The Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) invites applications for IKM Field Enumerators to support the implementation of the Project’s annual monitoring and data collection activities, particularly the collection, validation, and documentation of quantitative and qualitative information from RIISA-supported Smallholder Farmers (SHFs), Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and other project clients and partners, as applicable.
BACKGROUND
With support from the Government of Canada, MEDA is implementing the Resilience and Inclusion through Investment for Sustainable Agrikultura (RIISA) Project in the Philippines. RIISA seeks to strengthen inclusive economic opportunities in rural communities in Mindanao, particularly within the cacao sector.
The Project works to improve the productivity, income, resilience, and economic participation of cacao smallholder farmers and enterprises, particularly women and other groups that may experience barriers to participation in economic opportunities. RIISA also promotes gender equality and social inclusion, environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient practices, responsible investment, and stronger market systems in communities vulnerable to economic, climate, and conflict-related risks.
RIISA responds to multiple challenges within the Philippine cacao sector and draws on MEDA’s experience in market systems development, Gender Lens Investing (GLI), Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI), Human Rights (HR), Environment and Climate Change (ECC), and market systems resilience (MSR).
The Project addresses the socio-economic challenges faced by cacao smallholder farmers while strengthening the resilience and inclusiveness of the cacao market system through the following strategies:
- Mobilizing gender-responsive ESG investments by facilitating Environment, Social and Governance (ESG)-focused financing and investment opportunities for cacao-sector SMEs and financial intermediaries.
- Strengthening local capacity on GESI, HR, and ECC by enhancing the capacity of business service providers and other market actors to provide more inclusive, gender-responsive, environmentally sustainable, and relevant services to cacao SMEs, cooperatives, and farmers.
- Strengthening cacao cooperatives and smallholder farmers by supporting the adoption of environmentally sustainable, inclusive, climate-resilient, and commercially viable farming and business practices.
- Improving the enabling environment by increasing awareness, capacity, and adoption of gender-responsive ESG approaches among key actors within the cacao value chain and broader market system.
- Promoting systemic learning and influence by generating, documenting, and disseminating evidence and lessons through the Project’s Strategic Learning Agenda and knowledge management activities.
Through these interventions, MEDA expects the RIISA Project to directly benefit more than 5,400 SHFs (40% women) and indirectly impact over 30,000 individuals, including SHF household members, cooperative members, and employees of cacao SMEs. Please visit our website at www.meda.org.
CONTEXT OF THE ASSIGNMENT
In reference to project goals, the IKM Data Collection Activities have employed a quantitative and qualitative approach to profiling project clients (SHFs, SMEs and Coops) and periodically will collect data to establish monitoring values within the life of the project. To compare these data sets, a combination of qualitative methods to reinforce data interpretation and analysis will be collected to deepen and triangulate quantitative data collected. The data collection activities start on January to March 2027.
SCOPE OF WORK and SPECIFIC DELIVERABLES
- Participate in Data Collection Training and tool testing - 4 days
- Collect performance monitoring data from Cohort 1 & 2 SMEs & Coops using qualitative methods (Coops & SMEs KIIs & FGDs) - 15 days
- Collect Annual Survey Data using quantitative tools from at least 350 selected SHFs from 15 cooperatives/ SMEs, remote or in person - 29 days
- Encode/ process all qualitative & quantitative data noted/gathered in the data processing template provided – 10 days
ENGAGEMENT PERIOD
The engagement period is total 58 person-work days beginning January – March 2027.
WORKING CONDITION
- Contractor will report to MEDA Philippine Office in Davao City, when requested by the IKM Manager or designate.
- The contractor will provide his/her own laptop or desktop computer, if necessary.
- MEDA will provide task-level orientations and other materials (i.e., assign smartphones for data collection, template notes for documentation, mobile phone credits) to the Contractor.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES
- Bachelor’s degree degree or relevant post-secondary education in agriculture, development studies, social sciences, statistics, economics, business, information management, or another related discipline. Fresh graduates are welcome.
- Excellent skills in narrative writing presenting information from data collected.
- Ability to administer structured questionnaires and conduct basic qualitative interviews.
- Ability to use digital data collection platforms such as KoboToolboxor similar applications is an advantage.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy and quality.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English and Filipino; proficiency in Cebuano/Bisaya and relevant local languages within project areas is highly desirable.
- Ability and willingness to travel to RIISA project areas and undertake field assignments as required.
- Ability to work independently, in hybrid work arrangement, while maintaining close coordination with the IKM team.
- Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, confidentiality, cultural sensitivity, and respect for respondents.
- Understanding of gender equality, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and ethical data collection principles is an advantage.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 19 October 2026
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis when received. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. Only successful applicants will be contacted.
MEDA welcomes and encourages applications from all genders, backgrounds, religions, cultures, nationalities and abilities. Accommodation is available on request for candidates with disabilities taking part in the selection process.
