Research Associate in NGO/Non-Profit Sector

Job Summary

CARE International is seeking an experienced Research Assistant to support the implementation of RESILAC*2 Territorial Diagnosis. We are seeking an ambitious candidate who wants to take part in a comprehensive community mapping and planning exercise through various research methods including Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interview (KIIs). The Research Assistant will play a key role in supporting the success of carrying out Community-Based Participatory & Planning (Territorial Diagnostics). The position will be working closely with the MEAL Officer, Project Officers and other project members. This role requires a strong background in qualitative research methodologies and practical skills in collecting, transcribing and reporting qualitative interviews.

SCOPE:

Employment Type: Contract - Service Provider 

Job Status: Nationals only.

Slots: 20

Location of Activities: Damaturu & Fune LGAs, Yobe State.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:

Job Responsibility #1: Research Planning


Plan for conducting discussions in community level to engage local participants in collecting information about their community.
Mobilize community stakeholders to be involved in various research exercise including FGDs and KIIs. 
Keep track of progress and delays of all assigned assessments throughout the research cycle 
Support the facilitation of day-to day engagement at the field throughout the data collection cycle. 
Assist in developing timelines and milestones for everyday activities, including setting deadlines for data collection, to ensure timely completion of daily activities.


Job Responsibility #2: Research Implementation and Data Collection 


Support the facilitation and conduct qualitative data collection activities according to established study protocols, including conducting interviews, facilitating focus group discussions, and documenting observations, while ensuring adherence to ethical guidelines and standards. 
Support proper documentation of all data collected during fieldwork accurately and comprehensively, using appropriate data collection tools and techniques, to ensure data quality and integrity. 
Establish good communication with research participants, research teams and create a conducive environment for open and honest interviews during data collection activities, fostering trust and meaningful data collection. 
Ensure to adhere to ethical principles and guidelines throughout the data collection process, including obtaining informed consent from participants, ensuring confidentiality and privacy, and forwarding any ethical concerns that may arise. 
Collaborate with other research assistants to ensure quality assurance measures; validity, reliability, and credibility of qualitative data collected, including conducting regular checks and audits of data collection procedures and outputs


Job Responsibility #3: Drafting of Research Report, Products, and Information Management


Keep records of FGD, KII and other research process including pictures for onward transcription and submission 
Producing high quality and varied research outputs for a range of audiences including analysis, report writing and presentations where necessary 
Document and share key lessons learnt daily to facilitate discussion and action points throughout the research cycle. 
Maintaining accurate records of research processes and results 
Follow the designated timeline of conducting diagnostic process to be submitted to project team. 
Ensure that delays or identified challenges for specific activities are reported in writing and orally in a timely manner to the MEAL Officer. 


Job Responsibility #4: Data Protection and Confidentiality


Uphold the highest level of confidentiality regarding all data collection procedures. 
He/She will proactively implement safeguards to prevent any unauthorized disclosure of information and data belonging to CARE and its partners throughout this assignment 


Job Responsibility #5: Community Engagement


Foster meaningful relationship with community members through respectful and inclusive participation approaches.
He/She will ensure active involvement of community stakeholders in the diagnostic process, while promoting trust, transparency, and accountability


Other Responsibilities as Assigned

QUALIFICATION/EXPERIENCE/TECHNICAL SKILLS:

Required


A Degree in Social and Behavioural Science, Sociology, Research methods or other related fields.
At least 2 years professional experience in conducting qualitative research with a clear understanding of various social and behavioural research methodologies.
Demonstrated research and analytical report writing skills with sound experience in qualitative data analysis.
Proficiency in using Microsoft packages-e.g. MS word, MS excel applications, is highly desirable.
Language skill in English, Hausa and local language is mandatory.
Understanding of the cultural context and excellent communications skills that are appropriate and respectful to government stakeholders and the public in general
Prior experience with and good understanding of quantitative data processing and analysis methods, including descriptive and inferential statistics.
Openness to feedback and willingness to learn
Ability to manage time effectively and thrive in a fast paced, results-oriented working environment.
Demonstrate good communication/reporting skills
Multi-tasking skills, ability to multitask with tight deadlines, on numerous research cycles.
Cross-cultural work environment ability to operate in a cross-cultural environment requiring flexibility.
Must be resident in the state applied for especially around or within the LGAs of activity.


Competencies:


Approachability                                       
Building Effective Teams Customer Focus
Customer Focus
Integrity and Trust
Drive for Results
Comfort around Higher management
Organizational Agility