Company Profile

SoCha LLC is an independent Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) firm providing tailored solutions to social challenges. We specialize in designing and implementing complex evaluations, research studies, and third-party monitoring (TPM) projects for major international donors, including USAID, UN agencies, and other international organizations.

For this assignment, SoCha LLC is preparing a proposal to support the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) in conducting a conflict analysis under the Uganda Refugee Resilience Initiative (URRI). This study seeks to understand conflict dynamics in Northwestern Uganda (West Nile region), focusing on refugee-host community relations, security concerns, and conflict resolution strategies. This position and the assignment are contingent on SoCha being awarded the contract for the study by DRC.  

Background

The URRI Conflict Analysis requires qualitative field data collection through key informant interviews (KIIs), focus group discussions (FGDs), and stakeholder engagement with refugee and host communities in West Nile. SoCha LLC seeks Field-Level Researchers / Data Collectors to support primary data collection by conducting interviews, taking detailed field notes, summarizing key insights, and ensuring high-quality data gathering.

Field researchers will be integral to understanding the complex conflict dynamics in refugee settlements and host communities by applying purposive sampling methods and conflict-sensitive research approaches.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Field-Level Researchers / Data Collectors will support the research team in the following tasks:

1. Conduct qualitative data collection through KIIs, FGDs, and direct observations.
2. Take comprehensive and structured field notes to capture key discussion points and participant insights.
3. Ensure high-quality and conflict-sensitive interviews, following ethical and research integrity standards.
4. Organize and coordinate field visits in collaboration with the Researcher / Field Coordinator.
5. Engage with key stakeholders, including local leaders, refugee representatives, and community members.
6. Support translation and language facilitation as needed for research activities.
7. Report daily findings and share data with the research team.
8. Ensure data confidentiality and integrity throughout the field research process.

Required Qualifications and Experience

1. Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Conflict Studies, Development Studies, or a related field.
2. At least 3 years of experience conducting qualitative field research, interviews, or data collection in conflict or humanitarian settings.
3. Prior experience working in refugee-host community environments is an advantage.
4. Fluency in one or more West Nile local languages (e.g., Lugbara, Kakwa, Madi, Alur) is highly desirable.
5. Strong note-taking, documentation, and data synthesis skills.
6. Familiarity with conflict-sensitive research approaches and ethical fieldwork practices.
7. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
8. Ability to work independently and meet deadlines in challenging field conditions.

Deliverables

1. Completed interview and FGD transcripts (detailed field notes capturing participant responses).
2. Daily summary reports with key findings from fieldwork.
3. Compilation of observations and emerging themes from KIIs and FGDs.
4. Translation and language support where necessary.

Duration

1. 3 weeks of field data collection.
2. LOE may be adjusted based on fieldwork timelines and research needs.

Location

Various locations in West Nile, Northwestern Uganda

How to Apply

To submit your application, kindly provide your CV using the form provided below and a brief cover letter highlighting relevant experience, language skills, and past field research work in conflict or refugee-host community settings.