Professionals with expertise in humanitarian research, digital connectivity, and international development have an opportunity to join NetHope as a Meaningful Connectivity Research Consultant. This fully remote consultancy will support an evidence-based research project examining how connectivity shapes emergency response before, during, and after crises across the humanitarian-development continuum.
The engagement runs from September 2026 to January 2027, with an estimated workload of 40 hours per month. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, making early submission highly recommended.
About the Consultancy
NetHope is seeking an experienced consultant to lead a comprehensive research study on meaningful connectivity in humanitarian emergencies. The project aims to understand how frontline responders currently access communication technologies, identify persistent connectivity gaps, and recommend stronger funding and support models for future emergency response programming.
Rather than focusing solely on connectivity during disasters, the research recognizes that meaningful connectivity extends across preparedness, response, recovery, and long-term resilience. The findings will contribute to improved humanitarian policies and practical solutions for NGOs, community organizations, donors, and private-sector partners.
Research Objectives
The selected consultant will investigate how emergency connectivity has evolved across humanitarian contexts and produce actionable recommendations for the sector. Key objectives include:
- Documenting the evolution of connectivity in humanitarian emergency response.
- Assessing the technology needs of frontline responders and affected communities.
- Evaluating existing funding and procurement models supporting emergency connectivity.
- Examining the role of private-sector telecommunications and satellite providers.
- Analyzing NetHope emergency response initiatives through embedded case studies.
- Producing evidence-based recommendations for future humanitarian connectivity investments.
The research will combine literature review, qualitative interviews, surveys, workshops, and case study analysis to generate a robust understanding of connectivity challenges and opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
The consultant will lead the project from research design through final reporting in collaboration with the NetHope research committee.
Research Planning
- Develop a detailed research work plan and methodology.
- Create research protocols and data collection frameworks.
- Coordinate activities with the designated NetHope point of contact.
Literature Review
The consultant will conduct a structured review covering:
- Humanitarian connectivity technologies.
- Digital infrastructure in crisis settings.
- Anticipatory humanitarian action.
- Resilience and humanitarian-development nexus frameworks.
- Emergency funding and procurement models.
- Relevant international and country-level policy documents.
Stakeholder Interviews
A significant component involves mapping and interviewing stakeholders across multiple sectors, including:
- International NGOs.
- Local and national NGOs.
- Community-based organizations.
- UN agencies.
- Philanthropic organizations.
- Private-sector connectivity providers.
- Local first responders and affected communities.
The interviews will explore procurement barriers, lived experiences of connectivity disruptions, successful response models, and definitions of meaningful connectivity in practice.
Survey, Workshops and Case Studies
The consultant will also design and implement a quantitative survey targeting the NetHope Member network and Connected organizations. The survey will gather evidence on:
- Connectivity needs.
- Equipment procurement experiences.
- Effective emergency support models.
- Remaining infrastructure gaps.
In addition, the consultant will facilitate validation workshops with humanitarian partners and prepare presentations for donor-facing events showcasing preliminary findings.
Four NetHope emergency response initiatives will serve as embedded case studies, allowing comparison of different support models across diverse emergency contexts, including conflict and post-conflict settings.
Required Qualifications
Applicants should demonstrate substantial experience in humanitarian or development research and possess strong analytical and communication skills.
Essential qualifications include:
- Experience conducting applied or policy-oriented research in humanitarian response or international development.
- Strong qualitative research expertise, including interviews, facilitation, case studies, and thematic analysis.
- Experience designing surveys and analyzing quantitative data.
- Familiarity with humanitarian connectivity, telecommunications infrastructure, or digital access in crisis environments.
- Knowledge of satellite communications and private-sector connectivity providers.
- Experience engaging diverse stakeholders across NGOs, donors, governments, and UN coordination mechanisms.
- Excellent report writing and evidence synthesis skills.
Preferred qualifications:
- Knowledge of anticipatory action frameworks.
- Understanding of humanitarian funding architecture.
- Previous engagement with the NetHope Member network.
Project Timeline
The consultancy follows the schedule below:
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Proposal deadline | 9 September 2026 |
| Review period | 10–14 September 2026 |
| Consultant selected | Rolling basis |
| Engagement begins | 25 September 2026 |
| Project duration | Sept 2026 – Jan 2027 |
Because applications are reviewed as they are received, NetHope may appoint a consultant before the official deadline.
Proposal Requirements
Interested consultants should submit a complete proposal including:
- A summary of relevant professional experience.
- A proposed research methodology and work plan.
- Hourly and total consultancy rate in USD.
- Two to three professional references from similar assignments.
- An updated CV or professional profile.
Candidates should clearly demonstrate their capacity to deliver rigorous mixed-methods research while producing practical recommendations for humanitarian organizations and donors.
Why This Consultancy Matters
Reliable connectivity has become essential to humanitarian operations, enabling emergency coordination, cash assistance, digital protection services, health information systems, and community communication during crises. However, significant inequalities remain in how frontline organizations access and sustain connectivity infrastructure.
This consultancy offers researchers an opportunity to influence global humanitarian practice by generating evidence that strengthens preparedness, improves emergency response funding models, and supports locally driven connectivity solutions. The resulting recommendations will help shape future investments in digital resilience across disaster-prone and crisis-affected communities worldwide.
Application Deadline: 9 September 2026 (Midnight ET)
Early applications are strongly encouraged due to NetHope’s rolling review process.
