SENIOR RESEARCHER - SECURE LIVELIHOODS PROJECT, Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit

SENIOR RESEARCHER - SECURE LIVELIHOODS PROJECT

Posted on: December 19, 2012

Posted by: Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit

MORE / LESSDESCRIPTION

ORGANISATION DESCRIPTION

The Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit (AREU) is an independent, Afghanistan-based research institute. Its purpose is to inform and influence policy and practice through conducting high-quality research, to actively disseminate the results, and to promote a culture of research and learning. To achieve its mission AREU engages with policy makers, 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. Information about AREU is available on AREU's website: www.areu.org.af.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

AREU is seeking an experienced Senior Researcher to manage and coordinate research in a multi-year, major project. The research is a 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

Duties will include, but not be restricted to, the following:

Coordination and Facilitation of Project

• Coordinating with the project's external consultants and donor agency team on research design, execution and analysis
• Coordinating with other concerned agencies (e.g. Government Ministries)
• Coordinating with AREU support staff (administration, security, finance)

• Facilitating meetings among the research team, other colleagues at AREU and external stakeholders

Planning, Execution and Supervision of Research Activities

• Supervising and supporting a research team, and ensuring coherence and coordination between different research subcomponents over the project's lifetime
• Facilitating the understanding of research aims and objectives among team members
• Supervising and contributing to literature reviews
• Supervising and contributing to the development of research tools and methods such as interview and focus group discussion guides and ensuring the team's involvement
• Conducting and/or supervising interviews and focus group discussions with a variety of respondents where needed
• Ensuring the quality of interview transcripts and field notes to meet research goals
• Supervising and contributing to data analysis and writing research reports
• Overseeing fieldwork logistics and finances in collaboration with the Project Coordinator
• Managing the fieldwork process to ensure effective use of the team's time and the quality of outputs

Research Capacity Building

• Providing training in research methodology and methods to new staff and to other organisations as needed
• Responsible for general research team capacity development
• Contributing to the broader research environment at AREU, including capacity building initiatives

Communication and Representation

• Writing periodic progress and final summary reports for submission to donor agency, in collaboration with Project Coordinator and Research & Donor Coordinator.
• Presenting research aims, objectives and outcomes in meetings, seminars and workshops both internal to AREU and to external audiences (e.g. validation of findings in the research sites) in collaboration with the communication department.
• Representing AREU at external meetings and workshops and where needed speaking to the media about AREU's research.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research team, consisting of Senior Research Officer, Senior Research Assistants, and Research Assistants

LOCATION

The position will be based in Kabul but will require extensive travel within Afghanistan, security permitting.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• A PhD in the social sciences (preferred) or a Master's degree (essential) with significant research, analytical and writing experience
• At least three years field research experience in Afghanistan or other developing/post-conflict country
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the fields of secure livelihoods and social protection
• Strong writing skills in English
• Ability to analyse and draw conclusions from data gathered
• Experience of supervising a small team
• 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 with a flexible attitude
• Ability to work independently and use own initiative
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Ability to lead others and give constructive criticism
• Experience of giving presentations to a variety of audiences
• Ability to train staff on research methodologies
• Computer skills, including word-­processing and e­mail (preferably MS Office: word/Outlook)
• Language skills in Dari and/or Pashto are desirable

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary and benefits are competitive.

MORE / LESSHOW TO APPLY

CLOSING DATE AND APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a deadline of January 15, 2013, with an anticipated immediate start.

Please apply by sending a CV/resume and a cover letter outlining how your experience relates to the skills and experience in the Person Specification above to applications@areu.org.af. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

MORE / LESSLOCATION

Haji Yaqub Sq toward Shaheed Sq, Shahr-i-Naw, Kabul, Kabul, Kābul [Kābol], Afghanistan

MORE / LESSDETAILS

Application deadline

January 15, 2013

Education requirements

Doctorate (PhD)

Employment type

Full time

Professional level

None specified

Job function

Research

Owner's areas of focus

Community development, Rural, Multi-service community agency, Women