Job Title: Livelihoods Needs Assessment Consultant

Location: Remote (limited local travel may be required upon agreement)

Contract Type: Short-Term Consultancy

Duration: November 2023 to March 2024

Start Date: Immediately

Recruitment Period: Deadline for receipt of applications is 25 October 2023 by 23:59 Myanmar time however please note that applications are reviewed on a rolling basis so early application is encouraged. 

Organization Overview:

TheHILLS Myanmar is a non-profit organisation that aims to support high quality research, advocacy, and access to education in Chin State and surrounding areas. One of its flagship programmes is the Chin State Academic Research Network (CSARN), an interdisciplinary platform for sharing high-quality research in the area, and which supports and connects researchers working in this field. TheHILLS Myanmar implements a host of activities aimed at building research capacity such as scholarships and fellowships, and aimed at enhancing opportunities for knowledge sharing and access to education in the region (i.e. conferences, training, and mentorship programmes). Additionally, the organisation provides research services to development partners such as developing thematic reports, policy briefs, or regular topic updates, specializing on providing technical input on gender mainstreaming and streamlining Do No Harm principles into programme design and implementation. 

Position Overview:

We are seeking a Consultant to conduct a focused livelihoods assessment in Chin State and surrounding areas. This consultancy aims to provide critical insights into the economic and livelihood conditions of communities affected by humanitarian concerns with the goal of informing targeted interventions and support. The consultant will be expected to lead on design and delivery of the report. They will collaborate closely with the project team in designing data collection tools, and will collaborate with a field level research team tasked with data collection. They will be tasked with all desk research related to the report and will be required to lead on technical backstopping on livelihoods. The final output expected of the consultant is a full length report inclusive of actionable recommendations, and accompanying data annexes. The consultant is expected to contribute to knowledge sharing within the organisation, and will be invited to deliver a few capacity building training sessions focused on data collection, documentation, and analysis methodologies. Depending on the interest and experience of the consultant, and budget availability, additional tasks may be agreed upon. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Livelihoods Assessment:

  • Conduct in-depth assessments to understand the impact of armed conflict on local livelihoods, income sources, and economic activities.

  • Analyze data on market dynamics, access to resources, and vulnerabilities of affected populations in Chin State.

  • Identify specific livelihood challenges and opportunities within the conflict-affected area.

• Develop data collection tools and training:

  • Develop data collection tools and methodologies tailored to the local context.

  • Deliver data collection training using the tools that have been developed. 

  • Provide training and capacity-building support to local partners and stakeholders in livelihood assessment and planning

  • Ensure data is collected in a systematic and ethical manner.

• Analysis and Reporting:

  • Analyze the collected data to generate insights and findings on livelihood conditions.

  • Prepare a comprehensive report that includes an assessment of livelihood trends, key findings, and recommendations for livelihood interventions.

• Coordination and Recommendations:

  • Develop clear and actionable recommendations for livelihood support and economic recovery. Additional specific items will be agreed upon at a later stage and may include policy briefs, concept notes, or other communication outputs.

  • Ensure recommendations are context-specific and responsive to the needs of affected communities.

  • Attend coordination meetings and liaise with relevant researchers, partners or stakeholders when delegated.

Qualifications:

• A Master's degree in Development Studies, Economics, or a related field. A Bachelor’s degree is acceptable if accompanied by significant professional experience in the field.

• Extensive experience in conducting livelihood or humanitarian related needs assessments, preferably in conflict-affected areas.

• Strong knowledge of livelihood systems in conflict settings and/or in South East Asia, and understanding of the resources, skills, and income-generating activities available to populations in Chin State.

• Proven expertise in qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.

• Excellent report-writing and presentation skills. 

• Ability to work independently and remotely, in challenging and resource-constrained environments.

• Cultural sensitivity and the ability to work effectively with diverse communities.

• Proficiency in written and spoken English and Burmese. Knowledge of Chin languages is an asset. (In the case of applications from Consultant Teams, at least one person should be fluent in Burmese and another in English).

How to Apply:

Individual Consultants or Consultant Teams are welcome to apply. 

Interested applicants should submit the following application materials:

• A proposal for the assignment (inclusive of budget and brief work-plan). Please note no international travel is currently envisaged for this post.

• A cover letter outlining your qualifications, relevant experience, interest in the position, and availability.

• A detailed CV. 

• Contact information for three professional references.

• A sample of a previous livelihoods or humanitarian related needs assessment report, if available.

Please submit your application to hr@thehillsmyanmar.org with the subject line "Livelihoods Assessment Consultant Application - [Your Name]." 

Recruitment Period: Deadline for receipt of applications is 25 October 2023 by 23:59 Myanmar time however please note that applications are reviewed on a rolling basis so early application is encouraged. 

TheHILLS Myanmar is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage consultants of all backgrounds to apply.