Readvertisement- Senior Research Consultant, Dhaka, Bangladesh

## Readvertisement- Senior Research Consultant, Dhaka, Bangladesh - Organization:IOM - International Organization for Migration Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move. IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration Project Context and Scope With a prevalence rate of 51 percent, Bangladesh has one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world and the highest in South Asia. While factors like poverty, social and gender norms, among other factors, have historically driven this practice, recent data suggests a concerning increase in some regions, pointing to new or amplified influencing factors. Concurrently, Bangladesh is a major source of international labour migration, with remittances forming a critical part of the national economy. Emerging research indicates a potential link between this migration and the rise in child marriage. Emerging research, reinforced by qualitative findings, suggests that families with migrant members may demand younger brides, or that dowries from early marriages are being used to finance the substantial costs of migration. In certain geographic areas where child marriage has reportedly increased- despite a national downward trend- international migration has emerged as the critical driver. This indicates a strategic economic calculation where the perceived financial benefits of child marriage in the context of migration may outweigh the significant harm to young girls. To investigate the dynamics of this complex issue, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Bangladesh are initiating formative qualitative research. The study will explore the pathways through which international migration influences the child marriage in Bangladesh. To this end, IOM Bangladesh is now seeking a qualified Senior Research Consultant to lead and conduct this formative research. The consultant will be responsible for the overall management and implementation of the study, including finalizing the research design, supervising data collectors, overseeing data collection and data quality monitoring, conducting analysis, and producing a comprehensive final report. The Senior Research Consultant will lead the full research cycle and will perform the following tasks: - Review the existing research outline and conceptual framework. - Develop a detailed inception report (in English), including a tailored research methodology, data collection tools (interview guides, FGD protocols), a work plan with timelines, and support IOM and UNFPA with the formation of data collection team. - Identify and select research locations in regions with high rates of both international migration and child marriage. 2. Team Management and Data Collection: - Train and supervise the team of data collectors for the fieldwork. - Oversee the implementation of the research methodology and workplan, - Adherence to the highest ethical standards, ensuring informed consent, confidentiality, privacy when interviewing married adolescents and discussing sensitive topics. - Supervise the conduction of key informant interviews and focus group discussions with target groups in selected locations. - Lead data monitoring during the data collection process and adhere to the highest qualitative data collection standards. - Develop a progress report (in English), outlining completed field data collection activities (incl. challenges). 3. Data Analysis and Reporting: - Lead data transcription and data consolidation, whilst adhering to IOM, UN and national data protection standards. C onsolidate qualitative data by setting up a clear folder structure, using matching ID codes for files and have clear separations between raw and processed data. - Lead the analysis of all qualitative data. - Develop and employ a rigorous data analysis strategy using thematic, content, and narrative analysis techniques as appropriate. - Prepare a draft research report (in English) presenting the key findings, including illustrative quotes and detailed case studies. - Finalize the research report (in English) based on feedback from IOM and UNFPA and other relevant stakeholders including an executive summary, a nuanced discussion of the findings, and actionable recommendations for policy and programming. Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing The consultant will be hired under the Migration Data and Research (MDR) Unit of IOM Bangladesh. The project “Regional Evidence for Migration Analysis and Policy II (REMAP II),” funded by the European Union (EU), will contribute to hiring the consultant. Migration Data & Research Unit . WBL-DX0125:1:1:3:002 Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment (Payment Schedule) - Milestone:First deliverable - Deliverable:Approval of inception report (in English) including finalized methodology, research tools, composition of team, and a comprehensive work plan. Approved detailed inception report, including a tailored research methodology, data collection tools (interview guides, FGD protocols), a work plan with timelines and final selection of research locations. - Milestone:Second deliverable - Deliverable:Approved progress report (in English), outlining completed field data collection activities (incl. challenges). C consolidated qualitative data-set (in a clear secured folder structure, using matching ID codes for files) with clear separations between raw and processed data. - Milestone:Fourth deliverable - Deliverable:A comprehensive draft research report (in English) including preliminary findings, analysis, and case studies for review by IOM and UNFPA (and relevant stakeholders). Completion of Validation Workshop: A presentation (e.g., PowerPoint) summarizing the key research findings and recommendations to be delivered to IOM, UNFPA, and other relevant stakeholders - Milestone:Final deliverable - Deliverable:Submission of Final Research Report (in English) and final consolidated qualitative data-set (in secured folder format). Note:Data collectors will be recruited and renumerated by IOM. Payment will be made on a progressive basis subject to the satisfactory completion of agreed deliverables. Performance indicators for the evaluation of results - Performance indicators for the evaluation of results - Conceptual Clarity: Ensure a profound understanding of the core problems. All complex theories and concepts must be articulated clearly to maintain high research standards. - Authenticity: The integrity and authenticity of all data and research findings must be rigorously verified and maintained. - Final Product Preparation: The final deliverable must be professional and of the highest quality, featuring scholarly writing, sophisticated data visualization, thematic design, and comprehensive detail. - Timeliness of Deliverables: All deliverables must be submitted in an orderly manner according to the established timeline. Regular coordination meetings will be held with IOM Bangladesh to monitor progress and ensure alignment with project objectives. Required Qualificat