Researchers, Information Ecosystem Assessment At Internews Network

ABOUT THE PROJECT

In Internews’ nearly 30 years in Ukraine and the region, we have built trusted and wide-reaching relationships with local media support organizations. We have well-tested Humanitarian resources and approaches to support two-way communication systems with communities on the move to provide lifesaving, coordinated and verified information for vulnerable populations’ access to services and protection.

Internews believes that an information response leveraging trusted local media, digital content creators and information influencers, working in preferred languages and with locally owned and locally led community engagement strategies, is key to an effective information response.

Internews is looking to create a series of Information Ecosystem Assessments in Romania, Moldova, Poland, Hungary and Slovakia to support individuals fleeing the invasion of Ukraine and those supporting them (including refugees, third country nationals, aid workers, volunteers and host communities). This research will better equip affected communities and responders with current community information needs and preferences, as well as understanding barriers they may face to accessing useful and trustworthy

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The five Researchers will manage the implementation of an Information Ecosystem Assessment in Romania, Moldova, Poland, Hungary or Slovakia. These assessments are likely to run concurrently, and we are seeking applications from researchers who are interested in contributing to one of the five above-mentioned countries. Research teams who have the capacity to respond to more than one country are welcome to apply with the countries of interest listed clearly in the application.

Reporting to the Lead Researcher and collaborating with local partners and a small research team, the Researcher will use predominantly qualitative research methods to understand how refugees from Ukraine communicate and access information to support informed decision making and how the host community is currently receiving information about the refugee response and the services available to them. The research will map information sources, behaviors, preferences, and barriers. Research activities will include desk research, social and media monitoring, Key Informant Interviews, Focus Group Discussions, surveys and field observations.

LOGISTICS

This short-term consultancy will be based at-post in one of the five focal countries, and has an expected duration of 3-4 months. You must have work authorization in your location that does not require sponsorship from Internews.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so interested candidates are encouraged to apply soon.

This is a limited term consultancy, with an expected end date in August/September 2022.

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.

SCOPE OF WORK:

Lead research activities in your assigned country and collaborate with the Lead Researcher, partners, and research team to adapt Information Ecosystem Assessment research tools to the local context and research timeline;
Train partner organizations and research assistants to ensure consistent quality data collection practices;
Conduct key informant interviews with (for example) community leaders, influencers, volunteer and humanitarian agency officials, media representatives and others;
Identify information flows, uses, popular platforms, trusted providers, and how information on refugee services in produced, distributed, and accessed;
Clean, collate and analyze data collected by staff and partner organizations;
Write the content of the report in a clear and consistent manner and work the Lead Researcher and Humanitarian Team to finalize content;
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 and collaborate with the wider project team;
Other activities as assigned by supervisors; and
Provide technical protection guidance to the humanitarian team in the development of new programming; and
In all duties, demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to upholding Internews’ Core Values.

QUALIFICATIONS WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Required

Master’s degree in social sciences, international development, media and communications or a related field
At least 5 years’ experience conducting research
Experience using a mix of qualitative and quantitative, observational and participatory data collection and analysis methods, working in complex, humanitarian contexts;
Awareness of, and familiarity with, the issues and dynamics of the Ukraine crisis and a proven track record conducting research in your focal country (Romania, Moldova, Poland, Slovakia or Hungary);
Experience researching information preferences and barriers, media dynamics or community perceptions;
Fluency in spoken and written English;
Fluency in Ukrainian and at least one local language from your focal country (Romania, Moldova, Poland, Slovakia or Hungary);
Excellent inter-cultural 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.