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Terms of Reference: Researcher / Research Organisation for AI Generated Content Research on Cambodian Youth (with a focus on SRHR information)

RNW Media · Knoxville, Tennessee, United States · 2 mo ago
AnalystPart-time

About the role

RNW Media is seeking a researcher or research organisation/consultancy to conduct research into how Cambodian youth interact with, trust, and evaluate AI-generated content (AIGC), with a focus on content related to sexual and reproductive health information. This assignment is part of the RFSU-funded Digital Sexuality Education (DSE) project, in partnership with the Reproductive Health Association of Cambodia (RHAC). The research will combine qualitative focus group discussions, a lightweight youth survey, and social listening analysis to generate evidence-based insights.

Duration: Approximately 2 months (1 September – 31 October 2026), part-time/deliverable-based with an estimated 20–25 working days. The role is home-based with required field travel within Cambodia, including rural provinces.

Reports to: Noyan Er, Digital Product and Data Manager, RNW Media, in coordination with RHAC’s project focal point.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct a desk review of existing literature to inform the study’s design and terminology.
  • Adapt and finalise the focus group discussion guide and survey instrument for the Cambodian context in consultation with RNW Media and RHAC.
  • Identify and recruit 2–4 groups of youth participants, prioritising those engaged with sexual and reproductive health services, including rural youth.
  • Conduct 2–4 focus group discussions (approx. 6–12 participants per group) following informed consent and safeguarding procedures for sensitive topics.
  • Distribute and collect a lightweight survey among a broader sample of Cambodian youth (target: 80–100 respondents).
  • Perform social listening analysis of Cambodian online conversations on AI-generated content and SRH-related information using RNW Media’s Talkwalker subscription.
  • Analyse and triangulate findings across focus groups, survey, and social listening data.
  • Prepare and deliver a Preliminary Findings Brief (max. 8–10 slides or 4–6 pages) by 19 October 2026 to inform RNW Media’s presentation at the “Youth Meets Media” conference.
  • Incorporate feedback from RNW Media and RHAC and finalise the Final Research Report (approx. 25–40 pages) by 31 October 2026.
  • Report regularly on progress to RNW Media’s Digital Product and Data Manager, flagging any challenges.

Deliverables

  • Inception Note (max. 5 pages): Research questions, refined FGD guide, survey instrument, sampling/recruitment plan, ethical/safeguarding protocol, and social listening search terms (due before fieldwork begins).
  • Fieldwork Data Set: Transcripts or detailed notes from focus group discussions and a completed survey dataset (minimum 80–100 respondents).
  • Preliminary Findings Brief (max. 8–10 slides or 4–6 pages): Early findings on trust, awareness, and evaluation of AI-generated SRH content (due 19 October 2026).
  • Final Research Report (25–40 pages + executive summary): Publishable report with methodology, findings, and recommendations, incorporating all data sources (due 31 October 2026).

All deliverables must be in English; focus group facilitation and survey instruments must be available in Khmer. The Final Research Report should align with RNW Media’s prior AIGC research framework.

Requirements

  • A university degree in social sciences, communication studies, media studies, public health, or a related field (or demonstrated comparable research experience for organisations).
  • Minimum 3 years of experience in qualitative and quantitative social research, including focus group facilitation and survey design/analysis.
  • Experience conducting research with youth in Cambodia, ideally including those accessing SRH services and/or rural/underserved youth.
  • Working knowledge of social listening tools (e.g., Talkwalker) or willingness to be trained; prior experience is an advantage.
  • Understanding of AI-generated content, media/information literacy, or digital literacy topics is a strong advantage.
  • Familiarity with ethical research standards and safeguarding practices for youth and sensitive topics (e.g., sexuality, health).
  • Established networks or partnerships to access diverse Cambodian youth participants, including in rural provinces.
  • Strong communication skills in English and Khmer (written and oral).
  • Ability to manage a compressed timeline and deliver fixed milestones, including a preliminary deliverable ahead of the final report.

Assignment Schedule

  • 1–12 September 2026: Inception phase (refine methodology, FGD guide, survey instrument, and sampling plan). Inception note due for sign-off.
  • 8–19 September 2026: Recruit FGD participants and survey respondents in coordination with RHAC’s field network.
  • 15 September – 3 October 2026: Conduct 2–4 focus group discussions (in Khmer, with consent/safeguarding measures).
  • 15 September – 10 October 2026: Distribute and collect lightweight survey.
  • September – October 2026: Conduct social listening analysis using RNW Media’s Talkwalker subscription.
  • 6–16 October 2026: Analyse data and draft preliminary findings.
  • By 19 October 2026: Deliver Preliminary Findings Brief.
  • 20–28 October 2026: Incorporate feedback and finalise research report.
  • By 31 October 2026: Submit Final Research Report.

Changes to the schedule may be made in consultation with RNW Media.

Pay

Fixed total budget of EUR 5,000 (inclusive of consultancy fees and field research costs such as participant incentives, venue hire, local transport, and enumerator support). Access to social listening tools is provided by RNW Media at no cost. Applicants must submit a detailed budget breakdown within this ceiling.

Payment method: Bank transfer upon submission and approval of deliverables.

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