Zimbabwe: Researcher, Rooted in Trust

Job Description

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The Rooted in Trust project works to combat COVID-19 rumors and misinformation in Afghanistan, Lebanon, Iraq, Colombia, Brazil, Mali, DRC, Zimbabwe, Sudan, and South Sudan. We work to create impact at the local level and inform approaches to rumor management at the global level. The project is supported by a Global Technical Advisory team made up of media, humanitarian, data science and information management experts.

In Phase 1 of the project, we collected more than 19,000 rumors in 14 languages and supported more than 30 local trusted information providers. In this critical phase of the pandemic, we will build on these efforts to listen and respond to the information challenges faced by vulnerable groups in humanitarian contexts, encouraging open dialogue between citizens and scientists and stronger and more collaborative partnerships between information providers (such as local media) and humanitarian and health sources.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Researcher will manage the implementation of an Information Ecosystem Assessment (IEA) in Zimbabwe. The Researcher will have a strong focus on how vulnerable and marginalized groups communicate to access information about COVID-19 related issues and how their use of online media intersects with their use of traditional media and other sources. Research activities will include desk research, social media monitoring, Key Informant Interviews, Focus Group Discussions, surveys, capacity assessment interviews and field observations. The Report will help to inform public health and humanitarian response agencies to better communicate key messages to the at-risk population.

LOGISTICS

This is a remote-first position. The ideal candidate is based in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. You must have work authorization in your location that does not require sponsorship from Internews.

Wherever possible, we work to try to find solutions for international hiring that work for both the company and the candidate. This means that some of the particulars around the offer for a role will be dependent on several factors, and that the benefits and salary structure that apply to a position will ultimately be based upon the candidate’s location and where the role is hired.

This position has a closing date of 01/31/2022.

OUR COMMITMENT TO FOSTERING A CULTURE OF BELONGING

We are an organization of dynamic, mission-driven individuals who are passionate about our core values and about supporting positive change in the world. We pride ourselves on our commitment to innovation and flexibility. We believe that diverse teams are strong teams and work to support an ethic of belonging, dignity, and justice for all people. Our current team includes a mix of genders, parents, and non-parents, and people of multiple races, nationalities, ages, sexual orientations, and socio-economic backgrounds. We are EEO employer and encourage candidates of all races, genders, ages, orientations, ethnicities, and national origins to apply, and welcome those with alternative backgrounds and experiences.

DAY-TO-DAY TASKS will include:

• Work with the Lead Researcher and Project Manager to design the research activities;
• Adapt research tools to the local context;
• Coordinate with partner organizations to provide training to ensure quality data collection practices;
• Clean, collate and analyze data collected by staff and partner organizations;
• Conduct key informant interviews with community leaders, influencers, public health and humanitarian agency officials, media representatives and others;
• Identify information flows, uses, popular platforms, trusted actors, and how information on the virus is produced, distributed and accessed;
• Write the content of the report in a clear and consistent manner;
• Generate graphs or other engaging content to display data;
• Present the findings in a variety of formats to suit different audiences, including delivering research findings back to the target community through events or resources;
• Collaborate with key informants to identify further areas of research;
• Deliver regular reporting to the project team;
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisors;
• Understanding of and demonstrated commitment to upholding Internews’ Core Values.

QUALIFICATIONS WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Required

• Strong Monitoring and Evaluation, Research and Learning background, especially using a mix of qualitative and quantitative, observational and participatory data collection and analysis methods, working in complex, humanitarian contexts;
• Master’s degree in social sciences, international development, evaluation, or a related field
• At least 5 years’ experience conducting research;
• Experience researching information preferences and barriers, media dynamics or risk communication;
• Fluency in spoken and written English;
• Excellent inter-cultural communication skills/cultural sensitivity and the ability to forge strong cross-cultural relationships and build trust demonstrated through previous experience;
• Strong co-design facilitation, presentation, writing and communication skills;
• Familiarity with the latest literature on mis- and disinformation, trust and related research emerging from political, social and communication science;
• Strong understanding of the humanitarian principles to ensure data collection and provision follows the Core Humanitarian Standards;
• Relevant experience working with data collection and analysis software, including Kobo Toolbox or similar software;

Preferred

Note: Candidates who do not have these preferred qualifications, but are interested and willing to learn, are encouraged to apply.

• Data visualization skills and knowledge of relevant software to produce infographics is a plus
• Knowledge of more than one local language is a strong plus
• Self-motivated and used to work in a fast-paced environment
• Fluency in Ndebele, Shona and other minority languages spoken in Southern Zimbabwe is a distinct advantage
• Awareness of, and familiarity with, the issues and dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic and/or other health crises in humanitarian contexts a strong asset

This position is being offered and hired by Internews Network. Benefits will be consistent with Internews Network’s offerings and will be reviewed during the hiring process. Additional information can be found on our About Working for Internews page.

Internews Network is an equal opportunity employer. Every qualified applicant will be considered for employment. Internews does not discriminate based on race, gender, gender identity or orientation, genetic information, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, political ideology, military or protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.

About the Organization

Internews works to ensure access to trusted, quality information that empowers people to have a voice in their future and to live healthy, secure, and rewarding lives. We envision a world where everyone can communicate freely with anyone, anywhere, and exchange the news and information they need to shape their communities and the world.

For close to 35 years and in more than 100 countries, we have worked with our local partners to build hundreds of sustainable organizations, strengthened the capacity of thousands of media professionals, human rights activists, and information entrepreneurs, and reached millions of people with quality, local information, improving lives and building lasting change. Our decentralized and entrepreneurial model gives us the local flexibility to find the best solutions and the nimbleness required to work in a rapidly changing, uncertain and complex world. On issues ranging from health and the environment to conflict and governance, Internews has developed approaches that harness the power of media and information to create positive change.