Senior Researcher in Anthropology or Sociology At Democracy Reporting International

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Job title: Senior expert in anthropology or sociology (m/f/d)

Number of working days: 390 days over 4 years, i.e. an average of 97.5 days per year.

Duration (estimated): From January 2026 to September 2029

Location: Madagascar

Application deadline: December 12, 2025

  1. Context: The overall objective of the “All Accountable” Action is to improve the quality of public and citizen action in service of development in Madagascar. This initiative aims to establish a framework where civil society organizations, citizens, and the media actively collaborate with public authorities to improve basic services for the population. It is based on an integrated approach that strengthens demand, supply, and their interface, at both the local and national levels, in a spirit of complementarity with other European Union Cooperation programs and initiatives of technical and financial partners (TFPs). The action adopts a holistic vision of governance, considering that effective public institutions and active citizen participation are inseparable to guarantee sustainable progress in all areas of development in Madagascar. This approach aligns in particular with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16.7, “Ensure responsive, inclusive and representative decision-making.”
  2. Objectives and Scope of the Mission: To develop a comprehensive accountability framework that takes into account the specific socio-cultural characteristics of Madagascar, based on closer ties between citizens and leaders. The expert will be required to conduct and carry out socio-anthropological studies, surveys, etc.
  3. Planning and Implementation of “Anthropological” Research

The expert will be responsible for planning and implementing the anthropological research. They will define the research questions, develop a qualitative methodology (interviews, surveys, focus groups, case studies), conduct a literature review, and map stakeholders by engaging with CSOs, political parties, social movements, activist groups, media outlets, and donors, with a particular focus on youth and young women. The research will analyze what social accountability means to young people and the forms it takes, the factors that promote or limit their participation, including discriminatory social norms, and existing promising initiatives in the country. It will explore the specific needs expressed by practitioners to strengthen accountability, the obstacles encountered, and possible strategies for overcoming them. Finally, the expert will examine how to better include civil society, grassroots organizations, human rights defenders, peacebuilders, the media and political parties, and will assess existing frameworks, practices and policies, as well as evidence of their effects on local governance, transparency, trust, legitimacy and social cohesion.

The creation of ‘national’ working group(s) with a majority of young people and young women seems relevant to provide general guidance to the research process and to serve as a sounding board for the research process (themes and best practices).

An online survey can also help to list the main obstacles to achieving full, meaningful and inclusive political participation of young people and young women.

  1. Analysis of the data collected and conclusions/recommendations on the accountability framework adapted to youth, including those from the informal sector.
  2. Dissemination and sharing of knowledge, including with international organizations1
  3. Development of a capacity-building plan for young people and young women, but also for bondholders (certain mixed actions), including organizations operating as associations/NGOs but also using activism and/or civil resistance in their approach.
  4. Pilot testing and final validation: Conduct pilot tests of the framework with one or more small group(s) (local and/or regional, etc.) to assess its feasibility, relevance and effectiveness; Gather feedback and make revisions based on the results of the pilot testing phase; Organize workshops on the results of the pilot tests and seek validation of the framework from stakeholders; Report and disseminate knowledge highlighting successes, challenges and recommendations.
  5. Developing and adapting a toolkit – Develop a practical, comprehensive and easily adaptable toolkit, then adjust it to the context, stakeholder needs and field realities.
  6. Expected products:

A comprehensive accountability framework, integrating Malagasy socio-cultural specificities and based on bringing citizens closer together, particularly young people, young women, and leaders.

This framework will include:

  • An in-depth analysis of the context and framework of social accountability carried by young people and young women, including the dynamics, constraints and opportunities specific to the Malagasy context;
  • A robust and sustainable ecosystem model, covering capacity building (including funding needs), alignment and coordination mechanisms, as well as the networks and partnerships needed to support accountability;
  • A monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) system to measure progress, document results and support continuous improvement of practices;
  • Operational recommendations for the integration and use of this framework within programmes, CSOs, the EU Delegation/Roadmap, as well as interventions by other technical and financial partners.
  1. Qualifications:
  • University degree at least BAC+5 level in social sciences, sociology, anthropology, development economics or any other relevant field.
  • Mastery of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, adapted to social and cultural contexts.
  • Having produced publications or research in the field of civil society, particularly on social movements, civic or feminist engagement, public participation, social norms, accountability, activism or relations between civil society and citizens.
  • Ability to design, conduct and supervise participatory field studies and surveys.
  • Strong skills in analyzing, synthesizing and communicating research results to diverse audiences (CSOs, technical and financial partners, public institutions).
  • Ability to transform research results into decision-making tools, programmatic strategies, and community actions.
  • Good understanding of the human rights-based approach and the integration of gender into research and programming.
  • Professional Experience: More than 8 years of experience in international cooperation or development projects, in citizen participation, governance, human rights, gender and accountability.
  • Significant experience in action research within CSOs and social movements, combining knowledge production and advocacy initiatives: This must be a researcher with a solid background in applied research and demonstrated experience in the analysis of socio-political and institutional dynamics.
  • Experience in strengthening local capacities and supporting civil society actors.
  • Good knowledge of the Malagasy socio-political context and of the mechanisms of citizen engagement at the local and national levels.
  • Commitment to promoting public accountability, citizen participation and inclusive dialogue.
  • Ability to translate research results into tools, strategies or educational content that enhances transparency and inclusion.
  • Malagasy, with a remarkable command of French and Malagasy, both written and spoken; proficiency in English is highly valued.

How to apply

  1. Application procedure : Interested candidates are invited to submit 1) Their CV with a cover letter

2) A financial offer indicating a daily rate in EUR, all charges included (including local transport, communication, etc. costs),

3) Relevant publications or works related to the mission.

Please indicate “Sociology/Madagascar” in the subject line of the email and send your application to the following address: tender@democracy-reporting.org no later than December 12, 2025.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received; therefore, candidates are encouraged to apply well before the deadline. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.