Calls for Application

NTAG-Nepali Technical Assistance Group

Calls for Application

Field Researchers for Anthropological Assessment on Access and Coverage of IMAM Services in Nepal 

ACF in coordination with Nutrition Section, Family Welfare Division of Department of Health Services, strategic partner NTAG is planning to conduct anthropological assessment on community perceptions related to access and coverage of nutrition services in selected districts of Nepal. 

The overall objective of the assessment is largely to explore how the local socio-cultural and political systems for nutrition services are maintained, local people’s indigenous knowledge, attitudes, practices and perspectives towards accessing community-based nutrition services are shaped and established in different socio-cultural and political contexts, and their beliefs, perceptions, practices towards a range of delivery of nutrition-specific and nutrition sensitive services through health facilities or community services. 

In addition to general populations, especially poor, ethnic/indigenous, socio-economically, culturally and politically marginalized populations in both rural and urban areas will be represented as part of community engagement for this qualitative research. The results and evidences from the field research will complement and address the relevant issues or concerns at the community for consideration during the revision or update of protocols and technical guidelines such as IMAM.

Likewise, the research also aims to understand specificities such as socio-cultural dynamics, wider social determinants of health/nutrition, power relations, identify influencers/change agents in the community, and explore indigenous practices and adaptive approaches for community-based nutrition services at large.

Methodological approach and process

This will be primarily a qualitative research that uses some of the anthropological approaches with a clear focus on participatory methodologies such as in-depth interviews, observations, social and/or health resource mapping, seasonal calendars, mapping of communication channels, case studies, informal interactions, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with community members, school teachers, female community health volunteers, health workers, community-based organizations’ (CBOs) representatives, representatives of marginalized communities and other social service providers (public and private). In addition, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with marginalized and vulnerable communities, health facility staff and mothers’ groups will be conducted.

Field Researchers (3 Male and 3 Female)

In this context, ACF in partnership with strategic partner NTAG intends to recruit 6 Field Researchers (Qualitative) for the anthropological assessment. The selection process entails a thorough assessment (written and interview) to identify qualified, interested and highly motivated researchers for the assessment. The field researchers will work under the overall guidance of Program Manager from ACF, and International Research Expert/Advisor, and direct supervision from the national researcher for timely and quality implementation of the research project. The field researchers will be administratively managed by the strategic partner NTAG.

Qualifications and experiences:

Master’s degree in anthropology, social science, or any related field from a recognized university and at least 3 to 5 years of practical experiences and skills in qualitative research, data collection, field notes, transcription (local language to English), analysis and reporting. Knowledge, experiences and training on participatory research approaches such as PRA or PLA, observations, and other qualitative research methodologies would be desirable. Preference will be given to qualified local researchers as far as possible. Additional background in health and/or nutrition would be preferable.

Ability to travel in rural/remote areas, having good inter-personal communication and social skills to adapt local conditions, respect for local people and culture, and interact and/or immerse with a range of populations in different socio-cultural, economic and political contexts during the field research. 

The selected researchers will undergo a two-day workshop for necessary orientation and planning for field research implementation.

Timeframe: 3 Weeks (Minimum of two weeks in the field starting from last week of July, and one additional week for translation/transcription, and reporting).

Remuneration and other conditions: Depending on the qualifications and experiences, as well as NTAG’s rules and regulations.

Application Procedures:

Interested Nepali citizens with relevant qualification and expertise should submit their resume, cover letter, and references to info@ntag.org.np by no later than 17:30 hours on Tuesday, 16 July 2024. Applications received after this will not be considered.

Please indicate “Field Researcher for Reinforcing Wasting Care and Prevention in Nepal Phase II” in the subject line of email otherwise the application may be disqualified.