Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Role of Zimbabwe Indigenous Community- Grassroots Researcher
Job Description
Project Title: Combating Climate Change Disinformation in the Tshawa Community, Matebeleland North
Action: The Grassroots Researcher will be responsible for documenting the presence and impact of
climate change disinformation in the Tshawa community of Matebeleland North.
Explanation: This project aims to assess the spread of disinformation about climate change and its effect
on the local community’s understanding and behavior toward environmental issues. The Grassroots
Researcher will collect valuable data and insights that will later be used to create content aimed at
combating this disinformation and raising awareness about climate change and the environment.
1. Project Context and Rationale
The Tshawa community in Matebeleland North has been significantly affected by disinformation regarding
climate change and environmental issues. This misinformation has influenced local knowledge, behaviors,
and actions. This project aims to assess how climate change disinformation is spread and its impact on
the community, enabling the creation of accurate, engaging content to address these misconceptions and
increase public awareness of environmental sustainability and the realities of climate change.
2. Objectives of the Grassroots Researcher Role
General Objective: To document and analyze the presence and impact of climate change disinformation
within the Tshawa community, ensuring the data collected will be used to develop content that combats
such disinformation.
Specific Objectives:
1. 2. 3. 4. To conduct interviews, surveys, and focus group discussions with community members to assess
their understanding of climate change and the sources of disinformation in the community.
To identify the channels and platforms through which climate change disinformation spreads
within the community.
To gather qualitative data on the ways in which disinformation influences local perceptions and
behaviors related to climate change and environmental sustainability.
To provide insights and recommendations based on the research findings that will guide content
creation aimed at combating climate change disinformation.
Duties and Responsibilities
3. Key Responsibilities and Tasks
The Grassroots Researcher will be responsible for the following tasks:
1. Field Research:
○ Travel to the Tshawa community in Matebeleland North to carry out field research
independently.
○ Conduct interviews, surveys, and focus group discussions with local community members,
including community leaders, indigenous people, and other stakeholders.
○ Collect qualitative data on community perceptions of climate change, and identify how
disinformation is affecting local understanding and behaviors regarding environmental
issues.
2. Data Documentation:
○ Accurately document key findings, including the sources of disinformation, how it is
spreading, and its effects on community attitudes toward climate change.
○ Record interviews, discussions, and observations in written or audio-visual formats,
ensuring proper documentation of all data.
○ Organize the collected data in a way that can be easily interpreted and used for content
creation.
3. Community Engagement:
○ Build rapport and trust with community members to encourage open and honest
participation in interviews and discussions.
○ Ensure culturally sensitive and ethical interactions with the community, respecting local
customs and traditions during the research process.
○ Actively listen to community members’ concerns and experiences regarding climate
change and disinformation, and incorporate their views into the research.
4. Reporting and Analysis:
○ Analyze the data collected to identify patterns and key findings, including the sources and
impact of disinformation.
○ Prepare a detailed report summarizing the findings, highlighting how disinformation is
shaping local views on climate change.
○ Provide actionable recommendations for creating content that addresses the identified
disinformation and enhances public understanding of climate change.
5. Content Support:
○ Offer insights on how the research findings can be translated into accurate, engaging
content for public awareness campaigns that aim to combat climate change
disinformation.
4. Expected Deliverables
1. 2. Field Report: A comprehensive report documenting the interviews, surveys, and focus group
discussions, including insights on the sources and impacts of climate change disinformation.
Data Summary: A summary of the key themes and patterns identified from the research, including
the main sources of disinformation and its effects on the community.
3. 4. Recommendations: A set of recommendations for content development based on the findings,
with an emphasis on combating disinformation and raising awareness of climate change.
Content Recommendations: Suggestions for content creators on how to effectively address the
disinformation identified in the community.
Qualifications and Experience
Qualifications and Experience
1. Education and Knowledge:
○ A minimum of a diploma or degree in social sciences, environmental studies,
communication, or a related field.
○ Strong understanding of climate change issues, particularly in Zimbabwe and rural or
indigenous communities.
○ Knowledge of the challenges posed by disinformation, particularly in relation to climate
change and environmental issues.
2. Experience:
○ Prior experience in community-based research or grassroots advocacy, particularly in
rural or indigenous settings.
○ Experience in conducting interviews, surveys, or focus groups with local communities.
○ Familiarity with participatory research methods and ethical guidelines for community-
based research.
3. Skills:
○ Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage with
diverse community members.
○ Ability to analyze and synthesize qualitative data.
○ Proficiency in documenting findings through written reports and audio-visual materials.
○ Competence in using digital tools for data collection and documentation.
How to Apply
Duration of the Role
The Grassroots Researcher role will last for 3 months with field research expected to be conducted
during this time. The role may include follow-up activities related to data analysis and content
development after the fieldwork phase.
Reporting and Supervision
The Grassroots Researcher will report directly to the Project Manager and will work independently to
carry out the field research. Regular updates and progress reports will be expected during the course of
the research activities.
Ethical Considerations
● All research activities must be conducted ethically and with respect for the rights and cultural
sensitivities of the Tshawa community.
● Informed consent must be obtained from all participants, ensuring they are fully aware of the
purpose of the research and how their data will be used.
● Confidentiality and anonymity will be maintained, and all data will be handled in accordance
with data protection guidelines.
Requirements:
1. Tax clearance certificate
2. Proposal budget
Interested bidders must submit Technical and Financial proposals, along with consulting team resumes,
by 14th March 2025, to [email protected] Please include 'Grassroots Researcher' in the
subject line. All proposals should be addressed to the 'Admin Department'.
Late bids shall not be considered
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