Job Description
Research Consultant/Reviewer
Number of Positions: 1
Duration: 32 Consultation days in Duhok from 1st of April 2026 till February 2027
Contract Type: Service Contract
Reports to: WPS Project Manager
Location: Duhok, TLF office, TLF WPS Centre
Publishing date: 18th March 2026
Deadline of submission: 28th March 2026
About Us
The Lotus Flower is a non-governmental organisation which is legally registered in the Federal Government of Baghdad and KRI. The Lotus Flower programs empower vulnerable women, girls and other community members so that they are safe, have opportunities to learn, the tools to become financially independent and the freedom to lead change. We provide safe social spaces inside refugee & IDP camps and implement projects to help them rebuild their lives and earn a living. We run multiple women’s and children centers for the IDP, refugee and host community in Iraq and have mobile teams in areas where static centers are not feasible.
The Lotus Flower services work to fill resource gaps by providing community-responsive programming which changes over time in response to feedback but revolves around 6 pillars from the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals:
Health & Safety (including MHPSS)
Education and Livelihoods
Peacebuilding & Human Rights
Climate Change
We aim to provide a foundation for women, girls, and other needed community members to rebuild themselves, their families, and their futures. As local implementers, we work at the grassroots level to get right into the heart of communities, listening to local needs and employing local communities to implement the programs.
Our main fundamental belief is that women and girls are powerful drivers of change, and we provide the support they need to reach their full potential and rebuild their futures. We strive for a world where they are safe from violence, free to access education, and are empowered to participate in their communities to drive social and economic change from within. We are investing in the future of women and girls because they play a vital role in resurrecting and strengthening communities. As local implementers, we work at the grassroots level to get right into the heart of communities. To ensure we meet their needs, we listen to the local community and employ local women to implement the programs.
The Lotus Flower has been widely recognized for its impactful and innovative work in advancing women's rights, economic empowerment, and justice for survivors. In 2021, the organization was honored with the CARE International Partnership Award, a prestigious recognition granted every four years to celebrate the professionalism and commitment of CARE’s global partners. Further affirming its dedication to women’s economic independence, The Lotus Flower received the IValues Award from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation under the “Economy and Jobs” category for the success and significance of its Women’s Business Incubation project. The organization also gained international acclaim through the PILnet Global Partnership Award for its groundbreaking initiative “Accountability for Yazidi Survivors of Atrocities by Da’esh,” which was recognized as one of the best cross-sectoral pro bono legal collaborations worldwide. Additionally, The Lotus Flower was a proud recipient of the UNHCR Innovation Award in 2022, further highlighting its commitment to delivering creative, impactful solutions for vulnerable communities.
Project background
The Lotus Flower organisation will implement the Lotus Flower Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Centre project, which is part of the SPACE project funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. Which aims to empower youth, especially women and girls to actively engage in peacebuilding processes, conflict resolution, and community leadership. As part of this initiative, TLF seeks to build the capacities of participants through a targeted 1325 WPS Training that provides practical tools and knowledge for managing conflicts and fostering dialogue.
Position Title
Research consultant/Reviewer – Research Review, Data Analysis, and Publication Support.
Purpose of the Assignment
To provide technical review and consultation to support the researcher in:
analyzing quantitative and qualitative data using SPSS and thematic analysis,
strengthening the literature review.
preparing manuscripts for journal submission through structured academic peer-review and compliance with journal requirements.
Scope of Work / Key Responsibilities
A. Research Review and Advisory Support
Review alignment across research problems, objectives, research questions, framework, variables, and instruments (quantitative and qualitative).
Advise on methodological consistency, ethical considerations, and coherence of the analysis plan.
B. Quantitative Data Analysis Support (SPSS)
Guide data cleaning, coding, variable labeling, and handling missing values.
Support descriptive and inferential analyses as relevant (e.g., frequencies, means, reliability tests such as Cronbach’s alpha, correlations, group differences).
Assist in scale construction and interpretation of Likert-type data.
Review SPSS outputs and ensure accurate reporting (APA-style or journal style if required).
Support development of results tables and figures.
C. Qualitative Data Analysis Support (Thematic Analysis)
Support creation/refinement of coding framework and codebook.
Guide theme and sub-theme development and validation (consistency, saturation logic, and evidence).
Review thematic tables and narrative results.
Ensure traceability from quotes/codes to themes, and alignment with objectives.
D. Integration and Interpretation (Mixed Methods, if applicable)
Support triangulation of qualitative and quantitative findings.
Review interpretation and ensure conclusions are evidence-based and appropriately limited.
E. Literature Review Support
Review the literature review section for: structure, coherence, relevance, and critical synthesis (description).
Help strengthen theoretical framing and conceptual definitions and ensure linkages to the study variables and context.
Identify gaps, missing strands of literature, and recommend priority sources to include.
Support improvement of referencing consistency (APA 7th or required style).
F. Journal Manuscript and Peer-Review Support
Review draft manuscript(s) for journal readiness (clarity, argument, contribution, method reporting, results/discussion strength).
Provide structured peer-review feedback like journal reviewer comments.
Support formatting and compliance with target journal guidelines (structure, word limit, tables/figures, citation style).
Assist in preparing abstract, keywords, cover letter (if requested), responses to reviewers (if revisions occur), and polishing language for academic tone.
Duration and Level of Effort
Duration: 1st of April 2026 till February 2027
Level of effort: 32 working days total, depending on dataset size and number of drafts
Note: the distribution of working days and the timeline assigned to specific tasks may be adjusted based on revisions to the research timeline or related external factors.
Reporting and Coordination
The consultant will coordinate directly with the researcher.
Reporting line: Project manager.
Meetings in person:( weekly or monthly consultation sessions) as agreed.
Required Qualifications
Advanced degree (PhD, Prof preferred) in Social Sciences, Research Methods, Statistics, Public Policy, or related field.
Strong applied experience with SPSS (quantitative analysis, reporting, interpretation).
Strong experience in thematic analysis (qualitative methods, coding, theme development).
Demonstrated experience in academic writing and journal publication support/peer-review.
Ability to provide clear, constructive, and academically rigorous feedback.
Understanding of Women peace and security agenda 1325 WPS is considered an asset.
Note: Kindly provide evidence of your qualifications alongside your CV.
Key Competencies
Methodological rigor and analytical judgment
Statistical and qualitative interpretation skills
Academic writing and synthesis (literature review)
Publication readiness support (journal standards)
Attention to detail, deadlines, and confidentiality
Ethical Considerations
Maintain confidentiality of data, transcripts, and drafts.
Avoid conflicts of interest.
Respect authorship and academic integrity (consultation and review support only).
HOW TO APPLY:
Kindly send the documents listed below
Updated CV
Proposed training outline or methodology
At least one sample or reference of previous similar work
to careers@thelotusflower.org while mentioning “Research Consultant/Reviewer“ as the subject of your email. accepted.
Application that does not include the subject line will not be considered.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Applications past the expiration date of the advertisement will not be considered.
CVs that do not include the subject line will not be considered.
Only shortlisted Trainers will be contacted.
Applications past the expiration date of the advertisement will not be considered.