Consultant-Local Lead Researcher

The Berghof Foundation is seeking a highly skilled local Consultant Researcher to lead the research component of its projects in Iraq with a focus on climate change, migration, and social cohesion and support with the establishment of the Conflict Transformation Research presence in the country. The Consultant Researcher will be responsible for designing and implementing research methodologies, overseeing fieldwork, and engaging key stakeholders. This position also includes the development of a network of enumerators across Iraq, building their capacity, and leading training initiatives. Additionally, the Consultant Researcher will serve as the main point of contact for research related activities to ensure data quality and the production of comprehensive reports. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Lead Research Efforts:   

• Design and support with conducting research on security sector reform, climate change, migration, peacebuilding and social cohesion in Iraq and across the MENA region with a focus on conflict analysis and policy recommendations.

• Coordinate desk research, fieldwork, and the collection of qualitative and quantitative data through Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and other relevant data collection methodologies in Iraq and across different countries within the region.

• Ensure the research aligns with Berghof’s broader objectives and contributes to policy influencing and peacebuilding efforts at both the local and regional levels, aligning with Berghof’s broader objectives.

Stakeholder Engagement:   

• Serve as the focal point for conducting KIIs with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders across Iraq within the above-mentioned thematic areas and additional outlined areas in the future.

• Engage with authorities, civil society organizations, and international actors to gather insights, facilitate dialogues, and build collaborative relationships.

 Collaboration and Coordination:   

• Act as the main contact point for outsourced research activities ensuring the quality of data collected and overseeing the production of reports.

• Work closely with Berghof’s Conflict Transformation Research (CTR) team to ensure methodological rigor and alignment with broader research goals, as well as visibility of local and regional research needs at HQ level.

 Enumerator Network Development:   

• Develop a network of enumerators across Iraq to support data collection.

• Deliver training and capacity-building activities to enumerators, ensuring they are well-equipped to conduct high-quality research.

• Monitor the performance and effectiveness of enumerators in the field to maintain data integrity.

Education:   

• Advanced degree (master’s or PhD) in conflict analysis, political science, international relations, or a related field.

Experience:   

• 5-7 years of proven experience in research in Iraq within a relevant field, additional experience in the MENA region would be a strong asset.

• Experience in designing and conducting field-based research in fragile or conflict-affected environments.

• Strong experience in training and capacity-building for field research teams.

• Experience with participatory research methodologies and working with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, civil society, and international organizations.

 Skills:   

• Strong network of researchers and academic institutions in Iraq.

• Proven ability to conduct high-level KIIs and FGDs with a wide range of stakeholders.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Arabic (Kurdish is a plus).

• Strong organizational, reporting, and coordination skills.

• Ability and availability to travel to MENA region and Europe for collaborations and trainings

Interested candidates should submit their CV, cover letter, and a list of relevant publications to calls.iraq@berghof-foundation.org by 03.11.2024.

The subject line should read “I4P-Erbil- Consultant Lead Researcher”