Job Description
BACKGROUND
Project HOPE is a leading global health and humanitarian organization with over 65 years of experience transforming the health and well-being of communities around the world. With over 1,000 employees in more than 25 countries across five continents, Project HOPE works hand-in-hand with local health workers and health systems to provide urgent relief and transformative solutions that drive lasting impact.
With financial support from the Gates Foundation, Project HOPE has been implementing the Pathways for Ethiopia Project since November 2023. The project seeks to understand, reach, and better serve vulnerable populations in Ethiopia by applying the Pathways approach to identify socioeconomic, environmental, and cultural factors that contribute to vulnerability to poor Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child Health and Nutrition (RMNCH+N) service utilization and health outcomes. The initiative is being implemented with strategic leadership and technical oversight from the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI).
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The project has now completed the development of a population segmentation solution for women of reproductive age (WRA). The segmentation analysis identified distinct population segments characterized by different levels and combinations of vulnerability and demonstrated substantial differences in important RMNCH+N outcomes. The next phase of the project focuses on translating these segmentation findings into meaningful and tailored interventions using a Human-Centered Design (HCD) approach. To inform this process, the project will conduct a qualitative study among priority population segments. The study will generate deeper insights into women's lived experiences, motivations, barriers, social norms, contextual influences, and health-related decision-making, thereby complementing the quantitative evidence generated through the population segmentation analysis.
Project HOPE therefore seeks to recruit 12 highly qualified and experienced Qualitative Research Facilitators/Interviewers to support this qualitative study.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Position: Qualitative Research Facilitator/Interviewer
Reports to: Qualitative Research Associate
Duty station: Selected study districts in Afar, Amhara, Oromia, South Ethiopia Regional State (SERS), Central Ethiopia Regional State (CERS), and Dire Dawa City Administration (DDCA)
Type of contract: Short-term
Duration of engagement: 23 working days
Gender consideration: At least 50% of the recruited facilitators will be women
SUMMARY OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The primary responsibility of the Qualitative Research Facilitators/Interviewers will be to collect high-quality qualitative data from local women and other study participants in selected regions. The facilitators will screen potential participants using a digital typing tool, conduct in-depth interviews and life-journey mapping interviews, prepare detailed field notes, and translate and transcribe recorded qualitative interviews.
The study uses a Generic Qualitative Descriptive Study with an HCD orientation. Women of reproductive age from prioritized Pathways segments constitute the primary study participants, with additional interviews involving husbands/partners, Health Extension Workers (HEWs), and health-system representatives.
Because interviews will be conducted in local languages, applicants must demonstrate strong proficiency in the language(s) relevant to their proposed duty station and must clearly indicate the specific region/city administration for which they are applying and the language(s) in which they can professionally conduct, translate, and transcribe qualitative interviews.
SCOPE OF WORK, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Qualitative Research Facilitators/Interviewers will be responsible for the following:
Successfully complete the three-day training, including practical sessions on the study protocol, digital typing tool, qualitative interviewing, life-journey mapping, and ethical research procedures.
Travel to assigned study locations, including rural districts, and conduct community-based screening of women using the digital typing tool to identify eligible participants.
Conduct high-quality in-depth interviews and life-journey mapping interviews using the study guides and standard qualitative research methods.
Apply appropriate qualitative interviewing techniques, including rapport building, active listening, probing, and follow-up questioning, while ensuring participants' privacy, confidentiality, and informed consent.
Prepare and submit comprehensive field notes and participate in field debriefings and other data-quality assurance activities.
Translate and transcribe audio-recorded interviews from local languages into English, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and preservation of participants' intended meaning.
Review and finalize transcripts based on quality-control feedback and submit all deliverables within the agreed timelines.
Maintain strict confidentiality and ethical standards in handling participant information, recordings, field notes, transcripts, and other study materials.
5. WORK CONDITIONS
The assignment will span approximately 23 working days, comprising 3 days of training, 8 days of field data collection, and 12 days of translation and transcription, and will involve travel and temporary stays in rural and remote study areas. Facilitators are expected to maintain professional and culturally appropriate conduct, and continued engagement will be subject to successful completion of the training and demonstration of the required qualitative interviewing competencies.
CODE OF CONDUCT
It is our shared responsibility and obligation to treat each other with respect, to take affirmative steps to prevent matters involving Sexual Exploitation & Abuse and Trafficking in Persons, and to disclose all potential and actual violations of our Code of Conduct, which may include Conflicts of Interest, Fraud, Corruption, Discrimination or Harassment. Together, we can reinforce a culture of respect, integrity, accountability, and transparency.
7. Application Requirements
Interested applicants should submit the following:
Cover letter clearly indicating the preferred region/city administration, relevant language proficiency, and summary of relevant qualitative research experience.
Updated CV outlining academic qualifications, relevant professional experience and three references.
Academic credentials and testimonials/certificates demonstrating experience in at least five previous qualitative health or health-related research projects/studies.
Contact details for at least three professional references who can provide testimonials regarding the applicant’s qualitative research experience and performance.
Job Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following minimum requirements:
Master’s degree or above in Public Health, Sociology, Social Work, Anthropology, Health Sciences, Behavioral/Social Sciences, or another relevant field.
Demonstrated experience conducting qualitative research in at least five previous health or health-related studies/projects, including in-depth interviews or similar qualitative methods.
Strong qualitative interviewing skills, including rapport building, active listening, probing, and eliciting detailed narratives; experience in RMNCH+N and/or life-journey interviews is an advantage.
Demonstrated experience in verbatim transcription and translation of qualitative interviews from local languages into English; community-based research experience is desirable.
Fluency in English and the relevant local language(s). Applicants must clearly indicate the region/city administration for which they are applying and their proficiency in relevant local languages.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
Successful applicants are expected to demonstrate:
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and qualitative interviewing skills, including rapport building, active listening, and probing.
Cultural sensitivity and ability to work respectfully with participants from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
Strong documentation and English writing skills, with attention to accuracy and data quality.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively, while adhering to study protocols, supervisory guidance, and timelines.
Strong commitment to research ethics, confidentiality, informed consent, and participant privacy.
Willingness and ability to travel and work in rural, remote, and challenging field settings.
How To Apply
Interested applicants should submit the following:
Cover letter clearly indicating the preferred region/city administration, relevant language proficiency, and summary of relevant qualitative research experience.
Updated CV outlining academic qualifications, relevant professional experience and three references.
Academic credentials and testimonials/certificates demonstrating experience in at least five previous qualitative health or health-related research projects/studies.
Contact details for at least three professional references who can provide testimonials regarding the applicant’s qualitative research experience and performance.
Interested applicants can send their CV and cover letter through ethiojobs ONLY no later than October 4, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
Qualified female applicants are highly encouraged to apply.
Due to the large number of inquiries, we receive, only candidates who have met the required experience & qualifications for this position will be considered. No phone calls please.
However, since we are active around the world in the field of public health, we may wish to retain your CV in our database for other/future opportunities, unless you direct us otherwise.
Thank you very much for your interest in Project HOPE
