Consultant / Analytical Researcher

International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Intergovernmental Organization
Closing date: 12 Jun 2009
Location: Uganda - Gulu sub office

Background information

IOM's Labour Market Assessment in Northern Uganda districts (viz. Amuru, Kitgum, Gulu, Pader) has been being undertaken in order to determine viable livelihood/business/employment sectors at the district level to which IOM and the Ugandan government authorities and agencies can better plan employment creation for youth.

The analysis and the learning from this activity will inform IOM and its implementing partners on what jobs, means of production, employment sectors, supply/demand factors to take into account when mobilising reintegration programming at the community level so as not to set vulnerable youth up for disappointment.

The data and analysis will also assist us with developing more effective information tools, i.e. understanding what appealing socio-economic opportunities there are in Acholiland.

The primary function of the Analytical Researcher is to enhance the functions of the IOM Uganda’s efforts in trying to find out how young people affected by the conflict in Acholi sub-region earn a living in their local areas through Labour Market Assessment (LMA).

IOM aims to identify and understand cross-cutting issues that point to the need for special attention for vulnerable individuals and groups on the basis of identity such as ex IDPs/returnees, unemployed youth, reporters, ex-combatants, formerly abducted persons, and other people affected by prolonged conflict in Northern Uganda.

The researcher is to investigate and research if there are any external and/or government resources being dedicated to providing extension services and lastly he/she will be expected to understand and report the dynamics associated to availability of market for locally produced products, demand of such products against production capacity and opportunities available for job creation.

Reporting and Deliverables/Outputs

The Analytical Researcher under the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator and overall guidance of the Chief of Mission (CoM) will work from IOM Kampala
-Uganda and Gulu sub-offices in order to analyze qualitative and quantitative data that has already been collected, organised, and/or tabulated.
This data will form the basis for him/her to perform primary and secondary analysis and write-up the report of the said LMA. In particular he/she will:
1. Provide all necessary research, analyses, and related support in order to write-up a full report in English of both qualitative and quantitative LMA data, including an executive summary.
2. Provide technical support in cross-checking, verification, and organizing LMA qualitative and quantitative data in an easily readable and eye-catching layout.
3. Generate charts/graphs, identify and analyze statistical trends, highlight noteworthy social patterns, underscore causes and effects and possible outcomes as deemed necessary from analyzed quantitative data for use in the report.
4. Provide detailed analysis and notes on statistical representation and reliability.
5. Conduct follow-up key informant interviews, focus-group discussions, or small informal surveys (where necessary) in the event there are significant gaps in the qualitative and/or quantitative data.
6. Translate analyzed qualitative and quantitative data to realistically depict the context of the labour market sector in all four Northern Uganda districts (viz. Amuru, Kitgum, Gulu, Pader) highlighting specifically how young and local people affected by the conflict in Acholi sub-region could potentially earn a living in their local areas.
7. Identify cross-cutting issues that point to the need for special attention for vulnerable youth. The researcher should also establish details pertaining to availability of market for locally produced products, products demand in the market, available production capacity to satisfy the demand and opportunities available for employment creation.
8. Brief, inform, update and advise the IOM colleagues on the progress of his/her tasks on regular basis.
9. Prepare a detailed presentation of the said labour market analysis report in English.
10. Ensure that the data sources are protected/secured and that data backup and recovery procedures are in place, thus eliminating/ minimizing data loss.
11. Other tasks within the incumbent’s capacity as instructed.
Potential candidates must carefully note that this is a continuous assignment with no interruptions; this means that if a prospective candidate has other tasks or assignments that will conflict or significantly overlap with this assignment, then his/her application will not be considered.

Phase 2: Optional and contingent upon performance and achievement of the abovementioned deliverables:
1. Data analysis of primary data gathered in predominantly Muslim community as part of an IOM-funded assessment of attitudes of Muslim communities towards democracy, democratization, and nation-building in Kampala, Mpigi, Iganga, Mbale and Yumbe Districts.
2. Generate charts/graphs, identify and report statistical trends, highlight noteworthy social patterns, underscore causes and effects and possible outcomes as deemed necessary from analyzed quantitative data for use in the report.
3. Provide technical support to the Programme Coordinator in checking, cleaning-up raw data and organizing it in a professional manner of data gathered in predominantly Muslim community from the districts of Kampala, Mpigi, Iganga, Mbale and Yumbe.
4. Provide all necessary research and related support in order to thoroughly edit and revise an existing draft report in English of both qualitative and quantitative data, including an executive summary.
5. Prepare a detailed presentation of the said labour market analysis report in English.
Desired Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics, Commerce, Business, Political Sciences, Social Sciences or related field with strong skills in both quantitative and qualitative analysis.
Skills/Experience:
- An existing understanding of post-conflict dynamics in Northern Uganda.
- Experience in development of research tools, research implementation, statistical data analysis, monitoring and evaluation, and report writing is an advantage.
- Past experience working in the same capacity, namely undertaking similar report analysis for a humanitarian agency will be an asset.
- Strong familiarity in the usage of relevant statistical software packages (Access, Excel, SPSS, and STAT).
- Must be able to work independently, preparedness to work under pressure and cope with deadlines, flexibility and willingness to work in rapidly changing conditions is necessary.
- Flexibility and willingness to work in rapidly changing conditions is necessary.
- Ability to analyze and clearly present facts, evidence and analyses.
- Ability to adapt to changing circumstances; ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds.
Language Requirements: Fluency in written and spoken English.
Consultancy Day Rate to be negotiated with short-listed candidates.

How to apply
Submit Cover Letter and CV including daytime telephone and email address to:International Organization for Migration (IOM)Human Resources Department
PO Box 11431 Kampalaor send by email to Mr James Bean at jbean@iom.int with Title: VAC IOM Uganda - Analytical Researcher