Advanced Research Consultant Master Class (covering FIVE industry-leading data management systems)

Job description

Duration: 5 Weeks (December 1 to January 10, 2026, with Christmas break)

Delivery Mode: (Hybrid: Online & In-Person)

Fees: ZMW 3,000 (Installment Plan Available) (Early Bird: ZMW 2,600)

Course Overview

The Advanced Research Consultant Course is a high-impact, practice-oriented programme that builds expert capacity to conduct complex research, evaluations, and policy analyses using quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Participants gain advanced proficiency in data management tools—KoboToolbox, SPSS, Stata, NVivo, and Atlas. ti—and master contribution tracing, qualitative input assessment protocols, and comprehensive reporting for academic and consultancy projects. This course empowers professionals to design, analyze, and report evidence that drives strategic decisions, influences policy, and meets global donor standards.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to:

Design rigorous quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research frameworks.
Apply Contribution Tracing and Qualitative Input Assessment Protocols (QIAPs) to validate causal pathways and assess stakeholder contributions.
Utilize Kobo-Toolbox, SPSS, STATA, NVIVO, and Atlas.ti for advanced data collection, analysis, and visualization.
Conduct and report Baseline, Midline, Endline, and Impact Evaluations.
Produce high-quality academic, professional, and donor-standard reports.
Operate as competent independent or institutional research consultants.

Target Audience

Professional Research Consultants
Academics & PhD Students
M&E and Learning Specialists
NGO/INGO Program and Evaluation Staff
Policy & Development Analysts

Course Structure (5-Week Intensive Programme)

Module 1: Advanced Research and Design Architecture

Advanced Research Design: Mixed Methods & Sequential Designs
Formulating Research Questions, Hypotheses & Causal Chains
Measurement Theory: Validity, Reliability, and Construct Operationalization
Ethical and Quality Assurance Standards in Research
Contribution Analysis vs. Contribution Tracing – Understanding Attribution & Causality
Integrating Qualitative Input Assessment Protocols (QIAPs) into Evaluation Designs

Deliverable:

Develop a detailed research design integrating quantitative, qualitative, and contribution tracing elements.

Module 2: Quantitative Research Design & Analysis

Advanced Sampling and Data Collection Protocols
Digital Survey Development using Kobo-Toolbox
Data Cleaning, Coding, and Quality Checks
Data Management and Statistical Modeling in SPSS & STATA
Regression, ANOVA, Logistic Models, and Multivariate Techniques
Econometric Applications for Impact Evaluation
Data Visualization and Statistical Storytelling

Deliverable:

Quantitative dataset report demonstrating model interpretation using SPSS/STATA.

Module 3: Qualitative Research Mastery and QIAPs

Qualitative Paradigms: Grounded Theory, Phenomenology, Case Study, Ethnography
Designing and Conducting FGDs, KIIs, and Observations
Data Transcription, Coding, and Thematic Mapping
Hands-on with NVIVO and Atlas.ti for Qualitative Analysis
Qualitative Input Assessment Protocols (QIAPs): Systematic frameworks for assessing the quality, credibility, and saturation of qualitative inputs
Triangulation, Credibility, and Reflexivity in Qualitative Research
Integrating Qualitative Findings into Quantitative Models

Deliverable:

Thematic analysis and qualitative input assessment matrix using NVIVO or Atlas. ti.

Module 4: Advanced Evaluation & Contribution Tracing

Designing Evaluation Frameworks (ToC, Logframe, Results Frameworks)
Differentiating Baseline, Midline, Endline, and Ex-Post Studies
Contribution Tracing Techniques:
Defining Causal Claims
Assessing Evidence Strength
Bayesian Updating for Confidence Scoring
Tracing Pathways of Influence in Complex Systems
Integrating QIAPs and Contribution Tracing into M&E systems
Data Triangulation and Evidence Synthesis for Policy Influence

Deliverable:

Applied evaluation plan demonstrating contribution tracing and QIAP integration.

Module 5: Advanced Research Reporting and Consultancy Practice

Writing Academic, Baseline, Midline, and Impact Reports
Structuring Donor-Standard Reports for UN, USAID, FCDO, EU, and NGOs
Data Visualization and Executive Summaries for Non-Technical Audiences
Citation, Referencing, and Plagiarism Control (APA, Harvard, MLA)
Proposal Writing & Response to ToRs (Consulting Bids and RFPs)
Ethics, Contracts, and Client Relationship Management in Consultancy
Building Your Research Portfolio and Digital Profile

Capstone Project:

Participants will design, execute, and present a full mixed-method research project incorporating all five software tools, contribution tracing, and QIAP frameworks.

Certification

Participants earn a Professional Certificate in Advanced Research Consulting (Quantitative & Qualitative)

Training Approach

Expert-led Workshops & Software Labs
Real-World Case Studies from Academic and Development Projects
Peer Learning & Mentorship Circles
Field Simulation Assignments
Guided Capstone Supervision

Value Additions

Free Installation Support for Kobo-Toolbox, SPSS, STATA, NVIVO, and Atlas.ti
Access to Ready-to-Use Templates (Research Proposals, Evaluation Matrices, Reports)
Post-course Membership to Research Consultant Mentorship Network
Networking Opportunities with Regional Evaluation Experts

Register Now: (orostarconsultancy@gmail.com) +260 976 699 057 (Join via: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FDjqJT1jWgYBVbaZRBUGay?mode=wwt)