Oxfam Ireland is inviting applications from experienced qualitative researchers for a short-term consultancy focused on understanding the realities of inequality among young people in Ireland.
The selected Research Consultant will lead a qualitative research project exploring how young people aged 18 to 35 experience inequality, understand their future opportunities, and engage with democratic and social institutions.
The consultancy will involve participant recruitment, conducting in-person focus groups, analysing research findings, and producing a report highlighting key themes, experiences, and narratives.
Application Deadline: 23 August 2026
About Oxfam Ireland
Oxfam Ireland is part of the global Oxfam confederation, a network working across more than 70 countries to address poverty, inequality, and injustice.
The organisation works through humanitarian response, long-term development programmes, policy advocacy, and campaigning to tackle the structural causes of poverty and support marginalised communities.
Operating across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, Oxfam Ireland combines local engagement with global efforts to promote social justice and equality.
About the Research Project
Oxfam Ireland is seeking a qualified Research Consultant to conduct a qualitative study examining the experiences of inequality among young people in Ireland.
The research forms part of a wider European study involving six countries and aims to explore:
- How young people experience inequality
- Their views on future opportunities and social mobility
- The impact of economic pressures on their lives
- Their engagement with democratic institutions
- Their perspectives on social and political change
The findings will contribute to a broader understanding of inequality and help inform discussions around policies and interventions affecting young people.
Key Responsibilities
The successful consultant will be responsible for delivering the research assignment, including:
- Recruiting research participants
- Facilitating five in-person focus groups
- Creating a safe and inclusive environment for participants
- Collecting qualitative data
- Analysing focus group discussions
- Identifying key themes and patterns
- Developing a concise research report
- Presenting findings based on participant experiences and narratives
The consultant will work according to Oxfam Ireland’s research requirements and methodology guidelines.
Research Focus Areas
The project will explore young people’s experiences and perspectives on issues including:
- Economic inequality
- Social justice
- Cost of living challenges
- Housing access and affordability
- Climate change
- Civic participation
- Democratic engagement
- Future opportunities
Applicants with experience researching inequality, social exclusion, youth issues, or community experiences are encouraged to apply.
Who Can Apply?
Oxfam Ireland is seeking an experienced qualitative researcher with strong skills in:
- Qualitative research methods
- Focus group facilitation
- Research analysis
- Report writing
- Community-based research
Applicants should demonstrate the ability to engage participants respectfully and produce high-quality research outputs.
Experience applying feminist research principles is particularly valued.
Eligibility Requirement
Due to the nature of the assignment, applicants must be:
- Based in Ireland
- Available to conduct physical in-person focus groups within Ireland
Applications from researchers who are not based in Ireland will not be considered because the project requires face-to-face participant engagement.
Consultancy Duration and Budget
This is a short-term consultancy opportunity.
Consultancy Period: September to November 2026
Expected Workload: Approximately 15 working days
Total Budget: Up to €7,000
The consultant should provide a detailed financial proposal outlining:
- Estimated number of working days
- Daily consultancy rate
- Total expected costs
Required Application Documents
Interested consultants must submit the following documents:
Cover Letter
Applicants should provide a cover letter of no more than two pages explaining:
- Their interest in the consultancy
- Relevant research experience
- Suitability for the assignment
- Proposed approach to conducting the research
Applicants should also explain how they would approach the research while considering the Terms of Reference provided by Oxfam Ireland.
Curriculum Vitae
Applicants should submit an updated CV demonstrating:
- Relevant qualitative research experience
- Previous research projects
- Facilitation experience
- Report-writing skills
- Experience related to inequality, social justice, or youth research
References
Applicants must provide contact details for two individuals who can provide professional references regarding their research work.
Skills and Experience Required
The ideal candidate should have:
- Proven experience conducting qualitative research
- Experience facilitating focus groups or interviews
- Strong analytical skills
- Excellent written communication skills
- Ability to produce clear research reports
- Understanding of social justice and inequality issues
- Experience working with diverse communities
Knowledge of feminist research approaches and participatory research methods will be an advantage.
Why Apply?
This consultancy provides an opportunity for a researcher to contribute to important discussions about inequality and the lived experiences of young people in Ireland.
The research will contribute to a wider European study examining how young people understand inequality, economic challenges, participation, and social change.
For researchers passionate about social justice, youth participation, qualitative research, and evidence-based advocacy, this assignment offers an opportunity to generate insights that may influence future programmes and policies.
Key Details
Organisation: Oxfam Ireland
Position: Research Consultant – Qualitative Research on Inequality
Location: Ireland
Contract Type: Short-term Consultancy
Research Area: Inequality among young people aged 18–35
Duration: September–November 2026
Workload: Approximately 15 days
Budget: Up to €7,000
Application Deadline: 23 August 2026
How to Apply
Interested consultants should submit their application documents through the Oxfam Ireland recruitment platform before the deadline.
APPLY HERE
Applicants should carefully review the Terms of Reference and ensure they meet the location requirement before applying.
