Role Overview

The Senior Qualitative Researcher will lead the qualitative component of the baseline study, focusing on understanding the lived experiences of children engaged in labour, their families, and employers in construction and brick-making sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Design qualitative research tools tailored to sensitive topics involving children (e.g., life histories, KIIs, FGDs).
• Conduct fieldwork in diverse settings, including informal settlements, construction sites, and brick kilns.
• Engage children, caregivers, employers, and community stakeholders using child-sensitive and culturally appropriate approaches.
• Ensure strict adherence to ethical protocols, including informed consent/assent and safeguarding procedures.
• Analyse qualitative data to identify drivers of child labour (e.g., poverty, displacement, debt, migration).
• Document hazardous working conditions and gender dimensions of child labour.
• Contribute to triangulation with quantitative findings.
• Draft qualitative sections of reports, including case studies and narratives.

• Advanced degree in Sociology, Anthropology, Social Work, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in qualitative research, preferably on child protection or labor issues.
• Demonstrated experience working with vulnerable populations, including children.
• Strong fieldwork experience in Iraq or similar contexts preferred.
• Fluency in Arabic required; Kurdish strongly preferred; English for reporting.

Core Competencies

• Child-sensitive interviewing and facilitation
• Cultural awareness in Iraqi/KRI context
• Ethical research practice
• Strong narrative and analytical skills

Additional Notes for All Above Positions

• Strong understanding of ILO conventions on child labour (C138 and C182) is highly desirable.
• Prior experience in construction, brick kiln economies, or informal labour sectors is a significant asset.
• Commitment to child safeguarding, gender equality, and inclusion is essential.

Interested candidates should submit their CV in PDF format to: hr@kohrw.org 
 cc: info@kohrw.org

Please indicate “Senior Qualitative Researcher – Child Labor Study” in the subject line of your email.

Please note this Position will be in Erbil with fieldwork across selected governorates

Deadline: 15th of May 2026
We will contact only shortlisted candidates.