Field Monitor/Researcher

Established in 2019, Optimum Analysis (https://optimum-analysis.com/) is a locally registered research company that operates throughout Iraq. Its mission is to make a contribution to improving humanitarian and development programming, positively impact economic development, and build the capacity of national researchers in Iraq. By combining the technical skills of international staff with the contextual knowledge of national researchers, and adhering to international standards for social science, Optimum Analysis is able to ensure that the highest quality data and analysis is being delivered. Core services include research design, data collection, and analysis and report writing.

Optimum Analysis is engaged in research activities across a multitude of sectors which include: Emergencies & Humanitarian Aid, Education, Food Security & Resilience, Gender Empowerment, Financial Inclusivity, Migration & Displacement, Livelihoods & Economic Growth, Social Protection, Health, Water & Sanitation, and Security, Stabilization, & Countering Violent Extremism.

Job Description: We are currently looking to further develop our roster of qualified researchers and team leaders for short-term assignments inside Iraq. Optimum Analysis calls upon its roster of researchers for research and fieldwork management support on a project-by-project basis. Duties under a short-term contract may include collecting household surveys, conducting Key Informant Interviews or Focus Group Discussions, conducting background research, conducting translations, or leading teams of enumerators/researchers in a particular area.

We are particularly interested in applicants who have previous experience conducting research themselves and/or managing teams of researchers/enumerators inside Iraq.

**Kindly note that inclusion in our roster is not a guarantee that you will receive a contract.

Description of Main Duties:

• Attend researcher training sessions (either in-person or online) before the start of each project and on an ad hoc basis as needed;
• Review data collection tools for accuracy and contextualization to the specific data collection area;
• Collect high-quality qualitative and/or quantitative data (surveys and/or interviews);
• Manage teams of enumerators/researchers and ensuring high quality of data submitted and adherence to the fieldwork plan (based on experience of applicants);
• Write notes and translate transcripts of interviews in English, Arabic, and Kurdish when necessary;
• Respect and maintain the confidentiality of respondents and all other safeguarding procedures.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• At least one year of previous experience conducting similar research inside Iraq (mandatory);
• Previous experience working with data collection platforms such as ODK, Kobo Collect etc (mandatory);
• Previous experience conducting KIIs and/or FGDs inside Iraq (mandatory);
• Previous experience managing teams of enumerators/researchers inside Iraq (strongly preferred);
• Experience working with local authorities or other permissions bodies inside Iraq (preferred);
• Wide networks of researchers or enumerators in at least one governorate in Iraq;
• High attention to detail;
• Strong organizational skills;
• Ability to work effectively in a team setting;
• Ability to manage high-stress situations and meet deadlines under pressure;
• Respect for individuals and groups from all nationalities, ethnic groups, religions, and minority groups, and ability to adapt different cultural contexts;
• Strong sense of research ethics and commitment to working with integrity and confidentiality.