Introduction
Since its establishment in 1985, the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) project aims to sustainably prevent food insecurity and famine across the globe by delivering to the U.S. Government and partners early warning on the location, causes, and magnitude of current and future food insecurity; improving the quality and timeliness of information and analysis useful for achieving sustainable food security; and strengthening innovative local, national, regional, and international capabilities to understand and appropriately address current, recurrent, and likely future food insecurity. Chemonics has been implementing FEWS NET since 2000, beginning its eighth phase (FEWS NET 8) in 2024.
FEWS NET 8 Knowledge Base (FEWS NET KB) is a $65 million project which will create and update FEWS NET’s knowledge base about livelihood zones and market systems on which FEWS NET’s acute food insecurity early warning analyses are predicated, thereby ensuring that the U.S. government is able to allocate emergency food assistance effectively and in accordance with humanitarian principles.
The Research Methodology and Documentation Specialist will support the FEWS NET KB data, market fundamentals, and livelihoods teams in refining and documenting the tools used in field data collection for market fundamentals research and livelihood zone baseline profile profiling. Both activities utilize mixed-methods approaches that have been developed through iterative design and testing processes, and that have been effectively implemented across diverse geographies and contexts throughout the world. Field data collection for both activities relies heavily on key informant interviews and focus group discussions and were developed from rapid rural appraisal experience.
Responsibilities:
● The research methodology and documentation specialist will work in close coordination with the data team, the market fundamentals team, and the livelihoods team to:
● Lead a review of field data collections tools and methods/process documentation, as well as support with recommended refinement of the tools and documentation, to include a structured assessment of current tools using a rubric (e.g., clarity, logical sequence, cognitive load on respondents, cultural relevance, risks of bias, probing quality)
● Ensure field data collection goals, objectives, and methods are clearly defined and documented
● Work with the market fundamentals and livelihoods teams to recommend improvements, if any, to modules in field data collection tools that could lead to improved quality of results
● Update and revise field tools and documentation, as needed, to ensure they also fully and effectively communicate for external audiences the research and module-specific goals, objectives, and methods
● Support with documenting processes for synthesizing and analyzing data collection results with the aim of improving the process for FEWS NET KB analysts and clarifying the process for external parties in order to demonstrate transparency and improve opportunities for replicability
● Identify, tailor, and share training resources on research methods and best practices, field research, and survey design with FEWS NET KB analysts with the goal of promoting alignment on research methodology and documentation goals
● Regularly provide Data Management Lead and Chief of Party with key findings and recommendations for research protocol improvements, and support Deputy Chief(s) of Party to implement improvements
Qualifications
Education
● Master’s degree preferred; education in a discipline with applied qualitative research
Experience
● Minimum 5 years of relevant professional research experience, with application to food security analysis preferred
● Minimum 3 years of experience collecting primary data
● Demonstrated experience applying qualitative research methods and in analyzing qualitative data
● Experience producing methodological documentation targeted to external audiences
● Experience working in or familiarity with developing country contexts
Knowledge and Skills
● Substantive knowledge of research methods and best practices, field research, and survey design
● Excellent analytical, writing, and presentation skills
● Strong interpersonal and coordination skills
Language
● Professional-level fluency in English required; fluency in additional languages spoken in countries covered by FEWS NET preferred
Length of Assignment
This assignment is expected to last for four (4) months at part-time (20-30 hours per week), with possibility for extension.
Location of Assignment
This assignment will primarily be conducted remotely, with preference for candidates in the DMV area for potential in-person meetings. Applicants must have work authorization and currently be located in the United States.
Supervision of Position
The specialist will report to the FEWS NET 8 Base Knowledge Data Management Lead, unless otherwise notified.
Application Instructions
Please apply via this form by April 3, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET. No telephone inquiries, please. Chemonics will contact short-listed candidates.
