Social Research Experts/Formative Research Specialists (Consultants) Individual Consultant National Position Short term contract

Location: Dodoma, Tanzania (preferred); or anywhere in Tanzania with frequent travel to Dodoma

Reports to: Project Manager

Timeframe: Approximately 4 months per expert over an 18-month period
Openings: 2

Please Note: This position is contingent upon award and donor approval with an anticipated start date of March 2026.

Global Communities champions innovative solutions to complex challenges at the intersection of humanitarian assistance, sustainable development, and financial inclusion. We ensure our approaches are as dynamic and diverse as the communities we serve. We bring together local ingenuity and global insights to save lives and secure strong futures.

Global Communities is seeking two (2) Formative Research Experts for the anticipated World Bank and Government of Tanzania Community-Based Social Norms Change and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention Program in Tanzania mainland. This project is part of the larger Project for Advancing Gender Equality Project (PAMOJA) which has four main components: 1) Promoting Economic Opportunities for Women through Community Based Models; 2) Strengthening Gender-based Violence Prevention and Response Services; 3) Innovations and Partnerships; and 4) Project Management and Monitoring and Evaluation. The objective of the 18-month project is to design, pilot, validate and support to rollout a national protocol for a community-based social norms change and GBV prevention program in Tanzania Mainland in 15 rural councils of Tanzania based on the Bandebereho model, a couples-based intervention, successfully implemented in Rwanda.

The project team will lead the design of a culturally adapted community-based social norms change and GBV prevention program for Tanzania Mainland based on the Bandebereho/Program P model; pilot the program in selected councils/districts with high GBV prevalence rate; build the capacity of community structures to roll out the model nationally; and establish robust Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning systems for lessons learning, on-ground adaptation, evidence generation and scale-up.

About the Consultancy

The Formative Research Experts will lead the design and technical execution of qualitative and participatory research activities underpinning program design and adaptation. They will be responsible for developing research tools, piloting, overseeing field data collection, and conducting rigorous analysis and reporting on GBV, social norms, masculinity, and family dynamics across the selected councils. Their work will ensure that the intervention is grounded in empirical evidence, ethically conducted, and responsive to lived experiences, directly informing curriculum adaptation, validation, and scale-up decisions. The Formative Research Experts will work closely with the project MEL team.

Scope of Work

• Formative Research Design and Implementation
• Lead the designing and implementation of rigorous qualitative research methodologies, including Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and other participatory approaches across the 15 selected councils.
• Co-develop with the government and pilot ethical, gender-sensitive research tools focused on GBV, social norms, masculinity, household power relations, and community-level dynamics to inform adaptation of Bandebereho model
• Ensure research design reflects inclusion of diverse groups, including women, men, youth, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized populations
• Coordinate closely with the MEL Specialist to align formative research tools with broader MEL frameworks and indicators.
• Field Supervision and Ethical Compliance
• Supervise and support field research teams to ensure methodological rigor, consistency, and high-quality data collection.
• Ensure strict adherence to ethical GBV research standards, safeguarding protocols, informed consent procedures, and survivor-centered approaches.
• Monitor compliance with accountability and feedback mechanisms, including referral pathways for participants requiring support.
• Data Analysis and Synthesis
• Lead data analysis through systematic review, coding, organization, and interpretation of findings.
• Synthesize research findings to identify key social norms, barriers, enabling factors, and contextual dynamics relevant to GBV prevention
• Translate insights into clear, actionable recommendations to inform adaptation of the Bandebereho program design, curriculum adaptation, facilitation approaches, and pilot implementation design.
• Research Outputs, Validation, and Scale-Up Support
• Produce a high-quality research report, draft briefs and presentations for the government, donors, and communities as requested.
• Support validation of findings through stakeholder workshops and consultations with government counterparts, community representatives, and implementing partners.
• Contribute research inputs to curriculum refinement, pilot design adjustments, and documentation for national protocol scale-up planning.
• Document lesson learnt and evidence-based generated for integration into program design
• Capacity Strengthening and Team Support
• Support the recruitment, supervision, and performance management of research staff involved in formative research activities.
• Strengthen the capacity of field teams on ethical qualitative data collection, safeguarding, and learning-oriented research practices.
• Provide technical mentoring to ensure sustainability of research capacities

Deliverables

The consultants will be responsible for producing the following outputs:

• Formative Research Design, protocol and tools (interview guides, focus group discussion guides) aligned with ethical standards.
• Local ethical clearance and government approvals for research activities when required
• Fieldwork Supervision Notes and Data Summaries
• Datasets and coding frameworks for qualitative and mixed‑methods analysis.
• Formative Research Synthesis Report with actionable recommendations
• Inputs into Adapted Curriculum and Validation Workshops

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as research, M&E, statistics, Public Health, Gender Studies, social science or related field
• Minimum 8 years of experience with social development and community intervention projects.
• Strong expertise in qualitative and mixed‑methods research, including participatory approaches Undertaken at least two (2) similar projects in designing and conducting qualitative and participatory research, particularly in the areas GBV, social norms change, masculinity, family dynamics, and community-based interventions..
• Familiarity with gender transformative models such as Program P, Bandebereho, or other couples-based behavioral change models aimed at GBV prevention.
• Experience with the World Bank or other international donors, a plus
• Experience working with government ministries, NGOs, and community-based organizations in Tanzania or other sub-Saharan context
• Proven track record of institutionalizing MEL systems and disseminating research findings to influence policy and practice.
• Strong team leadership and supervisory skills with experience building MEL capacity across partners.
• Expertise in quantitative/qualitative methods, statistical software, and data visualization platforms (CommCare, PowerBI, etc.).
• Excellent analytical abilities with Strong English writing and presentation skills, with a record of technical briefs/publications. Proficiency in Swahili is highly required

Global Communities positively welcomes and seeks applications from all sections of society. We are committed to a work environment that respects the dignity and worth of everyone and offers equal opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Global Communities holds strict safeguarding principles and has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. In the process of recruitment, selection, and appointment, Global Communities will conduct robust reference and background screening checks, including international vetting as a signature of the Global Misconduct Disclosure Scheme to ensure children and vulnerable adults are safeguarded, and abuse is prevented. The incumbent is required to carry out their duties in accordance with Global Communities Safeguarding policy and the Standards of Conduct.

How to apply

Please apply online:

https://internationalcareers-globalcommunities.icims.com/jobs/2582/social-research-experts-formative-research-specialists-%28consultants%29/job

Tagged as: Consultant