About the Role:

MiCT is seeking a Research Assistant to support research and media monitoring activities in Iraq, with a particular focus on coverage of violence against women. The position will contribute to mapping and analysing Iraqi media coverage, supporting the development of research findings, and coordinating with trainers, mentors and project staff to integrate these findings into project activities.

Level of Effort

50 working days over the assignment period.

Key Responsibilities
Monitor coverage of 5–7 cases of violence against women across Iraqi media outlets.
Compile a diverse and, as far as possible, comprehensive mapping of Iraqi media outlets and organisations.
Contribute to adapting the methodological frameworks under the supervision of the Head of Research.
Conduct manual research in Arabic to verify the completeness and breadth of the sample, in accordance with the parameters established by the Head of Research.
Participate in analysis and the development of research findings as needed.
Coordinate communication between the Head of Research, trainer and mentors to integrate the research findings into participant training.
Ensure that mentors and participants apply a consistent analytical framework based on the SEED Foundation guide during the development of their investigations, addressing framing, source selection, omissions, terminology, contextualisation, and survivor safety and privacy.
Coordinate with the M&E Coordinator to establish the research findings as a contextual baseline for evaluation and adapt the research content-analysis tool for assessing participant outputs through the peer review activity.
Support communication and coordination across project activities, including liaison with project staff, participants, trainers and mentors, follow-up on agreed actions, and coordination of activity arrangements, as required.
Required Qualifications
A university degree in journalism, media studies, communication, social sciences, gender studies or a related field.
At least two years of relevant professional experience in research, media monitoring, journalism or media development.
Familiarity with the Iraqi media landscape and the range of outlets, ownership structures and audiences it comprises.
Strong Arabic-language research skills, including manual searches across media websites and social media platforms.
Experience in qualitative research or media content analysis.
Knowledge of gender-responsive journalism and ethical reporting on violence against women, including survivor safety and privacy.
Ability to apply analytical frameworks consistently and maintain organised, traceable research records.
Proficiency in spreadsheets and digital tools for organising and managing research data.
Strong analytical, organisational and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively within a diverse team.
Ability to handle sensitive information confidentially and responsibly.
Previous experience with MiCT would be considered an advantage.
Reporting and Coordination
The Research Assistant will work under the supervision of the Head of Research and coordinate regularly with the project team.

Work will be carried out directly in the shared research files maintained by the Head of Research, with contributions and updates reviewed as part of ongoing supervision.

Application Process

To apply for the Research Assistant – Iraq (Freelance Consultant) position, please submit the following documents with the subject line “Application: Research Assistant - Iraq”