RFP - Public Opinion Research Services Consultant

Habitat for Humanity International; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Part time

Job summary

A global non-profit organization is seeking a consultancy to conduct public opinion research on housing opportunities. The consultant will design and execute surveys across multiple countries, ensuring culturally sensitive methodologies. Applicants should have experience in research methods, media engagement, and data analysis. The position emphasizes collaboration and aims to inform advocacy efforts surrounding housing access and equity.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Opportunity to work globally

Engagement with diverse populations

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in conducting public opinion research.
• Experience in engaging with media organizations for research dissemination.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Design and administer public opinion polling across selected countries.
• Conduct fieldwork, manage data collection, and ensure data quality.
• Analyze quantitative data and prepare comprehensive reports.

Skills

Media engagement

Quantitative research methods

Survey design

Data analysis

Cross-cultural communication

Education

Master's degree in social sciences or related field

Job description

Posting Description

Scope of Works for Public Opinion Research

HFHI is launching the Global Housing Index (GHI) as part of its 50th anniversary commemoration in 2026. The GHI will be an annual publication that explores housing opportunity by quantifying access to a decent affordable home across different communities worldwide. Deliverables will contribute to the narrative report and may be used to create other assets focused on public opinion related to housing.

The GHI seeks to address evidence gaps by providing a globally comprehensive dataset, ensuring representation of marginalized populations, and offering long-term data and policy analyses. The publication will monitor progress and inform civil society and policymakers to advance solutions through advocacy.

This Request for Proposal (RFP) seeks a partner (or coalition of organizations) to conduct original, global public opinion research on housing opportunity that will comprise part of the inaugural GHI narrative report.

HFHI is open to applicants proposing the best methodology. The research may take the form of traditional public polling or participatory polling (Wiki surveys, Deliberative Polling, Polis conversations, etc.). HFHI is also open to reviewing alternative proposed methodologies. The applicant should demonstrate experience earning reputable media attention for research results and insights, including any partnerships with media organizations.

Scope of Work Solicited

2.1 Global public opinion research

The selected organization(s) will design and administer a nationally representative public opinion polling in ideally five (5) to nine (9) countries globally.

Geographic Scope

HFHI suggests priority countries with backup options. Please include pricing for two statistical representation options: (1) nationally representative; or (2) representation at the state/major metro level.

Required: The United States. At least one country from each region with coverage goals as outlined below.

• Europe and the Middle East (MENA) — Great Britain (alternative: Germany); Egypt (alternative: Jordan).
• Africa (AFR) — Ethiopia (alternative: Kenya); South Africa (alternative: Malawi).
• Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) — Mexico; Brazil (alternatives: Guatemala or Honduras).
• Asia and the Pacific (AP) — India (alternative: Nepal); South Korea (alternative: Philippines).

Applications should aim to cover as many countries as possible while maintaining technical soundness. Outline the cost for national representation versus representation of primary cities within each country. Habitat for Humanity has staff presence and program operations in all named countries, which could support this research.

Sampling

Describe the proposed sampling methodology to ensure nationally-representative results, including:

• Proposed sampling methodology approach
• Rough estimate of number of surveys
• Challenges to achieving representation (e.g., access to poor or informal communities, illiteracy)
• Measures to address sampling challenges
• Any local partners that will support sampling

Sampling should capture differences in major demographic groups (e.g., generational groups, ethnicities, income levels).

Public opinion polling

The polling should capture perceptions of equity in relation to (1) personal access to adequate housing and (2) how fellow citizens access adequate housing. HFHI will provide expertise during survey drafting, but the selected organization(s) should guarantee appropriate question formulation and design. The precise questions will be determined collaboratively, with the approach designed to earn media attention. Examples of topics include:

• Perceptions of discrimination in lending or rental practices
• Perceptions of formalizing informal settlements
• Perceptions of public subsidies for affordable housing

HFHI expects roughly 75% of survey content to be consistent across countries, with a 25% allowance for country-specific questions. The US survey will include a higher proportion of nationally specific questions (approximately 50/50).

One approach may include Wiki surveys to enable large-group collaboration and potential consensus on open-ended questions. Samples should credibly represent opinions of key groups (e.g., the poor, people in informal settlements, youth, women) and be administered in formats accessible to these populations (e.g., local languages).

Key responsibilities

In summary, the selected organization(s) will be responsible for the following:

• Survey Design: Develop a robust instrument to capture nuanced insights on housing opportunity, culturally sensitive for diverse populations.
• Survey Administration: Conduct the survey across selected countries with nationally representative sampling and capacity to reach poor/illiterate populations (e.g., in-person interviews, visual aids).
• Data Collection: Execute fieldwork, manage enumerators, ensure data quality and integrity.
• Data Synthesis and Analysis: Clean, process, and analyze quantitative data; identify trends and disparities with technical documentation.
• Summarized Technical Report: Prepare a technical report (no more than 15 pages) detailing methodology, data documentation, and analysis for HFHI technical staff.

2.2 Media engagement and positioning

This qualitative public opinion research aims to inform a global thought leadership product targeting global decision makers, civil society, partners, and the development sector, with data that informs media coverage and public interest. HFHI seeks organizations with experience in earning media attention and, if possible, partnerships with a US-focused media outlet. Describe how you would account for media interest and engagement, including potential media partnerships or events.

Key responsibilities

• Identify Breakthrough Research Outcomes for Media: Identify data points and stories with high potential for earned media coverage, including connections to the global country scoring index.
• Communication of Technical Content: Translate findings into accessible prose/graphics and compelling data visualizations. HFHI should receive content suitable for media use (e.g., data visualizations, web portals, PPT slides) along with major talking points and multiple data cuts.
• Content Strategy: Propose and implement content strategies designed to garner earned media coverage and public engagement; analyze current conversations to inform polling questions and report content.

3. Project Constraints and Proposed Alternatives

Budget: Total contract budget must not exceed $200,000 USD, inclusive of all fees, expenses, and taxes. Applications may propose different scopes within budget, but overhead costs must not exceed 15%.

Timeline: Finalization of questions and methodologies in 2025; public opinion polling in January 2026; contract complete by February 2026. Start in early to mid-October.

Feasibility and Alternatives: Applicants should propose an alternative scope feasible within the budget and timeline, outlining tradeoffs in countries, sample size, methodology, scope, and research quality. Budget and timeline are non-negotiable; alternatives may explore different methodologies, country counts, and media strategies.

4. Proposal Submission Format

Applicants should submit a comprehensive proposal addressing all aspects of the RFP. The proposal should include:

• Narrative Submission (Max 15 pages, excluding appendices): Executive Summary; Understanding of the Assignment; Proposed Approach (Public opinion research and Media engagement); Project Management Plan; Feasibility Assessment and Alternatives; Risk Management; HFHI Roles; Organizational background and key staff; CVs/resumes; Organization overview; Experience in quantitative multi-country surveys; Audience analysis and strategic communications; Past projects and media coverage; References.
• 2. Detailed Budget: Breakdown by activity; include personnel, travel, data collection, licenses, and other expenditures; align with $200,000 maximum.
• 3. Timeline: Detailed project timeline with milestones and three linked payment milestones.

Inquiries and proposals should be directed to: Anna Konotchick, Sr. Director, Research and Learning, [e-mail].

Function

Advocacy, Compliance and Risk Management, Program Management

Auto req ID

10531BR

Position Category

Consultant

Position Type

Consultancy

Geographic Location

North America

Location

Multiple Locations Accepted