Qualitative Data Collector, Philippines - PEMS

Job Description

EnCompass LLC is seeking a part-time Qualitative Data Collector with experience in the Philippines to provide technical support for a process evaluation of the Program to End Modern Slavery (PEMS), with an emphasis on qualitative research methods. This position is a part-time consultancy from August 2020 to November 2020, with a total expected commitment of 14.5 days.

Project Objectives

The Program to End Modern Slavery—which is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP Office)—features a series of programs and projects designed to substantially reduce the prevalence of human trafficking/modern slavery among key targeted populations, including in parts of Vietnam, the Philippines, and India. In September 2019, the TIP Office contracted EnCompass to conduct a mixed methods and multi-country evaluation of the first tranche of PEMS funding (“PEMS 1”). This process evaluation will use both qualitative and quantitative methods to (1) understand the processes used by the implementing partner (to date) to measure the prevalence of modern slavery, including strengths, challenges, and best practices; and (2) assess how early sub-award activities have been implemented to serve human trafficking victims or individuals vulnerable to trafficking in priority countries, including how related research has influenced these activities. In the Philippines, the evaluation will focus on awards and sub-awards to reduce overseas migrant labor (e.g. domestic workers), and prevalence estimation research will focus on overseas labor migration. Evaluation findings will therefore provide insight into lessons learned, programmatic performance to date, and recommendations for future efforts under PEMS.

Position Description

The data collector will work closely with the Philippines Evaluation Manager to prepare for, coordinate, and conduct interviews, focus groups, and/or observations with key stakeholders at project sites across the Greater Manila Area. The data collector will be responsible for transcribing and cleaning completed interviews (verbatim) and cleaning observation notes. Data collection will be scheduled in coordination with the Evaluation Manager.

If safe travel and data collection is not possible in light of COVID-19 or other external factors, some or all parts of data collection will be conducted remotely (e.g. via internet or phone).

We are looking for someone who has significant experience conducting qualitative data collection (interviews, focus groups, and observations) with a range of different stakeholders, with a preference for experience in the field of anti-trafficking/modern slavery in the Philippines. The ideal candidate is experienced in qualitative data collection, highly organized, detail-oriented, proactive, and has experience collaborating to conduct research across diverse contexts.

*This is a local position. Only candidates residing in the Philippines with existing work authorization will be considered, with a preference for candidates who reside in the Greater Manila Area.

** The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Essential functions:

• Participate in onboarding and data collection training, including pilot to test and tailor data collection tools
• Prepare for, coordinate, and conduct qualitative interviews, focus group discussions, and observations for the PEMS evaluation at assigned project sites across the Greater Manila Area, including all local logistics for assigned data collection
• Collect and manage data files (interview and focus group transcripts and recordings) as per EnCompass policy; transcribe and clean interviews in a timely manner
• Regularly communicate and coordinate with Philippines Evaluation Manager and rest of evaluation team to ensure data collection progresses smoothly
• Other duties as assigned

Position Requirements

General Qualifications

• Strong interview and data collection skills
• Strong technical and general writing skills
• Experience working with civil society organizations and government officials in the Philippines
• Proven track record of successful teamwork
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact with individuals at all levels

Technical Qualifications

• Experience with evaluation and/or work experience in counter-trafficking or modern slavery, humanitarian or human rights, social work, migration, or related fields in the Philippines
• Familiarity with best practices for interviewing and working with vulnerable populations
• Technical knowledge, skills, and expertise in qualitative data collection approaches
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Tagalog
• Keen attention to detail
• Ability to think strategically and integrate diverse information from varied sources

Preferred Qualifications

• Significant work experience in counter-trafficking or modern slavery, labor migration, humanitarian or human rights, social work, migration, or related fields in the Philippines
• Experience in or knowledge of applying appreciative inquiry and participatory approaches to qualitative data gathering and workshop designs
• Active listening, proactive learning, and time management skills with readiness to be in a learning role

How to Apply

Please submit CV and cover letter at https://encompassworld.com/careers-and-consulting/.

Applications will be processed on a rolling basis. This position description will be posted for 20 days or until a suitable candidate has been identified, whichever is sooner.

About the Organization

EnCompass is a women-owned business offering innovative and customized solutions for leadership, capacity strengthening, technical assistance, and monitoring and evaluation. We have experience in more than 70 countries and a team of more than 100 staff and 1,200 experts around the globe.

We partner with government and multilateral agencies, nonprofit organizations, and corporations around the world, offering thought leadership, rich diversity, and technical expertise in global health, inclusive development, education, human rights, and food security.