Brazil: Researcher, Rooted in Trust

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The Rooted in Trust project works to combat COVID-19 rumors and misinformation in Afghanistan, Lebanon, Iraq, Zimbabwe, Colombia, Brazil, Mali, DRC, Sudan and South Sudan. We work to create impact at the local level and inform approaches to rumor management at the global level. The project is supported by a Global Technical Advisory team made up of media, humanitarian, data science and information management experts.

In Phase 1 of the project, we collected more than 19 thousand rumors in 14 languages and supported more than 30 local trusted information providers. In this critical phase of the pandemic, we will build on these efforts to listen and respond to the information challenges faced by vulnerable groups in humanitarian contexts, encouraging open dialogue between citizens and scientists and stronger and more collaborative partnerships between information providers (such as local media) and humanitarian and health sources.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Researcher will manage the implementation of research activities in Brazil. The Researcher will have a strong focus on how Indigenous, Afro-Brazilian and LGBTQIA+ groups communicate to access information about COVID-19 related issues and how their use of online media intersects with their use of traditional media and other sources. Research activities include desk research, social media monitoring, Key Informant Interviews, Focus Group Discussions, surveys, capacity assessment interviews and field observations. The research will help to inform public health and humanitarian response agencies to better communicate key messages to the at-risk population.

LOGISTICS

This is a short-term, remote-based consultancy. The ideal candidate is based in Northern Brazil, preferably in the states of Para, Amapa, or Roraima. You must have work authorization in your location that does not require sponsorship from Internews.

Wherever possible, we work to try to find solutions for international hiring that work for both the company and the candidate. This means that some of the particulars around the offer for a role will be dependent on several factors, and that the benefits and salary structure that apply to a position will ultimately be based upon the candidate’s location and where the role is hired.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so candidates are encouraged to apply soon.

This is a short-term consultancy, with an expected term of four months.

OUR COMMITMENT TO FOSTERING A CULTURE OF BELONGING

We are an organization of dynamic, mission-driven individuals who are passionate about our core values and about supporting positive change in the world. We pride ourselves on our commitment to innovation and flexibility. We believe that diverse teams are strong teams and work to support an ethic of belonging, dignity, and justice for all people . Our current team includes a mix of genders, parents and non-parents, and people of multiple races, nationalities, ages, sexual orientations and socioeconomic backgrounds. We are an EEO employer and encourage candidates of all races, genders, ages, orientations, ethnicities, and national origins to apply, and welcome those with alternative backgrounds and experiences.

SCOPE OF WORK

• Work with the Lead Researcher and Project Manager to design research activities;
• Adapt research tools to the local context;
• Coordinate with partner organizations to provide training and ensure quality data collection practices;
• Clean, collate and analyze data collected by staff and partner organizations;
• Conduct key informant interviews with community leaders, influencers, public health and humanitarian agency officials, media representatives and others;
• Identify information flows, uses, popular platforms, trusted actors, and how information on the virus is produced, distributed, and accessed;
• Contribute to the writing of the final report;
• Generate graphs or other engaging content to display data;
• Deliver regular reporting to the project team;
• Perform any other duties as assigned by supervisors; and
• Understanding of and demonstrated commitment to upholding Internews’ Core Values .

QUALIFICATIONS WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Required

• Strong Research and Learning (MERL) background, especially using a mix of qualitative and quantitative, observational participatory data collection and analysis methods
• Master’s degree in social sciences, communication, international development, evaluation or a related field
• At least 5 years’ experience conducting research
• Fluency in spoken and written Portuguese and advanced English
• Excellent intercultural communication skills/cultural sensitivity and the ability to forge strong cross-cultural relationships and build trust demonstrated through previous experience
• Strong co-design facilitation, presentation, writing and communication skills
• Strong understanding of the humanitarian principles to ensure data collection and provision follow the Core Humanitarian Standards

Preferred

Note: Candidates who do not have these preferred qualifications, but are interested and willing to learn, are encouraged to apply

• Excellent writing skills
• Self-motivated and used to work in a fast-paced environment
• Data visualization skills and knowledge of relevant software to produce infographics a plus
• Direct research experience with Indigenous, Afro-Brazilian and/or LGBTQIA+ communities located in Northern Brazil, a plus