika (MHA) has been contracted to conduct a qualitative country level baseline study for The Peace Project across Uganda, South Sudan, Burundi, and DR Congo. This study focuses on the Convictions and Connections pathways of the project’s Theory of Change (ToC) to explore the social, cultural, and structural factors influencing peacebuilding and social cohesion.

Objectives of the Baseline study

• Assess harmful convictions that drive mistrust, hate, and violence within target communities and understand how these beliefs are sustained or countered.
• Examine intergroup trust and relationships, identifying how dialogue, joint problem-solving, and inter-community collaboration contribute to social cohesion.
• Establish baseline values for key qualitative indicators related to social cohesion, trust, and peacebuilding interventions.
• Provide recommendations for strengthening peacebuilding strategies, ensuring alignment with The Peace Project’s long-term goals.

Job Summary:   The baseline will employ Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIls), Participatory Mapping, and Ethnographic Observation to generate rich, context-specific insights into peacebuilding dynamics, intergroup perceptions, and local efforts to foster social cohesion. Findings will help refine programming, policy engagement, and future evaluations within The Peace Project. We are seeking two (2) highly qualified female qualitative research assistants per country (8 total) to support field data collection, transcription, and initial thematic organization of qualitative insights. The assistants will be responsible for facilitating FGDs, participatory mapping exercises, conducting Kils and documenting observation notes in their respective regions, ensuring cultural and linguistic appropriateness.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct FGDs and KIls using structured qualitative research tools.
• Facilitate participatory mapping exercises with community members.
• Record/Note take, transcribe, and translate interviews and discussions accurately (where needed).
• Conduct ethnographic observations, documenting key social interactions, peacebuilding efforts, and community dynamics.
• Ensure ethical research standards, including informed consent, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity.
• Collaborate closely with the country consultant, local partners and the community.

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