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Qualitative Research Consultant
Jobs
#662154
Full Time
Job Description
Qualifications and Skills
• A PhD in Public Health, Epidemiology, Social Sciences, or a related field with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience; or
• A Master’s degree in the above fields with at least 3 years of relevant experience, with strong grounding in qualitative research theories, analytical approaches, and qualitative analysis software.
• Ability to drive issue-based analyses, generate proactive insights, and develop analytical presentations and consultative storytelling with clear, actionable recommendations.
• Experience in developing and localizing research instruments, including screeners, discussion guides, research stimuli, and secondary market information aligned with project objectives.
• Demonstrated expertise in primary qualitative research, including designing and executing In-depth Interviews (IDIs), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Case Studies, Ethnographies, and observational studies, along with qualitative data analysis and coding support.
• Experience conducting in-person and telephonic interviews with diverse stakeholders across the public and digital health ecosystem.
• Proven ability to conduct secondary research scans, comparative and competitive analyses, generate leads, and build databases using both public and proprietary sources.
• Fluency in Marathi is essential for selection in this project.
Essential Competencies
The position requires the following competencies to effectively deliver results and fulfill job responsibilities:
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and qualitative analysis software such as NVivo and MAXQDA
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong inter-team coordination and collaboration abilities
• High capability in deriving qualitative insights, structuring research reports, and presenting findings to clients and stakeholders
• Willingness to travel for fieldwork and study-related visits
Projects to Be HandledProject 1:
Understanding Maternal and Child Health Beliefs, Practices, and Service Utilization in Nandurbar — A Qualitative Study
This project aims to develop an in-depth understanding of cultural, social, digital, and health-system determinants shaping RMNCH behaviors among tribal communities in Nandurbar district, Maharashtra. The qualitative community assessment was conducted across three blocks of Nandurbar to explore socio-cultural, structural, and digital factors influencing Maternal and Child Health (MCH) outcomes, with a specific focus on High-Risk Pregnancy (HRP) and High-Risk Child (HRC) management.
Data collection occurred between September and December 2026, using In-depth Interviews (IDIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with pregnant women, caregivers, ASHAs, ANMs, LHVs, and Block ASHA Coordinators.
Data to be Analyzed
The dataset consists of audio recordings and interview notes from:
• In-Depth Interviews (IDIs): Pregnant women, primary caregivers (e.g., mothers-in-law, husbands), and ANMs
• Focus Group Discussions (FGDs): Pregnant women, mothers of children under five, and ASHAs
Scope of Work and Deliverables
The consultant’s work will be organized into three key phases: Transcription Management, Thematic Analysis, and Reporting.
A. Transcription and Quality Control
Transcription Management (Marathi to English):
• Task: Accurately transcribe all audio-recorded IDIs and FGDs conducted in Marathi or local dialects into verified English text.
• Deliverable: A complete set of high-quality transcripts (Word or text format), with rigorous quality checks ensuring accuracy of local terminology and health-specific concepts.
Transcript Cleaning and Preparation:
• Task: Anonymize participant identities and standardize formatting to prepare transcripts for qualitative analysis software.
• Deliverable: Final QDA-ready datasets compatible with MAXQDA, NVivo, or ATLAS.ti.
B. Qualitative Data Analysis (Thematic Analysis)
Codebook Development:
• Task: Develop a structured codebook aligned with study objectives, incorporating inductive coding to capture emergent themes beyond the original protocol.
• Deliverable: A comprehensive, PI-approved codebook with definitions and illustrative examples.
Coding and Thematic Mapping:
• Task: Systematically code all transcripts and map themes to study objectives and respondent categories (e.g., comparing ASHA perspectives on digital tools with those of pregnant women or caregivers).
• Deliverable: A fully coded qualitative analysis project file.
Cross-Cutting Analysis:
• Task: Conduct in-depth analysis of five cross-cutting themes identified in the protocol, including gender and decision-making, digital readiness and mobile access, referral barriers and enablers, community and system trust, and seasonal vulnerability.
C. Reporting and Dissemination
Drafting Key Findings:
• Task: Synthesize thematic findings into coherent insights supported by rich participant quotes translated from verified transcripts.
• Deliverable: A draft report presenting findings aligned with study objectives and cross-cutting themes.
Final Report Development:
• Task: Incorporate feedback to develop a policy- and program-oriented final report explaining how traditional beliefs, structural barriers, and digital readiness shape MCH service utilization in Nandurbar.
• Deliverable: A final qualitative report (English) with an executive summary, methodology, detailed findings, and actionable recommendations.
Presentation:
• Deliverable: A concise presentation highlighting key policy and programmatic insights for stakeholders.
Project 2:
Qualitative Action Research Study to Assess User Feedback and Effectiveness of an End-to-End Nutrition Tracking Program in Maharashtra
This project evaluates the effectiveness of NURTURE (Nutrition Uptake, Referral, Treatment & Recovery Ecosystem), a web-based application designed for ICDS Supervisors to strengthen acute malnutrition management in Maharashtra. The platform supports timely identification, referral to Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres (NRCs) and Village/Urban Child Development Centres (VCDC/UCDC), and treatment tracking through integration with public health and ICDS systems.
The action research study uses a mixed-methods approach to assess uptake, usability, appropriateness, and effectiveness of the tool in strengthening the end-to-end tracking of High-Risk Children (HRCs). Findings will inform improvements to the tool’s rollout and contribute to a scalable model for HRC tracking and Poshan Tracker integration beyond Maharashtra.
The qualitative consultant will supervise and conduct in-depth interviews with Anganwadi Workers, ICDS Supervisors, NRC officials, and Health and WCD officials across three districts of Maharashtra (to be finalized). A detailed methodology note will be shared with the selected candidate.
Data to be Collected and Analyzed
• In-Depth Interviews (IDIs): ICDS Supervisors, Anganwadi Workers, NRC officials, CDPOs, DPOs, and State Officials
Scope of Work and Deliverables
The consultant’s work will span data collection, transcription, analysis, and reporting, organized into the following phases:
A. Data Collection
• Task: Conduct and supervise qualitative interviews in coordination with Khushi Baby teams; manage and support 1–2 additional qualitative interviewers; participate in interviewer training.
• Deliverable: 28 completed IDIs, including audio recordings and consent documentation.
B. Transcription and Quality Control
Transcription Management (Marathi to English):
• Task: Accurately transcribe all IDIs conducted in Marathi into verified English text with quality checks for terminology and contextual accuracy.
• Deliverable: A complete set of high-quality transcripts.
Transcript Preparation:
• Task: Anonymize and format transcripts for qualitative analysis software.
• Deliverable: Final QDA-ready datasets.
C. Qualitative Data Analysis (Thematic Analysis)
Codebook Development:
• Task: Develop and refine a structured codebook aligned with study objectives, incorporating inductive themes.
• Deliverable: A PI-approved codebook with definitions and examples.
Coding and Thematic Mapping:
• Task: Code all transcripts and map findings to study objectives and respondent categories (e.g., contrasting ICDS Supervisor and CDPO perspectives on NURTURE’s usefulness).
• Deliverable: A coded qualitative analysis project file.
Cross-Cutting Analysis:
• Task: Conduct detailed analysis of protocol-specified themes related to usability, implementation strengths, and system integration.
D. Reporting and Dissemination
Drafting Key Findings:
• Task: Synthesize thematic findings with illustrative quotes and examples.
• Deliverable: A draft report organized by study objectives and thematic areas.
Final Report Development:
• Task: Incorporate feedback to produce a final policy- and program-focused qualitative report.
• Deliverable: A final written report (English) with an executive summary, methodology, findings, and actionable recommendations.
Time Period
• Initial duration: 5 months
• Extension: Subject to performance and project requirements
Remuneration
The remuneration offered will range between INR 1-1.2L per month, commensurate with the candidate's experience and skill sets. Other benefits include:
• Paid sick leave, paid parental leave and menstrual leave
• A flexible, enabling environment workplace with the opportunity to grow into leadership roles.
• Opportunities to attend and actively participate in prestigious International conferences and workshops
• A PhD in Public Health, Epidemiology, Social Sciences, or a related field with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience; or
• A Master’s degree in the above fields with at least 3 years of relevant experience, with strong grounding in qualitative research theories, analytical approaches, and qualitative analysis software.
• Ability to drive issue-based analyses, generate proactive insights, and develop analytical presentations and consultative storytelling with clear, actionable recommendations.
• Experience in developing and localizing research instruments, including screeners, discussion guides, research stimuli, and secondary market information aligned with project objectives.
• Demonstrated expertise in primary qualitative research, including designing and executing In-depth Interviews (IDIs), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Case Studies, Ethnographies, and observational studies, along with qualitative data analysis and coding support.
• Experience conducting in-person and telephonic interviews with diverse stakeholders across the public and digital health ecosystem.
• Proven ability to conduct secondary research scans, comparative and competitive analyses, generate leads, and build databases using both public and proprietary sources.
• Fluency in Marathi is essential for selection in this project.
Essential Competencies
The position requires the following competencies to effectively deliver results and fulfill job responsibilities:
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and qualitative analysis software such as NVivo and MAXQDA
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong inter-team coordination and collaboration abilities
• High capability in deriving qualitative insights, structuring research reports, and presenting findings to clients and stakeholders
• Willingness to travel for fieldwork and study-related visits
Projects to Be HandledProject 1:
Understanding Maternal and Child Health Beliefs, Practices, and Service Utilization in Nandurbar — A Qualitative Study
This project aims to develop an in-depth understanding of cultural, social, digital, and health-system determinants shaping RMNCH behaviors among tribal communities in Nandurbar district, Maharashtra. The qualitative community assessment was conducted across three blocks of Nandurbar to explore socio-cultural, structural, and digital factors influencing Maternal and Child Health (MCH) outcomes, with a specific focus on High-Risk Pregnancy (HRP) and High-Risk Child (HRC) management.
Data collection occurred between September and December 2026, using In-depth Interviews (IDIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with pregnant women, caregivers, ASHAs, ANMs, LHVs, and Block ASHA Coordinators.
Data to be Analyzed
The dataset consists of audio recordings and interview notes from:
• In-Depth Interviews (IDIs): Pregnant women, primary caregivers (e.g., mothers-in-law, husbands), and ANMs
• Focus Group Discussions (FGDs): Pregnant women, mothers of children under five, and ASHAs
Scope of Work and Deliverables
The consultant’s work will be organized into three key phases: Transcription Management, Thematic Analysis, and Reporting.
A. Transcription and Quality Control
Transcription Management (Marathi to English):
• Task: Accurately transcribe all audio-recorded IDIs and FGDs conducted in Marathi or local dialects into verified English text.
• Deliverable: A complete set of high-quality transcripts (Word or text format), with rigorous quality checks ensuring accuracy of local terminology and health-specific concepts.
Transcript Cleaning and Preparation:
• Task: Anonymize participant identities and standardize formatting to prepare transcripts for qualitative analysis software.
• Deliverable: Final QDA-ready datasets compatible with MAXQDA, NVivo, or ATLAS.ti.
B. Qualitative Data Analysis (Thematic Analysis)
Codebook Development:
• Task: Develop a structured codebook aligned with study objectives, incorporating inductive coding to capture emergent themes beyond the original protocol.
• Deliverable: A comprehensive, PI-approved codebook with definitions and illustrative examples.
Coding and Thematic Mapping:
• Task: Systematically code all transcripts and map themes to study objectives and respondent categories (e.g., comparing ASHA perspectives on digital tools with those of pregnant women or caregivers).
• Deliverable: A fully coded qualitative analysis project file.
Cross-Cutting Analysis:
• Task: Conduct in-depth analysis of five cross-cutting themes identified in the protocol, including gender and decision-making, digital readiness and mobile access, referral barriers and enablers, community and system trust, and seasonal vulnerability.
C. Reporting and Dissemination
Drafting Key Findings:
• Task: Synthesize thematic findings into coherent insights supported by rich participant quotes translated from verified transcripts.
• Deliverable: A draft report presenting findings aligned with study objectives and cross-cutting themes.
Final Report Development:
• Task: Incorporate feedback to develop a policy- and program-oriented final report explaining how traditional beliefs, structural barriers, and digital readiness shape MCH service utilization in Nandurbar.
• Deliverable: A final qualitative report (English) with an executive summary, methodology, detailed findings, and actionable recommendations.
Presentation:
• Deliverable: A concise presentation highlighting key policy and programmatic insights for stakeholders.
Project 2:
Qualitative Action Research Study to Assess User Feedback and Effectiveness of an End-to-End Nutrition Tracking Program in Maharashtra
This project evaluates the effectiveness of NURTURE (Nutrition Uptake, Referral, Treatment & Recovery Ecosystem), a web-based application designed for ICDS Supervisors to strengthen acute malnutrition management in Maharashtra. The platform supports timely identification, referral to Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres (NRCs) and Village/Urban Child Development Centres (VCDC/UCDC), and treatment tracking through integration with public health and ICDS systems.
The action research study uses a mixed-methods approach to assess uptake, usability, appropriateness, and effectiveness of the tool in strengthening the end-to-end tracking of High-Risk Children (HRCs). Findings will inform improvements to the tool’s rollout and contribute to a scalable model for HRC tracking and Poshan Tracker integration beyond Maharashtra.
The qualitative consultant will supervise and conduct in-depth interviews with Anganwadi Workers, ICDS Supervisors, NRC officials, and Health and WCD officials across three districts of Maharashtra (to be finalized). A detailed methodology note will be shared with the selected candidate.
Data to be Collected and Analyzed
• In-Depth Interviews (IDIs): ICDS Supervisors, Anganwadi Workers, NRC officials, CDPOs, DPOs, and State Officials
Scope of Work and Deliverables
The consultant’s work will span data collection, transcription, analysis, and reporting, organized into the following phases:
A. Data Collection
• Task: Conduct and supervise qualitative interviews in coordination with Khushi Baby teams; manage and support 1–2 additional qualitative interviewers; participate in interviewer training.
• Deliverable: 28 completed IDIs, including audio recordings and consent documentation.
B. Transcription and Quality Control
Transcription Management (Marathi to English):
• Task: Accurately transcribe all IDIs conducted in Marathi into verified English text with quality checks for terminology and contextual accuracy.
• Deliverable: A complete set of high-quality transcripts.
Transcript Preparation:
• Task: Anonymize and format transcripts for qualitative analysis software.
• Deliverable: Final QDA-ready datasets.
C. Qualitative Data Analysis (Thematic Analysis)
Codebook Development:
• Task: Develop and refine a structured codebook aligned with study objectives, incorporating inductive themes.
• Deliverable: A PI-approved codebook with definitions and examples.
Coding and Thematic Mapping:
• Task: Code all transcripts and map findings to study objectives and respondent categories (e.g., contrasting ICDS Supervisor and CDPO perspectives on NURTURE’s usefulness).
• Deliverable: A coded qualitative analysis project file.
Cross-Cutting Analysis:
• Task: Conduct detailed analysis of protocol-specified themes related to usability, implementation strengths, and system integration.
D. Reporting and Dissemination
Drafting Key Findings:
• Task: Synthesize thematic findings with illustrative quotes and examples.
• Deliverable: A draft report organized by study objectives and thematic areas.
Final Report Development:
• Task: Incorporate feedback to produce a final policy- and program-focused qualitative report.
• Deliverable: A final written report (English) with an executive summary, methodology, findings, and actionable recommendations.
Time Period
• Initial duration: 5 months
• Extension: Subject to performance and project requirements
Remuneration
The remuneration offered will range between INR 1-1.2L per month, commensurate with the candidate's experience and skill sets. Other benefits include:
• Paid sick leave, paid parental leave and menstrual leave
• A flexible, enabling environment workplace with the opportunity to grow into leadership roles.
• Opportunities to attend and actively participate in prestigious International conferences and workshops
