Qualitative Research Specialist

**Background**

SLM is a monitoring, evaluation, and learning firmthat provides bespoke solutions to complex global challenges. We partner with leading international donors, multilateral organizations, and implementing partners to advance evidence-based decision-making.

SLM is currently preparing a proposal for a large-scale, mixed-methods Situation Analysis focusing on education access, continuity, and vulnerability in Myanmar. This highly strategic study will inform sector-wide planning, resource allocation, and resilience programming in a complex and evolving operating environment.

We are seeking exceptional analytical and research professionals to join our proposed team. The anticipated period of performance is **June 2026 to January 2027.**

**Role Overview:**

The Qualitative Research Specialist will design and oversee the primary qualitative data collection across approximately 6-8 townships in Myanmar. You will develop contextual tools to capture the nuances of household schooling decisions and structural barriers, ensuring deep thematic synthesis.

**Key Responsibilities:**

- Propose and refine a site selection strategy reflecting diversity across urban/rural, conflict-affected, and socioeconomically vulnerable settings.
- Design qualitative data collection guides, field protocols, and consent forms.
- Lead the execution of 90-120 qualitative engagements, including key informant interviews and in-depth household interviews.
- Perform advanced qualitative analysis and thematic synthesis to complement quantitative survey findings, contributing written analysis to the final report.

**Required Qualifications:**

- **Language & Communication:** Fluency in written and spoken English and Burmese. Ability to accurately translate contextual nuances from local dialects into formal English reporting.
- **Education:** Advanced university degree in Social Sciences, Education, Anthropology, or a related field.
- **Experience:** Minimum five (5) years of experience designing and implementing qualitative research.
- **Technical Expertise:** Demonstrated experience conducting interviews in sensitive or complex contexts; proven skills in qualitative analysis and thematic synthesis.
- **Desirable:** Fluency in additional ethnic languages relevant to Myanmar (e.g., Shan, Karen, Rakhine); familiarity with qualitative analysis software (e.g., NVivo, Atlas.ti).