Gender Policy Researcher(s)

Job description

Background

Archie Hinchcliffe Disability Intervention (AHDI), formerly known as Community Based Intervention Association is a local Non-Governmental Organisation working with children with disabilities for 32 years now. In partnership with government and other organizations, AHDI provides early intervention to children with disabilities through physiotherapy and home- based education. AHDI has a holistic approach towards service delivery, guided by the Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Matrix and this is in an effort to ensure sustainable and inclusive development.

Various services are currently being provided in Lusaka and Central Provinces, with a history of work in Southern and Eastern Provinces.

Vision

A Zambia where children with cerebral palsy and others with allied conditions live fulfilled lives.

Mission

Our mission is to empower children with cerebral palsy and others with allied conditions to reach their full potential by providing inclusive and quality education, quality healthcare, and support services that promote their holistic development and well-being.

AHDI is implementing a project, titled: Enhancing Meaningful Participation and Opportunities for Women’s Equality and Rights (EMPOWER) in Mungule Ward, Chibombo District, Central Province. This project seeks to promote inclusive development by addressing the intersectionality of gender, age, and disability. A critical component of the intervention is to conduct policy research to identify implementation gaps in disability and gender-related policies and recommend practical strategies for improved inclusion, equality, and grassroots accountability.

2. PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The purpose of this assignment is to engage a qualified Policy Researcher to lead a community-based policy research exercise. The research will:

Conduct a context analysis of the intersectional challenges faced by marginalized groups in accessing social services, economic opportunities, and inclusive development within the Zambian context, narrowed down to Central province.
Identify barriers to inclusion and gender equality affecting women and girls with disabilities in Mungule.
Assess the implementation of the Persons with Disabilities Act (2012), National Gender Policy (2023), and National Policy on Disability (2016).
Generate evidence-based recommendations for enhanced policy implementation and community-level monitoring mechanisms.

3. OBJECTIVES OF THE POLICY RESEARCH

To conduct an in-depth assessment of how disability and gender policies are implemented in Mungule Ward.
To identify social, structural, and institutional barriers faced by women and girls with disabilities in accessing education, economic opportunities, and social services.
To generate strategic recommendations for improved policy implementation and inclusive service delivery.
To develop tools for community-led social audits and grassroots accountability.

4. SCOPE OF WORK

The researcher will be responsible for the following tasks:

Phase 1: Planning and Inception

Participate in an inception meeting with AHDI and project stakeholders.
Finalize the research framework and methodology.
Agree on ethical protocols and submit for ethical approval.
Develop detailed work plan and timeline

Phase 2: Data Collection

Design research tools (e.g., interview guides, survey questionnaires).
Train data collectors (if applicable).
Conduct fieldwork in Mungule Ward including:
-Key Informant Interviews (KIIs)
-Focus Group Discussions (FGDs)
-Policy implementer interviews
-Community-based surveys

Phase 3: Data Analysis and Reporting

Analyze data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods.
Identify key policy gaps, barriers, and opportunities.
Prepare a comprehensive Policy Research Report and a Policy Brief.

Phase 4: Dissemination and Engagement

Present research findings to AHDI and key stakeholders.
Support AHDI in facilitating one community dissemination and policy dialogue session.
Provide inputs into the design of community social audit tools.

5. DELIVERABLES

Inception report including methodology and ethical approval.
Data collection tools and ethical clearance documentation.
Raw and cleaned datasets (qualitative and quantitative).
Draft and final Policy Research Report (max 30 pages).
Two-page Policy Brief summarizing key findings and recommendations.
Social audit toolkits for community groups (SHGs, VSLAs).
PowerPoint presentation for stakeholder dissemination.

6. DURATION AND TIMELINE

The assignment is expected to take approximately 8 weeks, starting in October 2025, and will follow the schedule below:

Activity                                                       Timeline
Inception & Ethical Approval                      2 weeks
Data Collection                                               2 weeks
Data Analysis & Drafting                              2 weeks
Reporting & Dissemination                          2 weeks

7. LOCATION

The research will be conducted in Mungule Ward, Chibombo District, Central Province, Zambia. Some tasks may be completed remotely, but physical presence will be required during field data collection and dissemination.

8. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Master’s degree or higher in Social Sciences, Public Policy, Development Studies, Gender Studies, or related field.
At least 5 years of experience in policy research, preferably in the areas of disability, gender equality, and community development.
Demonstrated experience with intersectional analysis and community-based research.
Proven track record of conducting qualitative and quantitative research.
Experience working with marginalized groups, especially women and girls with disabilities.
Strong writing, analysis, and presentation skills.
Familiarity with Zambian policy landscape, particularly gender and disability-related policies.
Registered Researcher with the Zambia National Health Research Authority (NHRA)

9. REPORTING LINE

The researcher(s) will report directly to the Executive Director at AHDI and will work closely with the project team, and key stakeholders in Mungule Ward.

10. APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit the following:

Technical and financial proposal
Updated CV highlighting relevant experience
Sample of similar work completed in the last 3 years
Three professional references
Copy of NHRA registration

Address the applications to the following address:

The Executive Director

Archie Hinchcliffe Disability Intervention

P.O Box 33038,

Lusaka.

Email to: ahdizambia@gmail.com

Submission Deadline: 12th September 2025 by close of business