Job Description

Position Title: Qualitative Family Planning Research - Consultant
Location: Yemen
Contract Duration: 44 working days Over two months period 
________________________________________

Overview:

The USAID Strengthening Healthcare Access Project is a five-year (2023–2028) USAID-funded initiative aimed at enhancing access to and equitable use of evidence-based maternal, newborn, and child health; nutrition; family planning; and reproductive health (MNCHN/FP/RH) services in Yemen. It is primarily implemented in Aden, Hadramout, Lahj, and Ta'izz governorates, and builds on the work of the USAID Systems, Health and Resiliency Project.
Led by JSI, the project collaborates with partners to employ a community-guided strategy encompassing demand generation, supply-side reinforcement, and an enabling environment for health in a complex and rapidly changing setting. The project works with midwives, community reproductive health volunteers and leaders, women, men, youth, elders, and families to meet its objectives.
As part of achieving its objectives in increasing uptake of reproductive health and family planning services, the project will conduct focus group discussions in its priority governorates to gain a deeper understanding of barriers women may face in accessing FP services, the decision-making processes, quality of care, attitudes and social and gender norms around early first births, birth spacing and contraceptives.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Logistics and Organization: After JSI has communicated with GHO and/or DHO authorities for necessary approval, the consultant will be responsible for identifying and mobilizing 20 groups (in total) of 8-10 participants per focus group in the targeted governorates. The consultant will also be responsible for transportation, audio recording equipment, providing participants with consent forms, and training of data collectors in FGD moderation, if needed. The groups must represent diverse demographics across the following categories: 

• Women of reproductive age (18-49 years) with no children
• Women of reproductive age with children age 10+
• Mothers/Mothers-in-law of women of reproductive age
• Male partners of women of reproductive age of any parity

Each category should include participants from various socioeconomic backgrounds, considering factors such as urban/rural residence, education levels, IDPs, and economic status. Ensuring appropriate preparation will be crucial to the success of the focus group discussions.

2. Data Collection: The consultant will conduct focus group discussions with the identified participant groups, gathering qualitative insights into barriers, decision-making processes, norms, and attitudes related to family planning services. Detailed notes and observations from each discussion will be documented to capture participant’s perspectives.

3. Data Analysis: Working closely with the project’s Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) and Social and Behavior Change (SBC) teams, the consultant will analyze the data collected during the discussions. This analysis will include key insights and organizing findings in a final report with actionable recommendations.

4. Reporting: The consultant will prepare a final report summarizing the findings from the FGDs. This report will highlight clear overall findings and practical recommendations for improving family planning interventions. Additionally, the consultant will present the research findings to SHA project staff, ensuring the insights are effectively communicated and understood.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, public health, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of experience in qualitative research, data collection, and analysis.
• Proven expertise in conducting focus group discussions.
• Previous work with donor-funded programs or NGOs in Yemen.

Skills:

• Fluency in Arabic and English (spoken and written).
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in qualitative data analysis tools and methods.

Other Requirements:

• Familiarity with gender and cultural norms in Yemen.
• Experience working in rural and urban settings.