Research Consultant (Individual) for Cost Analysis and Quantitative Research Support in Ethiopia

Location: Ethiopia

Organization: The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

Closing Date: Open until Filled

Job Description

1. Background

The Strengthen PSNP5 Institutions and Resilience (SPIR II) Resilience Food Security Activity (RFSA) supported implementation of Ethiopia’s Productive Safety Net Programme (PSNP5) in Amhara, Oromia, and selected woredas in Tigray (2021–2025). SPIR II was implemented by World Vision in partnership with CARE and the Organization for Rehabilitation and Development in Amhara (ORDA), serving approximately 500,000 PSNP clients. As part of the Implementer-Led Evaluation and Learning (IMPEL) activity, IFPRI has conducted an impact evaluation of the SPIR II nurturing care group model which includes a complementary cost study to estimate program costs and cost-effectiveness.

Separately, IFPRI is undertaking a quantitative research study examining youth empowerment, sexual and reproductive health (SRH), and attitudes toward violence against women among rural youth in Ethiopia using longitudinal survey data.

IFPRI seeks to engage a consultant to support both activities under a single contract.

2. Objectives

The consultant will provide analytical and coordination support for two distinct activities:

1. Support coding, and analysis for the SPIR II cost study.
2. Conduct quantitative analysis and contribute to a research paper on youth empowerment, SRH, and attitudes toward violence against women.

3. Scope of Work

Activity 1: SPIR II Cost Study

A)Coding of Financial Expenditure Data

• Code financial expenditure data (including personnel and activity costs) for one year of expenditures for three implementing partner (approximately 7 days per partner), assuming stable account codes.

B)Economic Cost Analysis

• Clean and analyze economic cost data using endline household survey data.
• Estimate costs incurred by PSNP clients (e.g., time, travel, out-of-pocket costs).
• Integrate economic and financial cost data into consolidated summaries.

Deliverables – Activity 1

• Financial cost summary
• Economic cost summary

Activity 2: Youth Empowerment, SRH, and Attitudes Toward Violence Against Women

Data Preparation and Review

• Review relevant literature on youth empowerment, SRH, and attitudes toward violence against women.
• Clean, organize, and document longitudinal survey data collected over three rounds from rural youth aged 15–29.

Quantitative Analysis

• Conduct statistical analysis examining associations between youth empowerment indicators, SRH knowledge and behaviors, and attitudes toward violence against women.
• Disaggregate analyses by gender, age group, and other relevant socio-demographic characteristics.

Research Output

• Prepare a draft research paper presenting methods, results, and policy-relevant implications.

Deliverables – Activity 2

• Analytical/study plan outlining research questions, variables, and methods
• Cleaned and documented datasets and analysis code
• Draft research paper

4. Duration and Level of Effort

The consultancy is expected to be conducted over a seven-month period.

• Activity 1: Approximately 26 days (completed by April 30)
• Activity 2: Approximately 40 days (completed by July 31)

5. Reporting and Coordination

The consultant will report to designated IFPRI study leads and will coordinate with the SPIR II implementing partners as required.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV/Resume, daily rate and writing sample. All supporting documents shall be submitted: through: >>https://phf.tbe.taleo.net/ as one pdf to the application section indicating CV or Resume .