NetHope Is Hiring: Meaningful Connectivity Research Consultant | Remote Consultancy | Apply by 9 September 2026
Are you an experienced researcher with a background in humanitarian response, international development, digital access, telecommunications, or information management? NetHope is inviting qualified consultants to apply for a Meaningful Connectivity Research Consultant opportunity focused on understanding how connectivity can better support frontline humanitarian responders and crisis-affected communities.
The consultancy offers an opportunity to conduct applied research examining emergency connectivity, technology needs, funding models, and the barriers that organizations face when trying to maintain reliable digital access during crises.
About the Research Consultancy
The research will investigate how emergency connectivity support has evolved and what gaps remain across different humanitarian contexts. It will examine what “meaningful connectivity” looks like in practice and how connectivity investments can support communities throughout the humanitarian-development continuum—from preparedness and emergency response to recovery.
The consultant will use a combination of literature review, case studies, interviews, surveys, workshops, and data analysis to develop evidence-based recommendations for NetHope and the wider humanitarian connectivity sector.
This makes the opportunity particularly relevant to professionals who enjoy combining research with practical policy and program recommendations.
Key Research Areas
The successful consultant will explore several important questions surrounding humanitarian connectivity.
The research will examine connectivity needs among international NGOs, local and national organizations, regional NGOs, community-based organizations, frontline responders, and affected communities.
It will also investigate how organizations currently meet their connectivity needs, what gaps remain, and whether existing preparedness and response investments have reduced the duration or severity of connectivity disruptions during emergencies.
Another important area is the role of the private sector. The research will consider how connectivity providers, technology companies, donors, and other private-sector actors influence emergency connectivity models, including the ethical and technical implications of relying on private-sector solutions.
Funding and procurement models will also be assessed, including preparedness grants, response grants, pre-positioned equipment, cash grants, and pre-approved procurement arrangements.
Responsibilities of the Consultant
The consultant will begin by developing a detailed research work plan and protocol in collaboration with NetHope.
A structured literature review will then examine existing research on connectivity technology, digital infrastructure in crisis environments, anticipatory humanitarian action, and the humanitarian-development nexus.
The consultant will also map relevant stakeholders across several groups, including NGOs, community organizations, philanthropic organizations, private-sector connectivity providers, affected communities, first responders, UN agencies, and coordination bodies.
Key informant interviews will provide qualitative insights into connectivity challenges, procurement barriers, successful approaches, and how different stakeholders understand meaningful connectivity.
In addition, the consultant will design, pilot, and deploy a quantitative survey for the NetHope Member network and NetHope Connected organizations. Survey results will be analyzed alongside findings from interviews and the literature review.
Case Studies and Workshops
A major component of the assignment involves examining four NetHope emergency response initiatives as embedded case studies.
The consultant will assess the outcomes and effectiveness of different support models in specific emergency contexts. The findings will help identify which approaches work best during preparedness, response, and recovery—and where different models may need to be combined.
Workshops will also be organized with NetHope members, connected organizations, and selected local NGO partners. These sessions will help validate findings and provide opportunities for stakeholders to contribute additional perspectives.
The consultant will also develop materials for a donor-facing workshop presenting preliminary findings.
Who Can Apply?
NetHope is seeking candidates with demonstrated experience conducting applied or policy-oriented research in humanitarian response, international development, or related fields.
Strong qualitative research skills are required, including experience with case studies, interviews, facilitation, and qualitative analysis. Experience with mixed-methods research is an advantage.
Candidates should also have experience with survey design and quantitative data analysis.
Familiarity with humanitarian connectivity, telecommunications infrastructure, digital access in crisis settings, satellite communications, and private-sector connectivity providers will be valuable.
Experience working across multi-stakeholder environments involving NGOs, private companies, UN agencies, or coordination bodies is also desirable.
Strong written communication skills are essential because the consultant will be expected to produce accessible and evidence-based materials for non-academic audiences.
Knowledge of anticipatory action frameworks and humanitarian funding systems is preferred, while prior engagement with the NetHope Member network is an advantage.
Consultancy Timeline
The engagement is scheduled to run from September 2026 to January 2027, with an estimated commitment of 40 hours per month.
Proposals are due by September 9, 2026, at midnight ET, although NetHope notes that submissions may be reviewed on a rolling basis and a consultant could be selected before the deadline.
The expected engagement start date is September 25, 2026.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a proposal through the application link provided by NetHope. The proposal should include:
- A brief overview of relevant experience and proposed approach
- A work plan and methodology
- Proposed hourly and total consultancy rates in USD
- Two to three references from similar engagements
- A CV or professional profile
Applicants should also be aware that NetHope has an AI policy governing the use of artificial intelligence in deliverables. Selected candidates will be required to comply with this policy and complete an AI Disclosure Form during onboarding.
Build Impact Through Research
The Meaningful Connectivity Research Consultant opportunity is an excellent option for experienced researchers interested in the intersection of technology, humanitarian action, digital inclusion, and emergency response.
For professionals with strong research, analytical, stakeholder engagement, and humanitarian-sector experience, this consultancy provides an opportunity to generate practical evidence that could help improve connectivity support for organizations and communities affected by crises.
If your experience matches the requirements, prepare your proposal, methodology, CV, references, and fee structure early and
submit your application before the September 9, 2026 deadline.
SUBMIT APPLICATIONS HERE
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
