This assignment-based role, the Field Researcher, is expected to administer study instruments such as key informant interviews, focus group discussions, field observations, story-telling activities, workshops and/or any other qualitative data generation method, depending on the specific project’s requirements. Most of the projects are undertaken on behalf of international and/or national humanitarian organizations working in Ukraine, Poland, Moldova, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, and Georgia who are funded by local and/or international funds. The projects differ in nature and can include project/programme evaluations, scoping exercises, needs assessments, gender or protection analyses, project/program reviews, third party monitoring, research, and any other ad-hoc studies. The topics studied usually includes protection, health, sexual and reproductive health, food security – livelihoods and agriculture, shelter, water – sanitation – hygiene.

The Field Researcher will usually be expected to work independently but there will be also a need to work as part of a broader team of Field Researchers. Excellent communication skills in Ukrainian/ Russian and English are required as the Field Researcher should be able to build rapport with the study participants to gain their confidence and discuss sensitive issues.

Offline data collection activities might require staying away for several consecutive days and might include evening and/or weekend work, depending on the availability/preference of the study participants as well as timeframe of the specific project. During this time, reimbursements will be provided to cover the travel costs of the Field Research such as accommodation and/ transportation. Typically, the Field Researcher will travel using her/his own transport and identify their own accommodation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Undertake qualitative data collection activities in-person or remotely (over phone or online) in line with the designed study instruments in Ukrainian/Russian in timely manner.
Pilot the study instruments before the actual data collection activity and provide feedback to the Field Coordinator.
Identify and/or invite study participants to data collection activity and ensure their timely participation.
Record the data collected by taking notes, using a recorder or an AI.
Anticipate any challenges in the field and promptly report them to the Field Coordinator for resolution.
Strictly follow the code of conduct, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) and Child Safeguarding policies as well as data protection protocol of Scruples Research and always protect any collected data.
Attend de-brief meetings with the Field Coordinator to support sense-making of the data collected and provide feedback.
Always respect and maintain positive relations with study participants and report any adversity to the Field Coordinator timely.
Transcribe the collected data in the agreed format and submit it timely to the Field Coordinator.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

At least bachelor’s degree in social sciences such as sociology, anthropology political science, international relations, or an equivalent subject.
Proven experience in qualitative data collection activities
Strong problem-solving skills
Take initiative, prioritize well, work under pressure and manage time effectively.
Understand and be committed to diversity, equality and treat everyone with respect.
Maintain high professional standards and behaviors.
Ability to address hostile and aggressive responses without putting anyone’s (including own) safety at risk.
Emotional intelligence - Ability to understand the reasons for the feelings and behavior of others through the ability to interpret unspoken or partially expressed thoughts feelings and concerns, and through an appreciation of the cultural framework within which a person functions.
Information seeking and interpretation – an ability to elicit basic information and probe for further facts through a wide range of information gathering skills.
Listening and responding – an ability to listen, to interpret, clarify and respond appropriately.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

Sound understanding of qualitative research methodologies.
Knowledge in humanitarian response.
English is a strong additional asset.
Flexible and adaptable to work in the evenings and/or weekends if required.
Prepared to travel and work away from home if needed.
Conceptual thinking – the ability to identify patterns or connections between situations; identify key or underlying issues in complex situations and resolve these by using creative, conceptual, and inductive reasoning.

All applications should be sent by email with “Field Researcher” in the subject line.