Individual Consultant for Qualitative researcher

CContext

The Productive Safety Net Programme (PSNP) provides cash-for-work and social assistance to approximately eight million extremely poor people in Ethiopia. The UK has been a major development partner, supporting the programme's evolution from a focus on emergency response toward strengthening livelihoods, resilience, and productivity. However, recent conflict, inflation and funding shortfalls have hindered its goals, before the IMF/WB financing package in 2024, through which GoE committed to substantially increasing domestic financing of social safety net programmes.

IFPRI along with other stakeholders is leading a study to explore aspects of PSNP5 graduates to support the early implementation of PSNP6. PSNP 6 is under design for launch in 2026, with debates on balancing protective functions and productivity. This project aims to inform this design by generating evidence on the effectiveness of the livelihoods component in supporting sustainable graduation from poverty, while ensuring the programme continues to target the poorest and most vulnerable and responds to climate and conflict shocks and regional variation.

As part of this study, the project aims to collect data from sample households and key informants (at the Kebele, Woreda, Region, and Federal levels). The primary methodology employed in this analysis will be qualitative data collection, though the fieldwork will also be supplemented by a desk review of available literature and a review of available information around graduating from such programmes.

Objective

To undertake data collection and analysis on selected PSNP 5 livelihoods recipients following their graduation and exit from the programme and a mapping of support services available for them.

Activities

The consultant/collaborator will be engaged to conduct data collection in 10 selected kebeles in 5 regions.  The sample site and size will be selected jointly by IFPRI and MoA.

The consultant/collaborator will be responsible for the following activities :-

1.     Develop qualitative data collection tools, including interview guides and focus group discussion (FGD) protocols

2.     Conduct Key Informant Interviews with relevant stakeholders (e.g., government officials, PSNP implementers, development partners, and Woreda/ Kebele officials) at Kebele, Woreda, Region, and Federal levels

3.     Conduct Focus Group Discussions with Kebele/community member (a target sample of 3 – 5 members per kebele)

4.     Conduct interviews with graduates of PSNP5 beneficiaries (a target of 6 – 10 households per kebele)

5.     Transcribe, translate and organize qualitative data for analysis

6.     Write a report

Deliverables

1.     Interview guide and fieldwork

2.     Cleaned quantitative dataset, qualitative transcripts/notes, and supporting documentation

3.     Field report presenting the study methodology and findings

Required Qualifications and experience

·       PhD in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Rural Development, Agricultural science or related fields

·       A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in conducting qualitative research

·       Demonstrated experience in fieldwork and qualitative data collection skills, including conducting in-depth interviews and focus group discussions

·       Experience in qualitative data analysis and integrating qualitative findings with quantitative analysis; mixed-methods research experience is an advantage

·       Familiarity with social protection programs, food security or development programs in an advantage

Application Deadline:

Please submit a cover letter, CV and academic certificates by 3 September 2026