Consultancy: Research on Media Narratives and People on the Move Company: American Friends Service Committee Deadline for Submission: 31 January 2026
Invitation for Applications AFSC is looking for a consultant or at least a team of two who have at least a minimum of 5 years research experience for similar or related projects/programs. The lead researcher should at least have a master’s degree in Citizenship, Migration and Refugee Protection, Development Studies, International Development, Human Rights, Sociology, Peace building, Conflict transformation or equivalent. The consultant(s) should demonstrate a track record of doing similar work within the NGO sector and excellent analytical and report writing skills. The consultant(s) should have experience of working with IDPs, migrants and returnees and be knowledgeable of national and international policy frameworks on migration and displacement. Knowledge and experience of working in rural, urban and per-urban settings in Zimbabwe and South Africa is highly desirable.
Duties and Responsibilities
Scope of Work The consultant(s) will conduct a mixed-methods research study that includes: •Review of relevant project documents, policies, and media coverage. •Mapping and analysis of migration-related media narratives ; •Participatory field research in Beitbridge (Zimbabwe) and Musina (South Africa) ; •Engagement with people on the move, host communities, civil society, media actors, and relevant authorities; and •Production of a final research report and a presentation of key findings and recommendations.
Duration of the Assignment -The consultancy is expected to be completed within 35 working days, including inception, fieldwork, analysis, validation, and final reporting.
Qualifications and Experience
AFSC is seeking an individual consultant or a team with the following qualifications: •At least 5 years of proven research or consultancy experience in migration, media studies, human rights, social sciences, development studies, or related fields. •A master’s degree in media studies, Migration Studies, Sociology, Development Studies, International Relations, Human Rights, Peacebuilding, or a related discipline. •Demonstrated experience in: •Conducting mixed-methods research, •Media content analysis, •Participatory research with migrants, refugees, and host communities. •Strong analytical, facilitation, and report-writing skills. •Proven experience working in Zimbabwe and/or South Africa, particularly in border or migration-affected contexts. •Ability to integrate gender, conflict sensitivity, and disability inclusion into research design and analysis.
Language proficiency: English is required. Knowledge of Shona, Venda, and/or Ndebele is a strong advantage.
How to Apply
Application Procedure •In responding to this Terms of References, the Consultants application should include the following. •CVs of all researchers to participate in this research survey. •Technical proposal which explains the methods to be deployed and justification. The approaches to be used for data collection and inclusion of crosscutting issues such as gender, engagement with youths, stakeholders and people living with disabilities, protection of the environment among others. •Financial proposal which shows, complete cost estimate that includes both, the fee as well as any ancillary costs to be incurred, such as transport (Zim and SA), accommodation (Zim & SA), taxes, fees, and costs of any workshops in the scope of the research etc.
Important Note Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and provided with the detailed Terms of Reference, along with a formal request to submit technical and financial proposals.
