Lead Research Consultant

Introduction Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move. IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration Project Context and Scope With a prevalence rate of 51 percent, Bangladesh has one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world and the highest in South Asia. While factors like poverty, social and gender norms, among other factors, have historically driven this practice, recent data suggests a concerning increase in some regions, pointing to new or amplified influencing factors. Concurrently, Bangladesh is a major source of international labour migration, with remittances forming a critical part of the national economy. Emerging research indicates a potential link between this migration and the rise in child marriage. Emerging research, reinforced by qualitative findings, suggests that families with migrant members may demand younger brides, or that dowries from early marriages are being used to finance the substantial costs of migration. In certain geographic areas where child marriage has reportedly increased- despite a national downward trend- international migration has emerged as the critical driver. This indicates a strategic economic calculation where the perceived financial benefits of child marriage in the context of migration may outweigh the significant harm to young girls. To investigate the dynamics of this complex issue, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Bangladesh are initiating formative qualitative research. The study will explore the pathways through which international migration influences the child marriage in Bangladesh. To this end, IOM Bangladesh is now seeking a qualified Lead Consultant to conduct this formative research. The consultant will be responsible for the overall management and implementation of the study, including finalizing the research design, overseeing data collection, conducting analysis, and producing a comprehensive final report. Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing The consultant will be hired under the Migration Data and Research (MDR) Unit of IOM Bangladesh. The project “Regional Evidence for Migration Analysis and Policy II (REMAP II),” funded by the European Union (EU), will contribute to hiring the consultant. Migration Data & Research Unit . WBL-DX0125:1:1:3:002 Responsibilities Tasks to be performed under this contract Design Phase: ● Review the existing research outline and conceptual framework. ● Develop a detailed inception report, including a finalized research methodology, data collection tools (interview guides, FGD protocols), a work plan with timelines, and a profile of the proposed data collection team. ● Identify and select research locations in regions with high rates of both international migration and child marriage. 2. Team Management and Data Collection: ● Recruit, train, and supervise the team of data collectors for the fieldwork. ● Oversee the implementation of the data collection plan, ensuring adherence to the highest ethical standards, particularly when interviewing married adolescents and discussing sensitive topics. ● Ensure the purposive and snowball strategy is effectively employed to reach the target participants. ● Lead and conduct the key informant interviews and focus group discussions with target groups in select locations. 3. Data Analysis and Reporting: ● Lead the transcription and analysis of all qualitative data. ● Develop and employ a rigorous data analysis strategy using thematic, content, and narrative analysis techniques as appropriate. ● Ensure the robustness of findings through triangulation, maintaining a reflexive journal, peer debriefing, and member checking where feasible. ● Prepare a draft research report presenting the key findings, including illustrative quotes and detailed case studies. Develop socio-demographic tables of study participants. ● Finalize the research report based on feedback from UNFPA and IOM, including an executive summary, a nuanced discussion of the findings, and actionable recommendations for policy and programming. Performance indicators for the evaluation of results • Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment • First deliverable- A detailed inception report including finalized methodology, research tools, a list of the data collection team members, and a comprehensive work plan - First instalment payment- Deliverable by email and hard copy within 10 days. • Second deliverable- A comprehensive draft report including findings from survey data for review by UNFPA and IOM- Second instalment payment- Deliverable by email and hard copy within 65 days. • Third deliverable- A final report with publishable quality that incorporates feedback from stakeholders. The report should be comprehensive, including an executive summary, methodology, key findings with disaggregated analysis, case studies, conclusions, and concrete recommendations for programming and policy- Third instalment payment- Deliverable by email and hard copy within 30 days. • Fourth deliverable- A presentation (e.g., PowerPoint) summarizing the key research findings and recommendations to be delivered to UNFPA, IOM, and other relevant stakeholders- Fourth instalment payment- Deliverable by email and hard copy within 15 days. • Final deliverable- A complete dataset, including all transcripts from interviews and FGDs, and any field notes- Fifth and Final instalment payment- Deliverable by email hard copy within 20 days. • Conceptual Clarity: Ensure a profound understanding of the core problems. All complex theories and concepts must be articulated clearly to maintain high research standards. • Analysis and Results: Data analysis is the cornerstone of this project. It is essential to visualize real-world scenarios through data to fulfil the research objectives effectively. • Authenticity: The integrity and authenticity of all data and research findings must be rigorously verified and maintained. • Final Product Preparation: The final deliverable must be professional and of the highest quality, featuring scholarly writing, sophisticated data visualization, thematic design, and comprehensive detail. • Timeliness of Deliverables: All deliverables must be submitted in an orderly manner according to the established timeline. Qualification Required Qualifications and Experience Education • An advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in Social Sciences, Anthropology, Gender Studies, Development Studies, Migration Studies, or a related field. • At least 10 years of professional experience in leading and conducting qualitative social research. • Experience • Demonstrable expertise and a strong publication record in the areas of migration, and/or gender dynamics, including child marriage, gender-based violence, preferably in the context of Bangladesh or South Asia. • Proven experience in managing research teams, including training and supervising data collectors in the field. • Extensive experience with qualitative data analysis techniques (thematic, content, narrative) and using qualitative analysis software. • Strong understanding of and proven commitment to research ethics, particularly when working with vulnerable populations and minors. • Previous experience working with UN agencies is highly desirable. Skills • Excellent analytical and report writing skills in English. • Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Languages For this consultancy, fluency in English and Bengali is required. Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments. Required Competencies IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process. Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values: • Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion. • Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct. • Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges. • Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance. • Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated. Core Competencies – behavioural indicators • Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results. • Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes. • Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate. • Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work. • Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way. Notes IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts. IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application. No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies