Afghanistan: Research Officer
Country: Afghanistan
Closing date: 20 Aug 2013
ORGANISATION DESCRIPTION
The Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit (AREU) is an independent research organisation based in Kabul. AREU’s mission is to inform and influence policy and practice through conducting high-quality, policy-relevant research and actively disseminating the results, and to promote a culture of research and learning. To achieve its mission AREU engages with policymakers, civil society, researchers and students to promote their use of AREU’s research and its library, to strengthen their research capacity, and to create opportunities for analysis, reflection and debate. For additional information please see www.areu.org.af.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
AREU is seeking an experienced Research Officer in the field of secure livelihoods and social protection to manage and coordinate research in a multi-year, major project. The research is collaboration between AREU and the UK Overseas Development Institute (ODI), and forms one component of the multi-country Secure Livelihoods Research Consortium (SLRC) initiative. The project’s broad goal is to provide a stronger evidence base about how people make a living, educate their children and access other basic services in fragile and conflict affected situations. In this context, the research agenda is split into three separate subcomponents focusing on: context analysis and responses to village preconditions in service delivery; the link between service delivery and capacity-building and the presence of regional social orders; and economic life and livelihood trajectories.
RESPONSIBILITIES Specific duties will include, but not be limited to: o Managing the field work process to ensure effective use of the team’s time and quality outcomeso Supervising and supporting a research team o Conducting literature searches and reading background materialso Substantively participating in the development of research tools such as interview and focus group discussion guides and ensuring the team’s involvemento Conducting interviews and focus group discussions with a variety of respondents where neededo Ensuring the quality of interview transcripts and field notes, and that they meet the research goalso Facilitating the understanding of the research aims and objectives among RAs and SRAs o Facilitating meetings among the research team and among other colleagues at AREUo Coordinating with AREU’s security staffo Ensuring appropriate procedures are followed for field work finances and logisticso Contributing to the formulation of the research methodology, with support from the researcher and/or senior research managero Contributing to data analysis and writing research reports, in collaboration with the researcher and/or senior research manager o Overall support in accounting project activities for mid term and long term reviews from donor agencyo Operational Support on budget planning and design, in collaboration with Senior Researcher and Team Leadero Providing training in research methodology and methods to new staff and to other organizations, as neededo Assisting in general staff capacity developmento Presenting research aims, objectives and outcomes in meetings, seminars and workshops both internal to AREU and to external audienceso Representing AREU at external meetings and workshops and where needed speaking to the media about AREU’s research
LOCATION The position will be based in Kabul but the research officer will be required to be in the field (out of Kabul) for substantial periods of time (security permitting).
QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS • At least two years of field research experience in Afghanistan OR a masters degree in social science, field research experience in a developing or post-conflict country and knowledge of Afghanistan• Experience of supervising a small team OR demonstrated ability to do so• Good writing skills in English• Knowledge of social science methodologies and experience in using them• Very strong interpersonal skills and ability to mix well with people of all backgrounds• Inquisitive and questioning nature and interest in people (including ability to challenge own assumptions)• Adaptable, committed and flexible attitude• Ability to analyse and draw conclusions from data gathered • Ability to work independently and use own initiative• Strong time management and organizational skills • Strong analytical skills are required for the interpretation of qualitative and quantitative data• Ability to lead others and give constructive criticism• Experience of giving presentations to a variety of audiences• Evidence of good training skills• Computer skills, including word-¬processing/typing and e¬mail (preferably MS Office: word/Outlook)
How to apply:
Please apply by sending a CV/resume and a cover letter outlining how your experience relates to the skills and experience in the qualifications above to applications@areu.org.af. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
