Research Consultant - Baseline Survey on Children Without Parental Care

About the role

Challenging Heights is looking for a research consultant to carry out a baseline survey on the effects of lack of parental care on children in coastal areas of Ghana. The study covers four districts in southern Ghana (Awutu Senya, Effutu Municipal, Agona West and the Kaneshie area of the Greater Accra Region) and aims to inform a programme supporting children at risk of losing parental care, its monitoring and advocacy.

Key responsibilities

• Design the baseline survey with Challenging Heights staff, including methods, tools and questionnaires
• Form a gender-balanced research team and embed ethical considerations
• Carry out the survey: quantitative questionnaire with about 60 children per district and qualitative interviews with 20 children who have lost parental care, plus surveys of parents and officials
• Analyze the data and write a final report and a summary report on beneficiaries and their control group
• Provide feedback on the research to the participating communities

Required profile

• Minimum of a Master's degree in social science, child psychology or a related discipline
• Experience designing and conducting similar research in Ghana
• Strong analytical skills
• Willingness to undergo police checks to assess eligibility to work with children
• Must be based in Ghana due to budget constraints

What we offer

• Remuneration negotiable based on qualifications, research plan and project budget
• Desk space for the analysis phase, if needed

To apply, send a CV with two professional references, a one-page draft research methodology proposal and a budget under GHS 12,000 (including travel and interviewer stipends), and a sample of previous work, by email before 18 October 2012. The consultant provides their own computer and bears all project expenses.