Senior Research Assistant

BACKGROUND

The Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit (AREU) is a Kabul-based independent research think tank established in 2002 with the assistance of the international community in Afghanistan. AREU’s mission is to inform policy and practice by conducting high-quality, evidence-based research and actively disseminating the results, and to promote a culture of research and learning. Information about AREU is available on AREU’s website: www.areu.org.af.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Specific duties will include, but not be limited to:

• Substantively participating in development of research tools such as interview guides (in particular adapting and creating guides for specific respondents in the field).
• Conducting interviews and focus group discussions to a high standard, showing knowledge of the study and the ability to listen and probe
• Writing ­up detailed notes on interviews and observation visits

• Facilitating meetings among the research team
• Supporting new team members and helping to build their research skills
• Liaising with admin regarding logistics for field work
• Managing fieldwork finances
• Assisting to manage the field work process to ensure effective use of the team’s time
• Taking initiative in reading background materials relevant to study topic
• Undertaking in field analysis of data as it is collected
• Presenting research objectives, methodology and findings both internally at AREU to external audiences
• Representing AREU at meetings and workshops
• Providing training in research methodology and methods to new staff and to other organizations, as needed

LOCATION

The position will be based in Kabul but the senior research assistant will be required to be in the field (out of Kabul) for substantial periods of time (security permitting).

 

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree in social science or any other relevant field is required.
• Strong Dari, and/or Pashto skills
• Competency in written and spoken English
• Very strong interpersonal skills and ability to mix well with people of all backgrounds
• Ability to listen and observe carefully, remember well and write detailed notes
• Inquisitive and questioning nature and interest in people (including ability to challenge own assumptions)
• Adaptable, committed and flexible attitude
• Ability to analyze and draw conclusions from information gathered
• Ability to work independently and organize your own time
• Computer skills, including word-­processing and e­mail (preferably MS Office: word/Outlook)
• At least one year of experience conducting or participating in field based social science research in Afghanistan
• Experience of working with Afghans from different backgrounds, including poor communities; urban and rural communities, government officials and civil servants.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

 

Salary and benefits are competitive based on AREU salary scale.

CLOSING DATE AND APPLICATION PROCESS

 

Qualifying candidates should send their application with an updated CV/resume including a cover letter by 30 April 2023 to [email protected] and write Senior Research Assistant in the subject line of the email.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.