JOB DETAILS:
MEARL Hub Afrika (MHA) has been contracted to conduct a qualitative country level baseline study for The Peace Project across Uganda, South Sudan, Burundi, and DR Congo. This study focuses on the Convictions and Connections pathways of the project’s Theory of Change (ToC) to explore the social, cultural, and structural factors influencing peacebuilding and social cohesion.
Objectives of the Baseline Study
• Assess harmful convictions that drive mistrust, hate, and violence within target communities and understand how these beliefs are sustained or countered.
• Examine intergroup trust and relationships, identifying how dialogue, joint problem-solving, and inter-community collaboration contribute to social cohesion.
• Establish baseline values for key qualitative indicators related to social cohesion, trust, and peacebuilding interventions.
• Provide recommendations for strengthening peacebuilding strategies, ensuring alignment with The Peace Project’s long-term goals.

Role Overview The baseline will employ Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), Participatory Mapping, and Ethnographic Observation to generate rich, context-specific insights into peacebuilding dynamics, intergroup perceptions, and local efforts to foster social cohesion. Findings will help refine programming, policy engagement, and future evaluations within The Peace Project. We are seeking two (2) highly qualified female qualitative research assistants
per country (8 total) to support field data collection, transcription, and initial thematic organization of qualitative insights. The assistants will be responsible for facilitating FGDs, participatory mapping exercises, conducting KIIs and documenting observation notes in their respective regions, ensuring cultural and linguistic appropriateness.

Key Responsibilities:
• Conduct FGDs and KIIs using structured qualitative research tools.
• Facilitate participatory mapping exercises with community members.
• Record/Note take, transcribe, and translate interviews and discussions accurately (where needed).
• Conduct ethnographic observations, documenting key social interactions, peacebuilding efforts, and community dynamics.
• Ensure ethical research standards, including informed consent, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity.
• Collaborate closely with the country consultant, local partners and the community.

Qualifications & Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Peace & Conflict Studies, Development Studies, Anthropology, or related fields.
• At least 3 years of experience in qualitative research, data collection, and transcription in conflict or post-conflict settings.
• Strong knowledge of peacebuilding, community conflict dynamics, and social cohesion issues in the respective country.
• Experience conducting participatory research methods.
• Experience working with marginalized groups, refugees, IDPs, PWDs, women, and youth.
• Prior experience conducting research for NGOs, international organizations, or academic institutions is an advantage.

Local Language
Requirements per Country
• Uganda: Acholi, Aringa or Alur
• South Sudan: Arabic, Juba Arabic, Dinka
• Burundi: Kirundi and French
• DR Congo: Swahili, French, and local dialects spoken in Beni, Uvira, Fizi

Additional Skills
• Strong facilitation, probing and interpersonal skills for facilitating FGDs and interviews.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating with a larger team.
• High ethical standards and commitment to responsible research practices.
• Basic experience with NVivo, ATLAS.ti, or other qualitative analysis software is an added advantage.