IRC Research Consultant Job in Kenya

Research Consultant 

IRC - University of Nairobi Partnership for Education in Emergencies

Closing date:  18 Dec 2012

International Rescue Committee

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. 

Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster.

 At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.

Background: 

In 2009, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and the University of Nairobi (UoN) partnered to develop a new regional Education in Emergencies initiative in Nairobi, Kenya. 

The primary focus of Phase I of this partnership entailed developing a Specialization in Education in Emergencies (EiE) within the existing Master of Education degree program offered by the School of Education at the University of Nairobi. 

From 2009-2012, University of Nairobi faculty were involved in numerous curriculum development and capacity building activities, including field visits, training workshops on EiE topics and practice teaching, among others. Students have been enrolling in the EiE specialization since October 2010 and the first cohort of students graduated in August 2012.

Phase II of this project and partnership now calls for the University of Nairobi EiE faculty to engage in a relevant research project through which they will strengthen their methodological skills, enhance their expertise as researchers and scholars and contribute to the evidence base of the growing field of education in emergencies.

Objectives: 

To support this work the IRC is seeking a Research Consultant to work closely with the UoN faculty through the research design process, including publication of research study in a peer-reviewed or other acceptable publication as per University of Nairobi’s policies for recognizing and promoting faculty. 

Consultants will engage in a scope of work that includes up to five trips to Nairobi to work with UoN faculty, including 1-2 site visits to carry out study, collect data, etc. once an appropriate research venue is identified.

Requirements:

• Develop a workshop training series, including sessions on identifying/refining a research question, qualitative and quantitative research methods and data collection, data analysis and writing for publication
• Plan two research site visits and accompany faculty to collect data and begin preliminary analysis (project staff will provide assistance linking with potential programs and sites within IRC and/or with other organizations)
• Work with faculty to finalize research plans and provide constructive and detailed feedback on draft interview protocols, coding schema, data findings and publication drafts
• Participate on conference panel to co-present findings at the Comparative and International Education Society’s annual meeting or other appropriate venue (2013 or 2014, pending timing of research project and available funding)

Note: 

All members of the EiE faculty cohort (4-6 members total) will participate in the research project; however, the research consultant will work closely with and mentor 2-3 through the publication stage. 

Additional faculty members from the School of Education may also be invited to participate in the on-campus workshops when appropriate.

Deliverables:

• Research training guide and related materials for 3-5 training sessions
• Research proposal/concept note to share with partner/hosting organizations
• Research tools for data collection (e.g. interview protocols, surveys, questionnaires)
• Data collected from field visits and coding scheme co-created for data analysis
• Evaluation report (or equivalent) on research program/site for hosting organization
• Draft publications prepared for submission in collaboration with UoN faculty

Schedule/Timeline: 

The work for this research consultancy must be completed, including faculty members’ submission of article drafts for publication and support for revisions, between now and June 2014.

Proposed Timeline (may need to be revised in accordance with UoN semester and teaching responsibilities):

• Workshop 1: Identifying research question, qualitative and quantitative research methods o Timeline A: November 2012 - Timeline B: January 2013
• Workshop 2: Data Collection + 1st Field Visit o Timeline A: January/February 2013 - Timeline B: March 2013
• 2nd Field Visit (if needed) and Workshop 3: Data Analysis o Timeline A: May/June 2013- Timeline B: June/July 2013
• Workshop 4: Final Analysis and Writing o Timeline A: September/October 2013 - Timeline B: October/November 2013
• Workshop 5: Preparing Final Drafts o Timeline A: January 2014 - Timeline B: January 2014

Payment Info/Schedule: 

• Commensurate with experience. 
• The consultant will be paid a flat fee (to be finalized after offer is made) upon deliverables, disbursed in 4 installments. 
• Travel and other business expenses are reimbursable and/or will be covered in advance when possible (airfare/hotel during site visits).

Deliverables

• Workshop sessions 1 and 2 and 1st field visit conducted
• 2nd field visit conducted
• Workshop sessions 3 and 4 conducted
• Final workshop session 5 conducted, including publication drafts

Requirements
Qualified candidates will have a:

• Ph.D. or Ed.D. in education or related field (required)
• Established research and scholarship record
• Previous experience on Education in Emergencies
• Previous experience carrying out field work in Sub-Saharan Africa

How to apply:

Please submit a CV, cover letter and preliminary scope of work and schedule (including # of days anticipated for key activities) for carrying out the activities mentioned above.

Please apply online, http://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH02/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=IRC&cws=1&r... , as well as direct application materials and/or questions about this consultancy to Mary Mendenhall, Project Director, at mary.mendenhall@rescue.org.