Background

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries. Without regard to race, religion or nationality, CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding. Through its Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) department, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Malawi Country Program is updating its database of temporary interviewers and is therefore seeking experienced enumerators to join our dynamic team. Successful candidates will be engaged in both quantitative and qualitative data collection projects across various regions of Malawi. Enumerators may be deployed on a short-term, need-based basis using digital platforms including CommCare, KoboToolbox/KoboCollect, ODK or paper-based forms.

Purpose of the Data Collectors (Enumerators)

CRS/Malawi, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) team will be working hand in hand with the data collectors to collect data relating to projects like Reintegration, Financial Capability and Asset Building (FCAB), Strengthening the Capacity of Religious Women in Early Childhood Development (SCORE ECD), WASH in Health Facilities, Integrated Orphans and Vulnerable Children and Youths (IOVCY II), Mlimi pa Tsogolo, Restore Africa, Soil and Water Accelerator etc. The data collectors will be trained on interviewing techniques and the data collection instruments.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Administer structured quantitative and qualitative data collection tools (FGDs, KIIs, household surveys) using smartphones/tablets or paper forms in line with approved protocols.
• Ensure completeness and accuracy of data collected; apply skip logic correctly and record responses faithfully without influencing respondents.
• Synchronize all completed questionnaires to the cloud/server daily or as instructed by the supervisor.
• Review submissions daily to identify errors, inconsistencies or missing data and correct them per supervisor guidance.
• Obtain informed consent from all respondents before interviews; maintain confidentiality and handle personal data responsibly at all times.
• Report any obstacles in the field or on the use of technology to the supervisor promptly.
• Follow CRS safeguarding and data protection protocols, including signing and complying with the CRS Code of Conduct.

Key Reporting Relationships

Internal: The data collectors will be reporting and working closely with the MEAL Officers responsible for supporting the projects.

External: They will also have working relationships with Partner representatives, local government representatives and sister congregations.

Logistics

During the surveys, CRS will provide transport to the teams, digital data collection tools, field supervision and other necessary tools required for this purpose. Transport reimbursements will be made as per CRS policy and activity budget.

Education

Minimum Degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Community Development, Public/Environmental Health, Agriculture, Education, Monitoring & Evaluation, IT or any other relevant field from an accredited institution.

Required Competencies, Experience and Qualification

Technical Skills

• Strong practical skills in at least one digital platform: CommCare, KoboToolbox/KoboCollect, and/or ODK.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to follow written SOPs and templates.

Personal Qualities

• Must be reliable and committed to fulfilling assignments with a high level of professionalism.
• Must be able to work independently as well as within a team environment.
• Must have in-depth questioning and active listening skills.
• Ability and willingness to work long hours and sometimes in adverse field conditions.
• Must be proactive and able to “think on your feet”.
• Highly punctual, organized and flexible.
• Able to follow the guidance provided by supervisors/managers.
• Must be conversant with basic social research ethics and be able to apply them in the field.
• Must show sober behaviour at all times they are required to perform duties.
• Must be able to ensure confidentiality of respondents’ personal information.
• Able to build rapport with respondents to ensure they remain motivated and interested in answering questions truthfully.
• Fluent in English and Chichewa (required). Additional Malawian languages (Tumbuka, Nkhonde, Sena, Yao, Lomwe) are an added advantage.

• Administer structured quantitative and qualitative data collection tools (FGDs, KIIs, household surveys) using smartphones/tablets or paper forms in line with approved protocols.
• Ensure completeness and accuracy of data collected; apply skip logic correctly and record responses faithfully without influencing respondents.
• Synchronize all completed questionnaires to the cloud/server daily or as instructed by the supervisor.
• Review submissions daily to identify errors, inconsistencies or missing data and correct them per supervisor guidance.
• Obtain informed consent from all respondents before interviews; maintain confidentiality and handle personal data responsibly at all times.
• Report any obstacles in the field or on the use of technology to the supervisor promptly.
• Follow CRS safeguarding and data protection protocols, including signing and complying with the CRS Code of Conduct.

• Strong practical skills in at least one digital platform: CommCare, KoboToolbox/KoboCollect, and/or ODK.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to follow written SOPs and templates.
• In-depth questioning and active listening skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as within a team environment.
• Ability to work long hours and sometimes in adverse field conditions.
• Proactive and able to “think on your feet”.
• Punctual, organized and flexible.
• Ability to follow guidance provided by supervisors/managers.
• Conversant with basic social research ethics and able to apply them in the field.
• Ability to ensure confidentiality of respondents’ personal information.
• Able to build rapport with respondents.
• Fluent in English and Chichewa.

• Minimum Degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Community Development, Public/Environmental Health, Agriculture, Education, Monitoring & Evaluation, IT or any other relevant field from an accredited institution.
• Strong practical skills in at least one digital platform: CommCare, KoboToolbox/KoboCollect, and/or ODK.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to follow written SOPs and templates.
• Must be reliable and committed to fulfilling assignments with a high level of professionalism.
• Must be able to work independently as well as within a team environment.
• Must have in-depth questioning and active listening skills.
• Ability and willingness to work long hours and sometimes in adverse field conditions.
• Must be proactive and able to “think on your feet”.
• Highly punctual, organized and flexible.
• Able to follow the guidance provided by supervisors/managers.
• Must be conversant with basic social research ethics and be able to apply them in the field.
• Must show sober behaviour at all times they are required to perform duties.
• Must be able to ensure confidentiality of respondents’ personal information.
• Able to build rapport with respondents to ensure they remain motivated and interested in answering questions truthfully.
• Fluent in English and Chichewa (required). Additional Malawian languages (Tumbuka, Nkhonde, Sena, Yao, Lomwe) are an added advantage.