Through the undertaking of an in-depth research exercise, SIHA intends to engage informal sector workers, women activists and organisations in the peripheries across the East and Horn of Africa region to bring voice to these invisible labourers.
The research assignment will be focus on urban poor women active the informal sectors of Uganda and as a result, 1 paper will be developed to present the challenges (economic , socio-legal, political and cultural) encountered by these laborers in the identified locations. In addition, the paper will qualitatively reflect the conditions of women in the informal sector by developing a case study on identified woman/women. This study will reflect their day to day experiences with their customers and the authorities, as well as their general social and political interactions with the various actors (policy makers, among others) in their different contexts. Further to this, the paper will examine the backgrounds of these women in an effort to trace underlying causes for their reliance on the informal sector as their main source of livelihood. Lastly, the paper will also capture the strategies employed on ground to navigate the identified challenges in order to achieve sustainable livelihoods.
The specific objectives of the research:
Provide a strong analysis and present case studies on the dynamics within the informal sector; how and why it is evolving as well as the position of women in the Ugandan context with a focus on social existing laws, policies and practices or lack thereof and details on the various professions of these women.
To document the challenges/opportunities and strategies and coping mechanisms encountered and adopted by women invisible laborers in Uganda. While at the same time, looking at the impact of their work on their families and communities against the social, political and cultural challenges.
To explore initiatives undertaken by women activists and informal sector associations to promote economic and social rights of the invisible labourers in this context. And what effect, if any, it has had on the status and recognition of invisible labourers.
To specifically pin point successful and ineffective strategies undertaken by these invisible labourer associations and organisations to deal with identified challenges.
To identify the lessons learned from the activities undertaken by the existing women activists and labour associations.
To suggest potential entry points for SIHA, policy makers and donors to support and bring further visibility to groups of invisible labourers in the research location.
Tasks under the research assignment and expected outputs:
Design questionnaires and guidelines for FGDs and share with SIHA team.
Carry out an extensive literature review and identify similar research papers and relevant information recourse’s.
Produce a comprehensive edited research paper. (15-20 pages long). The research paper should incorporate all the areas detailed under the specific objectives of the assignment.
Provision of clear and concise recommendations based on the documented findings. These recommendations are subject to review by the SIHA Programmes team.
Involvement in all review, editing and revision process of the research paper.
Timeline for assignment:
The assignment will commence on 3 October 2016
The researcher will undertake 10 days.
5 days will be allocated for report development after which SIHA will be provided with a draft for review and comments. (21 October 2016)
1 day will be allocated for SIHA to share an overview of feedback and comments and questions after review of the research draft report.
3 days will be allocated for the researcher to incorporate SIHA comments and feedback, after which a final draft will be submitted on 31 October 2016.
HOW TO APPLY:
Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply by Wednesday 21, September 2016.
Emailing an updated CV (with two references) and Cover Letter to SIHA’s Human Resources and Office Manager at; humanresourcesiha@gmail.com (Subject Line: ‘SIHA WRP RESEARCHER APPLICATION – LAST NAME’).
Please include as well one writing sample, as closely related to the research areas of focus as possible, which displays your writing skills.
In addition, if there are any special circumstances to your application, please feel free to indicate this in the email and we will follow-up directly.