Job Description
Terms of Reference – Data Analyst / RDS Specialist
Introduction and Background
The Community Strengthening Development Foundation (CSDF), with support from FPA Sri Lanka and funding from IPPF’s Sexual & Reproductive Health Consortium Grant, is conducting a research project titled “Data, Disadvantage, and Violence: Female Sex Workers in Colombo, Sri Lanka.” This study is investigating the experiences of female sex workers (FSWs) with stigma, discrimination, and gender-based violence, and aims to inform project telehealth and mobile-based services. A major component is a quantitative survey among FSWs in Colombo, and a consultative Research Design Workshop is being held to develop research questions, refine the project methodology, and finalize the survey instrument. This will also lead to the consultative RDS methodology, specialized analytical reports to support to ensure the data is comprehensively analyzed, and inform meaningful findings.
The Consultancy
CSDF is seeking a skilled Data Analyst (RDS Specialist) to support the project in managing and analyzing the data collected, particularly the quantitative survey data via respondent-driven sampling. This is a short-term consultancy, with the consultant expected to provide analytical support for the duration of the project, including analysis and results. The consultant will also assist in hypothesis analysis and results. He/She will be responsible to ensure the data is analyzed comprehensively and presented in a manner that is accessible to stakeholders. The consultant should be available for the consultancy for at least ten days.
Key Responsibilities
- Designing the RDS Strategy: Designing the RDS strategy, data collection tools, and database, and utilizing the RDS process.
- Data Management and Cleaning: Take charge of the quantitative survey dataset; ensure it is clean, organized, and ready for analysis; and document the data cleaning process, ensuring that all variables are correctly defined.
- Database Setup: Set up the database for data entry and analysis, ensuring that it is structured to facilitate the analysis process.
- Statistical Analysis: Conduct descriptive statistics (frequencies, means) for key study objectives, including exploratory data analysis and statistical modeling.
- Qualitative Data Input: While the primary responsibility is quantitative, collaborate with the team to integrate qualitative findings.
- Data Visualization: Produce clear tables, graphs, and charts that illustrate the key findings.
- Documentation of Analysis: Maintain a well-documented record of all analysis procedures, including programming in R, SAS, Stata, etc.
- Team Analysis and Collaboration: Communicate preliminary results to the project team and stakeholders.
- Report Writing Support: Contribute to the drafting of the results report, ensuring that statistical findings are clearly presented.
Person Specifications
- Educational Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in Statistics, Biostatistics, Applied Statistics, Data Science or a related discipline.
- Analytical Experience: At least 3–5 years of proven experience in data analysis for research or monitoring & evaluation in the health or social sectors.
- Software Proficiency: Strong skills in statistical software. Proficiency in R (with packages for survey/RDS analysis), STATA or SAS is essential.
- Quantitative Skills: Solid understanding of statistical concepts, including sampling methods, weighting, variance estimation, and regression analysis.
- Attention to Detail: Demonstrated meticulousness in handling data – ensuring accuracy, clarity, and validity.
- Communication: Good written and oral communication skills in English.
Statistical Analysis Output:
A set of statistical results addressing each research question. This will include:
- Descriptive statistics (tables of frequencies/proportions for key variables) and recommendations for continuous variables for key characteristics and outcomes.
- Analyses to figure (e.g., cross-tabulations and correlations) and summary statistics of relevant data as associated between variables.
Preliminary Findings Report:
A draft memo on preliminary findings (2-3 pages or slides) summarizing the key insights from the data analysis, and the intended use of the results.
Contribution in Final Report:
Written input for the “Results” and “Methods” sections of the final report. Specifically, a summary of the data analysis results, including how RDS supported results and how they relate to the research questions.
Time Frame:
The analysis consultancy is expected to take place around July 2025 to January 2026. All analysis and deliverables should be completed by end of January 2026.
Remuneration:
Negotiable. The payment will be made in two installments:
- First Installment (75%): Payable upon signing the agreement.
- Second Installment (25%): Payable upon completion of the research protocol and final report delivery.
No additional benefits are provided beyond the consultancy fee. Any travel (if needed) or meeting allowances, etc., will be discussed and mutually agreed upon by CSDF and the consultant. The consultant must not use or disclose any information related to this consultancy without explicit permission.
Email: [email protected] | [email protected]
