Qualitative Research Consultant

• A

  PhD in Public Health, Epidemiology, Social Sciences, or a related field

  with a minimum of

  2 years of relevant experience

  ;

  or

• A

  Master’s degree

  in the above fields with at least

  3 years of relevant experience

  , with strong grounding in

  qualitative research theories, analytical approaches, and qualitative analysis software

  .
• Ability to

  drive issue-based analyses

  , generate

  proactive insights

  , and develop

  analytical presentations and consultative storytelling

  with clear, actionable recommendations.
• Experience in

  developing and localizing research instruments

  , including screeners, discussion guides, research stimuli, and secondary market information aligned with project objectives.
• Demonstrated expertise in

  primary qualitative research

  , including designing and executing

  In-depth Interviews (IDIs), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Case Studies, Ethnographies

  , and observational studies, along with qualitative data analysis and coding support.
• Experience conducting

  in-person and telephonic interviews

  with diverse stakeholders across the

  public and digital health ecosystem

  .
• Proven ability to conduct

  secondary research scans

  ,

  comparative and competitive analyses

  , generate leads, and build databases using both public and proprietary sources.

• Fluency in Marathi is essential

  for selection in this project.

The position requires the following competencies to effectively deliver results and fulfill job responsibilities:

• Proficiency in

  Microsoft Office Suite

  and qualitative analysis software such as

  NVivo and MAXQDA

• Excellent

  written and verbal communication skills

• Strong

  inter-team coordination and collaboration abilities

• High capability in

  deriving qualitative insights

  , structuring research reports, and presenting findings to clients and stakeholders
• Willingness to

  travel for fieldwork and study-related visits

Understanding Maternal and Child Health Beliefs, Practices, and Service Utilization in Nandurbar — A Qualitative Study

This project aims to develop an in-depth understanding of

September and December 2025

audio recordings and interview notes

• In-Depth Interviews (IDIs):

  Pregnant women, primary caregivers (e.g., mothers-in-law, husbands), and ANMs

• Focus Group Discussions (FGDs):

  Pregnant women, mothers of children under five, and ASHAs

three key phases

Transcription Management (Marathi to English):

• Task: Accurately transcribe all audio-recorded IDIs and FGDs conducted in Marathi or local dialects into verified English text.
• Deliverable: A complete set of high-quality transcripts (Word or text format), with rigorous quality checks ensuring accuracy of local terminology and health-specific concepts.

Transcript Cleaning and Preparation:

• Task: Anonymize participant identities and standardize formatting to prepare transcripts for qualitative analysis software.
• Deliverable: Final

  QDA-ready datasets

  compatible with

  MAXQDA, NVivo, or ATLAS.ti

  .

Codebook Development:

• Task: Develop a structured codebook aligned with study objectives, incorporating

  inductive coding

  to capture emergent themes beyond the original protocol.
• Deliverable: A comprehensive, PI-approved codebook with definitions and illustrative examples.

Coding and Thematic Mapping:

• Task: Systematically code all transcripts and map themes to study objectives and respondent categories (e.g., comparing ASHA perspectives on digital tools with those of pregnant women or caregivers).
• Deliverable: A fully coded qualitative analysis project file.

Cross-Cutting Analysis:

• Task: Conduct in-depth analysis of five cross-cutting themes identified in the protocol, including

  gender and decision-making, digital readiness and mobile access, referral barriers and enablers, community and system trust, and seasonal vulnerability

  .

Drafting Key Findings:

• Task: Synthesize thematic findings into coherent insights supported by rich participant quotes translated from verified transcripts.
• Deliverable: A draft report presenting findings aligned with study objectives and cross-cutting themes.

Final Report Development:

• Task: Incorporate feedback to develop a policy- and program-oriented final report explaining how traditional beliefs, structural barriers, and digital readiness shape MCH service utilization in Nandurbar.
• Deliverable: A final qualitative report (English) with an executive summary, methodology, detailed findings, and actionable recommendations.

Presentation:

• Deliverable: A concise presentation highlighting key policy and programmatic insights for stakeholders.

Qualitative Action Research Study to Assess User Feedback and Effectiveness of an End-to-End Nutrition Tracking Program in Maharashtra

This project evaluates the effectiveness of

mixed-methods approach

in-depth interviews

• In-Depth Interviews (IDIs):

  ICDS Supervisors, Anganwadi Workers, NRC officials, CDPOs, DPOs, and State Officials

data collection, transcription, analysis, and reporting

• Task: Conduct and supervise qualitative interviews in coordination with Khushi Baby teams; manage and support

  1–2 additional qualitative interviewers

  ; participate in interviewer training.
• Deliverable:

  28 completed IDIs

  , including audio recordings and consent documentation.

Transcription Management (Marathi to English):

• Task: Accurately transcribe all IDIs conducted in Marathi into verified English text with quality checks for terminology and contextual accuracy.
• Deliverable: A complete set of high-quality transcripts.

Transcript Preparation:

• Task: Anonymize and format transcripts for qualitative analysis software.
• Deliverable: Final

  QDA-ready datasets

  .

Codebook Development:

• Task: Develop and refine a structured codebook aligned with study objectives, incorporating inductive themes.
• Deliverable: A PI-approved codebook with definitions and examples.

Coding and Thematic Mapping:

• Task: Code all transcripts and map findings to study objectives and respondent categories (e.g., contrasting ICDS Supervisor and CDPO perspectives on NURTURE’s usefulness).
• Deliverable: A coded qualitative analysis project file.

Cross-Cutting Analysis:

• Task: Conduct detailed analysis of protocol-specified themes related to usability, implementation strengths, and system integration.

Drafting Key Findings:

• Task: Synthesize thematic findings with illustrative quotes and examples.
• Deliverable: A draft report organized by study objectives and thematic areas.

Final Report Development:

• Task: Incorporate feedback to produce a final policy- and program-focused qualitative report.
• Deliverable: A final written report (English) with an executive summary, methodology, findings, and actionable recommendations.

• Initial duration:

  5 months

• Extension:

  Subject to performance and project requirements

Remuneration

The remuneration offered will range between INR 1-1.2L per month, commensurate with the candidate's experience and skill sets. Other benefits include: 

• Paid sick leave, paid parental leave and menstrual leave
• A flexible, enabling environment workplace with the opportunity to grow into leadership roles.
• Opportunities to attend and actively participate in prestigious International conferences and workshops