Job Opportunity for Ethnographic Researcher at Sambodhi Research and Communications in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India

Sambodhi Research and Communications

## Ethnographic Researcher – Sambodhi Research and Communications

 

**Job Location:** Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India

 

**Experience Required:** Extensive experience in qualitative data collection, particularly in anthropological methods (cultural consensus modeling, participant observations, free list interviews, pile sorting, etc.) and ethnographic fieldwork.

 

**About Sambodhi Research and Communications:**

 

Sambodhi Research and Communications is a leading M&E and research organization dedicated to creating high-impact knowledge and catalyzing accountability in the public domain. We provide objective, evidence-based support to implementers, governments, donors, and corporates across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa. With over 19 years of experience and a team of 150 professionals, we have pioneered cutting-edge methodologies for evaluating large-scale development interventions. Our expertise spans various sectors, including public health, HIV/AIDS, nutrition, water and sanitation, environment, and renewable energy. 

 

**Job Description:**

 

Sambodhi is seeking a skilled and experienced Ethnographic Researcher to join our team for a 5-6 month engagement on the Agency for All project. This USAID-funded project aims to generate evidence on the role of agency in effective social and behavior change programming to improve health and well-being. 

 

**Responsibilities:**

 

* Conduct ethnographic research via participant observation, interviews, and focus groups in rural and peri-urban study areas of Gwalior to understand local perceptions and behaviors around agency.

* Build rapport with community members to facilitate recruitment for informal interviews and surveys.

* Schedule and conduct informal interviews & cultural informant interviews.

* Ensure secure management of all collected data, including digital files, notes, and audio recordings.

* Participate in daily team debriefings and provide feedback to improve data collection processes.

* Train, coordinate & manage on-field data collection team(s).

* Transcribe and manage field notes during data collection.

* Conduct data analysis along with the core project team and PI, including coding data from observations, interviews, and FGDS.

* Maintain quality control standards to preserve the integrity of data and findings.

* Participate in the dissemination of results to stakeholders.

 

**Qualifications:**

 

* Master’s degree in public health, sociology, anthropology, social work, or a related field.

* Extensive experience in qualitative data collection, particularly in anthropological methods (cultural consensus modeling, participant observations, free list interviews, pile sorting, etc.) and ethnographic fieldwork.

* Advanced skills in qualitative data analysis and software like Dedoose.

* Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Hindi are essential.

* Effective communication skills with internal and external stakeholders.

* Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments within given parameters.

* Strong attention to detail, with a proven ability to handle multiple responsibilities at one time, successfully prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

* Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

* Previous work experience in social and behavior change research, particularly in the areas of empowerment or gender studies, would be an asset.

* Candidates with prior research experience in sexual and reproductive health and/or family planning will be preferable.

* The candidate must demonstrate a commitment to relocate to Gwalior for the entire duration of the study.

* The candidate must commit to a 5–6-month engagement with the study.