Background and Context

The High Lands Centre of Leadership for Development (-L4D)

is a Kigali-based think tank specialising in policy research, programme evaluation, and impact assessment. L4D has been engaged as the Impact Partner Organisation (IPO) by the Mastercard Foundation to lead the Program Outcomes Assessment (POA), a study designed to generate evidence on the outcomes associated with the Foundation's programs and investments in Rwanda.The Program Outcomes Assessment (POA) is a one-off survey focused on understanding young people's work experiences and the extent to which they are progressing toward dignified and fulfilling work; including aspects such as reliable income, resilience, and quality of life. The POA combines quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to capture both measurable outcomes and lived experiences of young people and other relevant stakeholders.

Purpose of the role

The Qualitative Facilitator

will lead the implementation of Focus Group Discussions (FDs) and Key Informant Interviews (Klls) as part of the POA qualitative data collection component. Working in tandem with a Note-Taker, the Facilitator is responsible for creating a safe and open discussion environment, guiding participants through qualitative discussion guides, probing for depth and clarity, and ensuring that sessions generate rich, high-quality qualitative data. The Facilitator must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, fluency in Kinyarwanda, and a sound understanding of qualitative research methodology

Key Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities are:

• Lead all assigned IDis and Kil sessions in accordance with the POA qualitative discussion guides and facilitation protocol.
• Introduce the purpose and structure of each session to participants, obtain informed consent, and establish ground rules.
• Create a respectful, inclusive, and psychologically safe environment that encourages open and honest participation.
• Guide participants through discussion topics using approved discussion guide questions while exercising flexibility to probe and follow meaningful threads.
• Manage group dynamics effectively, ensuring balanced participation and preventing dominant voices from overshadowing others.
• Apply appropriate probing techniques to elicit depth, nuance, and context beyond surface-level responses.
• Manage session timing to cover all key topics within the allocated time.
• Brief the Note-Taker before each session on key topics, terminology, and specific areas requiring close attention.
• Coordinate with the Note-Taker during sessions to ensure all key contributions are captured.
• Review session notes and transcripts in collaboration with the Note-Taker to verify accuracy and completeness.Complete a brief post-session debrief form highlighting key themes, standout quotes, emerging patterns, and any facilitation challenges.
• Flag any participant distress, safeguarding concerns, or session irregularities to the Field Supervisor immediately.
• Participate in enumerator training and qualitative methods orientation sessions.
• Support pilot testing of qualitative discussion guides during the inception phase.
• Adhere to all data protection, safeguarding, and research ethics standards throughout the assignment.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, Psychology, Development Studies, Public Health, Communication, or a related field.
• Up to six (6) years of experience in qualitative research facilitation, community engagement, or participatory research.
• Demonstrated experience facilitating FDs or conducting Kils, ideally within social research or programme evaluation contexts.
• Experience working with youth, women, or vulnerable community groups is strongly preferred.
• Prior exposure to the Mastercard Foundation's AgriJob, or similar programmes is an advantage.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit the following documents:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) - maximum 3 pages.
• Cover letter (maximum 1 page) outlining your relevant experience and motivation for applying
• Copies of relevant academic and professional certificates.
• Brief description of a prior facilitation assignment in the cover letter or CV (see Section 5 above).
• Contact details of two (2) professional referees.