Job Openings Research Officer (Rolling Basis )

About the job Research Officer (Rolling Basis )

Title: Research Officer (RO)

Duty Station: Islamabad/ Remote with frequent travel to the Merged Areas

Position(s): 1

Type of Contract: Consultancy

Contract Duration: 4 months with possibility of extension

Background

The Merged Areas Governance Programme (MAGP II) (2023-2027) is a comprehensive governance initiative that focuses on technical assistance and implementation support to the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (GoKP) in three main areas: (1) accelerated development with an emphasis on the delivery of basic services; (2) border governance and connectivity; and (3) support to local governance.

The Programs overall objective is to enhance the capacity of the GoKP to successfully integrate the Merged Areas and strengthen border governance and cross-border connectivity by extending laws, policies, and strategies; planning, designing, and delivering development initiatives; and implementing inclusive local government systems. An emphasis is placed on inclusive development, to ensure that marginalized population groups benefit from development in the MAs, as well as on disaster-risk reduction and improved risk management, to help prevent, mitigate and/or address the effects of climate change and other risks.

To that end, MAGP works closely with GoKP and several development partners across multiple functional areas to lay the groundwork for the creation of results-oriented, responsive, and inclusive solutions that can help transform the lives and livelihoods of the people of the MAs

Against this background, MAGP is supporting the GoKP in the implementation AIP II and building capacities at the district level, while strengthening evidence-based decision and policy making through the provision of data and information products. For this purpose, MAGP is recruiting a Research Officer (RO) to assist the MAGP team with academic research, data collection and analysis support for ongoing project result areas, as well as assist with substantive background qualitative and quantitative research.

Objectives & Targets

To perform background research and data analysis on various topics that fall under GoKPs priorities as reflected in MAGPs workplan informing judicious policy and decision making through data analysis and research products.

Reporting Structure & Co-ordination

Under the overall supervision of the MAGP Program Manager, the Research Officer will be reporting to the Senior Coordination and Programming Specialist (SCPS) in close coordination with the Project Manager..

Detailed Results

  • Perform secondary research for feasibility studies in Merged Areas
  • Prepare literature reviews, background research, and other draft content
  • Present thoroughly researched information for background research, implementation of the projects, progress reports, policy briefs, and position papers.
  • Compile the researched material in a systematic way and prepare background briefs/briefing notes as and when required.
  • Design and develop data collection protocols and instruments, and data sharing protocols
  • Clean survey data provided by government partners for accuracy, completeness, and quality
  • Establish and implement quality assurance mechanisms for resolving problems and issues in the data.
  • Conduct data analysis

Performance Indicators for Evaluation of Results

Deliverables/Outputs

Estimated Duration to Complete

Schedule of Payments

Review and Approvals Required

  1. Monthly Work Report on Research Tasks and completion of Assigned DPs

Monthly

Upon completion of assigned DPs and activities

Senior Coordination and Programming Specialist (SCPS)

  1. Monthly Work Report on Research Tasks and completion of Assigned DPs

Monthly

Upon completion of assigned DPs and activities

Senior Coordination and Programming Specialist (SCPS)

  1. Monthly Work Report on Research Tasks and completion of Assigned DPs

Monthly

Upon completion of assigned DPs and activities

Senior Coordination and Programming Specialist (SCPS)

Any other deliverable may be assigned at the start of each month by the supervisor.

Please note that the Research Officer shall report research activities performed in the monthly Workable Report (WR) along with the assigned Development Products (DPs).

Skills & Competencies

  • Strong knowledge of governance issues in MAs and KP;
  • The candidate must have strong knowledge of developmental processes in KP
  • Candidate should have an understanding of socio-economic challenges grappling Merged Areas
  • Prior experience in conducting academic style research (data collection, analysis, report writing etc)
  • The candidate must have knowledge of AIP 1
  • Demonstrable skills of working with datasets and quantitative analysis

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

The candidate must possess the following experience:

  • Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in various research roles
  • Bachelors in social sciences.
  • Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research assessment tools
  • Experience working for international organisations.
  • Experience in KP/FATA is a significant asset.

Language Requirements: English, Urdu

Selection Process

Competitive