Enumerator at Mercy Corps

Background

• With the recognition of the protracted crisis in Northeast Nigeria, Mercy Corps’ strategy and expansion plans aim to address the root causes of the crisis and seek to build long-term resilience of communities with integrated programs focusing on the recovery of markets and livelihoods, social cohesion and social protection, and youth empowerment with emphasis on adolescent girls and boys
• With multiple funding streams from large institutional donors and foundations, Mercy Corps’ programs in Northeast Nigeria continue to scale up and serve communities by transitioning them from humanitarian aid to early recovery programs.

Rationale

• Conducting constant research and analysis to better understand the dynamics created as a result of our interventions or other contextual environment shape our programming and learn from it to make evidence-base informed decisions and make course corrections is at the core of our programmatic approach to improve adaptive learning process
• Mercy Corps Nigeria, North East Programs (Humanitarian and Development) will continuously commission series of quantitative and qualitative data collection on program activities across multiple sectors (Livelihood, WASH, Cash Transfers, Shelter, Protection, Conflict Management and Peace building, Agriculture etc) which will range from;
• Household or Individual surveys (baseline, midterm and or endline)
• Market Price Monitoring
• Post Distribution Monitoring for food/item vouchers, cash transfers and grants for business start-up and or expansions
• Beneficiaries registrations and mapping/profiling exercises
• Market Analysis or assessments including small, medium and large trader business performances
• Ad-hoc assessments of key interventions (e. g pilots)
• Community sensitization
• These will employ numerous techniques including structured survey questionnaires for individuals and businesses or institutional, Focus group discussions, Key informant interviews and any other methodologies that are relevant for the specific project scope.

Objective of the Enumerators Assignement:

• The field enumerators are primarily responsible for collecting qualitative/quantitative field data and data entry using mobile platforms (e. g Ona or CommCare). They have direct contact with respondents and have a great bearing on the quality of data collected and ultimately on the quality of data output.
• Note: This will essentially include vetting of all current program engaged structures such as Master trainers, Livelihood monitors, hygiene promoters and any new recruitments that would undergo training on the specific tools to be used for each assignment prior to their engagement. Different criteria which range from skills, experience in research or any form of data collection, knowledge in certain technical areas, contextual understanding and familiarity with local language of defined data collection area would be important steps in selection of enumerators for an assignment.

Role of the Enumerator:

• The Enumerator will be responsible for collecting data, entering data and any other responsibilities for which he/she may be called upon to carry out. The data collection process may be carried out through one-on-one interviews, focus group discussions (FDGs) using an electronic data collection tool designed by Mercy Corps.
• Enumerators will be expected at all times to follow sampling methods as directed by Mercy Corps.
• Compile, record and code information derived from specified forms into a predefined form or database
• Ensure that supervisor is kept abreast of completed assignments and progress
• Identify and report any issues that may arise while attempting to obtain valid data
• Analyze the authenticity of information provided by ensuring direct contact with each targeted study population (population of interest)
• Interpret interview questions to assist respondents in understanding them and providing eloquent answers
• Double check information on survey forms or information pads to ensure the accuracy of information
• Engage in data entry in cases where paper base options are used
• Comply with quality and research ethics during and field works (this includes data protection and information confidentiality of respondents or target project participants)
• Participate in a less than or half day debrief sessions to share field experiences about the community and entire data collection
• Enumerators are expected to be respectful of the community and community leadership and membership at all times.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Enumerator should have a minimum of an NCE/Diploma.
• Enumerator should have basic assessment skills in data collection, preferably in mobile data collection.
• The enumerator should have basic skills on how to operate an android phone.
• Enumerator must be able to read, write and speak fluently in English language.
• Enumerator should have the basic assessment and observation skills in data collection.
• Enumerator must have good interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to communicate in the local language in the community (preferably Hausa).
• Previous experience working in the selected communities and having a good understanding of the local dialects will be an added advantage.
• Must be flexible to work and available to respond to comments and questions in a timely and appropriate manner.
• High regard for cultural norms and traditions.
• Demonstrate patience and good leadership skills.
• Willing to learn new things and have a volunteering spirit.
• Being resident in Biu, Maiduguri (most specifically from the defined enumeration area) will also be an added advantage.

Timeframe / Schedule: (Will depend on the time frame assigned for each assignment as will be indicated in the PR)

• Accountability
• Reports Directly To: MEL Assistant
• Works Directly With: Northeast PAQ Unit, Northeast Program teams