AKDN JOB ADVERT

Qualitative Research Coordinator

Quality of Life Monitoring, Evaluation and Research Support Unit

AKDN, Geneva

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a group of development agencies with mandates that include the environment, health, education, architecture, culture, microfinance, rural development, disaster reduction, the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalisation ofhistoric cities. The Network’s 11 agencies conduct their programmes without regard to faith, origin or gender with the overall aim of improving the Quality of Life of the population served by the agency.

Background

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) established a Quality of Life (QoL) Assessment Programme in 2007. The programme has developed a methodology consisting of a household survey and qualitative research to examine ‘quality of life’ in selected geographical regions where AKDN invests in multi-input area development (MIAD) programmes. Studies are carried out every 3-5 years to assess how QoL changes in these areas over time. A range of domains is investigated, including the household economy, natural and built environment, health, education, social and cultural life, voice and representation. The results are used to inform AKDN’s strategies and programmes. To date, assessments have been completed at a sub-national level in Syria, Tajikistan (two rounds), Afghanistan, Mali, Mozambique, and Tanzania.

The Programme is currently expanding into a Unit with an additional responsibility to provide support to individual AKDN agencies. The Unit should assist individual agencies to assess the contributions of their activities to meet their strategic objectives and improve the QoL of the population that each serves. The Unit will also have a key role in enhancing coordination, information sharing and learning among agencies, avoiding duplication and promoting the use of evidence-based external communication.

Role

Based in Geneva, the Qualitative Research Coordinator will work as part of a five-person team in AKDN's Quality of Life Monitoring, Evaluation and Research Support Unit. He/she will play an important role in supporting the qualitative component of the QoL assessments as well as the Unit’s support to strategic studies carried out by AKDN agencies. Responsibilities will include overseeing the development and implementation of the qualitative research component and secondary data collection and assisting in the integration and interpretation of primary and secondary research results and draw out implications for AKDN strategies. S/he will review and provide constructive feedback to AKDN agencies on the strategic frameworks and related indicators for AKDN agencies.

Profile

·  Post-graduate degree in the social sciences, linked to international development and with a strong research component.

·  Extensive experience in the use of qualitative research methods.

·  Experience and critical engagement with results-based management, including the development of logic models and indicators.

·  Five years’ experience in the field of monitoring and evaluation in international development.

·  Experience with quantitative research is desirable.

·  Experience in working cross-culturally and proven ability to play a mentorship role in such environments.

·  Strong interpersonal skills and experience in team leadership.

·  Ability to travel extensively and work flexibly.

·  Strong written and communication skills.

Salary and international package to attract the best candidate.

Qualified applicants are invited to apply via the AKDN Career Centre at www.akdn.org/careers

Please include a CV of no more than 2 pages and a covering letter.

Deadline: 13 November 2014