Horn Africa Consultants Firm (HACOF) is a fully-fledged international development agency dedicated to creating sustainable impact across the East and Horn of Africa. Operating in Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Djibouti, and Sudan, as well as Mozambique in Southern Africa, we provide solutions to governments, multilateral institutions, humanitarian, and development partners. Since 2012, we have been at the forefront of delivering tailored solutions to address diverse challenges with innovative strategies.

HACOF is currently preparing a bid for a regional research assignment covering the East, Horn, and Great Lakes region. As part of this effort, we are assembling a team of qualified consultants with strong in-country expertise.

HACOF is seeking a Country Researcher/Analyst to lead field-level research activities in Burundi as part of a prospective regional study on area-based financing for displacement and returnee reintegration. The assignment is based in Rumonge Commune, with possible travel to Bujumbura and other locations.

Rumonge represents a returnee and reintegration context, where the study will examine how financing flows — including domestic public resources, external development assistance, and alternative sources — interact at the commune level to support durable solutions. The consultant will be expected to navigate both national and subnational stakeholder environments.

SCOPE OF WORK

The selected consultant will support the following activities:

• Lead or contribute to field-level data collection and stakeholder engagement within the designated municipality/commune.

• Conduct key informant interviews (KIIs) with local authorities, subnational administrators, development partners, and community representatives.

• Analyze subnational budgets, fiscal transfer frameworks, and project-level financial data relevant to the study site.

• Map financing flows — both on-budget and off-budget — at the municipal/commune level.

• Assess institutional and political constraints affecting subnational financing for displacement-affected communities.

• Support the identification of alternative financing opportunities including diaspora flows, private sector, and development finance instruments.

• Contribute to the preparation of country-level synthesis inputs and financing pathway recommendations.

• Participate in validation workshops at both subnational and national levels.

• Support preparation of deliverables including inception report inputs, KII summaries, and draft analytical sections.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree (Master's level minimum) in economics, public finance, development studies, or social sciences.

• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in forced displacement, decentralization, local governance, or returnee reintegration in Burundi or the Great Lakes region.

• Strong knowledge of commune-level fiscal systems, intergovernmental transfers, and local governance structures in Burundi.

• Experience conducting KIIs and stakeholder consultations with commune authorities, national ministries, UN agencies, and NGOs.

• Established networks with actors working on returnee reintegration, durable solutions, or local development in Burundi.

• Fluency in French required; Kirundi an asset; working English proficiency preferred.

• Experience on multi-country or regional research studies is a strong advantage.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Strong analytical and report-writing skills in English.

• Familiarity with subnational planning, budgeting, and fiscal systems.

• Experience working with or interviewing government officials, UN agencies, donors, and NGOs.

• Understanding of forced displacement, durable solutions, or related humanitarian/development programming.

• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet tight deadlines.

• Proficiency in qualitative data collection and mixed-methods research design.

How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following to: hr@hacof.com with the subject line "Burundi Country Researcher – [Your Name]":

• A cover letter (maximum 1 page) outlining relevant experience and suitability for the role.

• An updated curriculum vitae (CV) with at least three professional references.

• Contact details for at least two previous clients or supervisors from relevant assignments.

Application Deadline: Rolling — early applications encouraged. Shortlisting will begin immediately upon receipt.