Community Research Assistants/Enumerators
Project: Kenya Country Case Study on “Hidden”, Unrecognized, and Under-Documented Harmful Practices Against Children
Commissioning Partner: The African Child Policy Forum (ACPF)
Contract Type: Short-Term / Temporary Fieldwork (September – November 2026)
Application Deadline: September 25, 2026 (11:59 PM EAT)
Contact: laura@desdemonaconsulting.com
ABOUT THE PROJECT Desdemona Consulting Group Limited (DCG), an Eldoret-based research and advisory firm, is conducting a qualitative study commissioned by the ACPF. While visible practices like child marriage and FGM are widely researched, numerous hidden harmful practices persist—concealed by stigma, social normalization, or gaps in formal reporting systems. This study aims to bring these unseen harms to light across marginalized groups (including children with disabilities, children with albinism, unborn/newborn children, and pregnant adolescents).
TARGET COUNTIES & LOCAL RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS
To ensure cultural integration, local trust, and native language proficiency, candidates must be current residents and natives of the following target locations:
- Nairobi County: Urban informal settlements & municipal networks
- Samburu County: Pastoralist communities (focusing on cultural practices like “beading”)
- Meru County (Igembe): Rural agricultural settings
- Homa Bay County: Luo community settings
- Kwale County: Coastal Duruma community settings
- Garissa County: Somali community settings (ASAL / borderland)
- Busia & Bungoma Counties: Luhya community settings & cross-border dynamics
- Baringo County: Tugen community settings
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Training: Participate in mandatory orientation on child rights, trauma-informed interviewing, and safeguarding.
- Field Mobilization: Engage local leaders, elders, and gatekeepers to mobilize research participants.
- Data Collection: Conduct Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and facilitate child-sensitive Focus Group Discussions (FGDs).
- Transcription & Translation: Record, transcribe, and translate local language interviews verbatim into English.
- Safeguarding Compliance: Maintain strict confidentiality, consent, and trigger immediate referral pathways if abuse is disclosed.
QUALIFICATIONS & DESIRED SKILLS
- Residency: Native resident of one of the specified counties/communities (Mandatory).
- Education: Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences (Sociology, Anthropology, Child Rights, Law, Social Work, Development Studies, or related field).
- Experience: Proven track record in qualitative research (KIIs, FGDs) and verbatim transcription.
- Language Skills: Fluent written and spoken English and Kiswahili, plus absolute native fluency in the local dialect (e.g., Maa/Samburu, Kimeru, Dholuo, Kiduruma, Somali, Luhya dialects, or Tugen).
- Attributes: High integrity, active listening, trauma-informed approach, and adherence to child safeguarding protocols.
HOW TO APPLY
Submit your application package via email to laura@desdemonaconsulting.com:
- Cover letter specifying your target county/community and native language fluency.
- Updated CV highlighting qualitative research experience and contact details of 2 professional references.
Email Subject Line Structure: Research Assistant Application - [Specify Your Target County/Community] (e.g., Research Assistant Application – Samburu County)
DCG is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EDIE). Qualified women, youth, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
