HereWeGrow, in collaboration with GiveDirectly, is planning to implement an Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) project that aims to improve/diversify the livelihood base of rural households in Sidama, Ethiopia. The project specifically includes two transfer bundles: a one-time UCT, or, alternatively, a one-time UCT in conjunction with a subsequent monthly transfer for a given period of time. IFPRI is undertaking a randomized experiment to assess the overall impact of the UCT and whether the bundle inclusive of monthly transfers is more effective in encouraging the use of the large lumpsum component for productive investment. Before the transfer, IFPRI is undertaking both quantitative and qualitative baseline studies that will capture the status of key outcomes and impact indicators to systematically gauge the impact of the project upon completion.

The qualitative study will mainly rely on focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews with selected target beneficiaries and local stakeholders. Specifically, we anticipate conducting 15 FGDs and 40 in-depth interviews. The qualitative discussions will mainly focus on understanding beneficiary households’ livelihoods over time, the adoption of good agricultural practices, and participation in farm and non-farm activities, among others. IFPRI is seeking a qualified consultant/survey firm based in Ethiopia to lead/conduct the qualitative research/data collection.

Scope of work

The qualitative study will be conducted in the month of August to October 2023 and the consultant/survey firm will be mainly responsible for (but not limited to) the following tasks:

· Design and preparation: the key topical foci for the qualitative research will be developed by the research team at IFPRI and partner organizations (the “IFPRI team”). The consultant/survey firm will be responsible for designing the qualitative research and preparing the required tools. The design and preparation activities mainly include the following:

– Conduct a quick review of prior qualitative research works on (unconditional) cash transfer programs.

– Contribute to the preparation of the qualitative research design detailing the approaches (data collection methods), sample size, and sample selection strategies.

– Lead the development of data collection guides and manuals including piloting and revision ahead of the field work.

– Recruiting and hiring qualitative field researchers (i.e., coordinators, facilitators, note-takers/transcribers, and local guides). The key field researchers should have at least three years of university degree and experience with at least three prior projects conducting and transcribing in-depth interviews and FGDs on similar or closely related topics.

– Training qualitative field researchers (i.e., facilitators, note-takers/transcribers, coordinators) which includes renting the training hall and availing all the necessary materials for the training. The training will include classroom-based instructions and piloting on the field and may take 4-5 days. The IFPRI team will evaluate each field researcher throughout the training for the understanding of the guides/instruments and decide on the final list of field researchers who qualify to take part in the study.

– Organizing and conducting qualitative data collection: organize data collection among approximately 15 FGDs and 40 in-depth interviews with selected target households and district and kebele level stakeholders. The organization of qualitative data mainly includes:

– Providing all relevant materials (printed consent forms, interview guides, enumerator IDs, voice recorders, etc.) for qualitative field researchers.

– Organizing/developing the data collection plan/logistics.

– Conducting FGDs (with an interviewer pair) and in-depth interviews (with one interviewer).

– Checking the quality of the work performed by facilitators/interviewers on a daily basis.

– Conducting a debriefing session with the team and preparing a summary report on the data collection process upon fieldwork completion.

– Data organization, analysis, and reporting: prepare the qualitative data for analysis (i.e., transcribing and translating interviews and discussions from Amharic and Sidaamu Afoo into English), conduct thematic analysis, and prepare a draft qualitative research report that incorporates/addresses the inputs/comments from the IFPRI research team and partners.

Required qualifications of the consultant/survey firm:

· Documented past performance on the organization and implementation of at least three large-scale qualitative research works in Ethiopia with a sample size comparable to this baseline survey.

· The proposed qualitative field researchers (i.e., (i.e., facilitators, note-takers/transcribers, coordinators) should have at least 3 years of university education and experience in at least three qualitative field works with rural households.

· Financial report that shows proficiency in managing and documenting expenditures.

· Ability to undertake research work within the specified timeline.

Preferred qualifications:

· Prior experience in conducting qualitative research work on programs with livelihood or cash transfer components.

Duration: 3 months (from preparation to completion)

Application documents:

Please include the following (in English) in your application:

Survey Firms:

Cover letter and technical proposal with a detailed budget, CV for the lead individual and a company capabilities statement. All supporting documents should be uploaded as one pdf to the application section indicating CV or Resume.

Individuals:

CV

Daily Rate and writing sample.

All supporting documents should be uploaded as one pdf to the application section indicating CV or Resume.

Deadline to apply: July 4, 2023

Cover letter.

Technical proposal with a detailed budget.

All supporting docs should be uploaded as one pdf to the application section indicating CV or Resume.

Deadline to apply: July 4, 2023