Senior Qualitative Researcher

Job Description

KEY INFORMATION

Job Title: Senior Qualitative Researcher
Position Type (full/part time): Part Time Duration/Level of Effort (long/short term): April - May 2026 (maximum of 24 working days)
Position Location (e.g. city, country, remote): Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao

SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT

The DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) Social Protection, Inclusion and Gender equality (SPRING) program is Australia’s flagship investment of support to the Philippine Government on Social Protection, Gender Equality, Disability, Social Inclusion and Indigenous Inclusion. It is an AUD 40 million investment over 5 years that will support the joint Development Partnership Plan (DPP 2024-2029) between the Government of Australia and the Philippine Government. The investment will be the DFAT’s primary avenue in the Philippines for supporting poverty reduction and bilateral funding on gender equality and social inclusion at the national level and with some select Local Government Units (LGUs). SPRING supports efforts under Australia’s new International Development Policy and DFAT’s forthcoming new strategies on gender equality, disability equity and rights, and translate these into implementation in the Philippines.

SPRING contributes to the goal that the social and economic transformation in the Philippines reduces poverty and provides equal opportunities to all Filipinos in line with the Philippines Development Plan.

The objective of SPRING is that Australia works in partnership with the Philippine Government to improve systems and structures that reduce poverty and inequality and advance gender equality and the rights of people with disabilities.

SPRING has four mutually reinforcing End of Program Outcomes (EOPOs):

1. Philippine Government social protection plans, policies and programs increasingly close gaps in the social protection floor.
2. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and select LGU systems increasingly deliver quality social protection that is inclusive, gender and shock responsive, and climate sensitive.
3. The Philippine Government increasingly invests in gender responsive policies, plans, programs and systems.
4. The Philippine Government improves data, systems and targeting to enable people with disability and Indigenous Peoples improved access to targeted services.

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION

The Senior Qualitative Researcher will provide advanced technical support and oversight for the qualitative research components of the study on establishing a basic income guarantee in old age under the Philippine Social Protection Floor (SPF). Working under the supervision of the Lead Qualitative Researcher and in coordination with the Team Leader, Economist, and Policy Specialist, the Senior Qualitative Researcher will ensure the quality, consistency, and analytical depth of qualitative data collection and reporting.
The position will lead the refinement of qualitative tools, guide field data collection, supervise the Junior Qualitative Researcher, and contribute to the synthesis of findings into analytical outputs such as the Situational Analysis, Drivers of Change Report, and Pension System Review. The role requires demonstrated expertise in qualitative research methods, thematic analysis, and policy interpretation within the context of social protection and inclusion.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Senior Qualitative Researcher will lead and ensure the technical quality of the research activities. Working under the guidance of the Lead Qualitative Researcher and in close collaboration with the Economist, Policy Specialist, and Team Lead, they will provide supervision and quality assurance support to the Junior Qualitative Researcher and coordinate with other team members contributing to data collection, analysis, and reporting. Specific responsibilities include:

1. Research Design and Planning

• Refine qualitative research design, sampling strategy, and methodological approach in coordination with the Lead Qualitative Researcher.
• Lead the preparation and quality assurance of qualitative research instruments, including Key Informant Interview (KII) and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) guides, consent forms, and fieldwork protocols.
• Ensure all tools are aligned with ethical standards and integrate Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) considerations.

 2. Literature and Policy Review

• Conduct and oversee desk reviews of relevant policy documents, academic studies, and administrative reports related to old-age income security, social protection delivery, and governance.
• Provide analytical summaries of secondary sources to contextualize field findings and strengthen policy recommendations.
• Synthesize qualitative evidence and lessons from existing programs to inform the Situational Analysis and Drivers of Change Report.

 3. Field Coordination and Data Collection

• Supervise and guide the Junior Qualitative Researcher during field data collection, ensuring adherence to ethical procedures and data quality standards.
• Conduct or co-lead key informant interviews and FGDs with older persons, community representatives, and institutional stakeholders.
• Provide technical oversight during field implementation to ensure consistency in facilitation, note-taking, and transcription.

 4. Data Processing, Documentation and Drafting

• Lead the full data processing workflow, including organizing raw transcripts, cleaning and coding qualitative data, applying thematic analysis, and ensuring that all data are stored, labelled, and managed in line with ethical and confidentiality requirements.
• Lead the preparation of qualitative sections and annexes of the Situational Analysis, Pension System Review, and Drivers of Change Report.
• Review and validate documentation prepared by the Junior Qualitative Researcher, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and clarity.
• Synthesize findings into structured analytical summaries including but not limited to inclusion, adequacy, delivery mechanisms, and governance challenges.
• Integrate qualitative insights with quantitative and policy analysis prepared by other members of the technical team.

 5. GEDSI Integration and Ethics

• Ensure GEDSI considerations are embedded in both quantitative and qualitative analysis, consultations, and documentation.

DELIVERABLES AND TIMELINES

Deliverable / Milestone | Performance Indicator | Number of Days | Timeline

1. Finalized Qualitative Research Framework and Instruments

• Research framework, sampling strategy, and finalized Key Informant Interview (KII) and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) guides validated with the Lead Qualitative Researcher and technical team
• 2 Days 
• April 2026  

2. Fieldwork Oversight and Verified Transcripts

• Supervision of data collection completed; verified and quality-checked interview and FGD transcripts submitted from field teams
• 14
• April-May 2026

3. Qualitative Data Analysis Report

• Comprehensive thematic analysis completed; synthesis of qualitative findings prepared, covering but not limited, to inclusion, adequacy, delivery, and governance insights
• 8 Days
• May 2026

JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Anthropology, Social Work, Development Studies, or other related social science disciplines; a Master’s degree is preferred.
• Specialized training in qualitative research methods, policy analysis, or social protection is an advantage (with experience old age).

Minimum Experience:

• At least 3-5 years of professional experience in qualitative research, social policy studies, or program evaluation for government, academic, or donor-funded projects.
• Proven experience in designing and leading qualitative research, including development of interview and FGD tools, data collection oversight, and thematic analysis.
• Demonstrated track record of preparing high-quality analytical reports, policy briefs, or peer-reviewed publications.
• Prior experience working on social protection, poverty reduction, ageing, or inclusion-related programs is strongly preferred.

Essential Skills:

• Strong analytical skills in fiscal modelling, budget analysis, and revenue assessment.
• Strong expertise in qualitative data collection and analysis (e.g., coding, triangulation, synthesis of field evidence).
• Advanced writing and analytical skills, with the ability to translate qualitative findings into policy-relevant insights.
• Experience supervising and mentoring junior researchers or field enumerators.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage constructively with senior government officials, development partners, and community respondents.
• Proficiency in MS Office and qualitative data software (e.g., NVivo, Atlas.ti, or equivalent).
• Capacity to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, work under tight deadlines, and ensure quality assurance across deliverables
• Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of GEDSI principles, with knowledge or experience in promoting gender equality, disability, and social inclusion especially within adaptive programs like SPRING. This includes a clear understanding of and practical experience in safeguarding, particularly in the context of child protection (CP) and Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH), with the ability to integrate safeguarding measures into program implementation.
• Compliance to DFAT policies on fraud control, financing terrorism, child protection and other social safeguards.

APPLICATION PROCESS

This is a rolling recruitment. Applications will be reviewed and vetted sequentially as they are received. We encourage interested individuals to apply as early as possible.

For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as followed: Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position.

Cowater international strives to maintain a fair, transparent, and human centered recruitment process. As part of our commitment to responsible hiring practices and compliance with evolving recruitment regulations, we may use AI assisted tools to support limited aspects of our talent acquisition workflow, such as reviewing or shortlisting applications. These tools are used only to enhance efficiency and consistency in our processes. All assessments, interviews, and final hiring decisions are made exclusively by our human recruiting managers. Candidates may request additional information about the use of these tools or reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process.

Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.
We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.

About the Organization

ABOUT US
Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies since 2017.

We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow.