Research Associate

Job Description

Title: Research Associate

Company Name: BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD), BRAC University

Vacancy: --

Age: Na

Job Location: Dhaka (Mohakhali)

Salary: --

Experience:

• At least 2 years
• The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s): Research Organization

• Advanced academic degree in Economics, Development Studies, Public Policy, or a related discipline

• At least 2 years
• The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s): Research Organization

Qualifications:

• Experience in analyzing Quantitative data: competency in conducting basic summary statistics in STATA and having sound knowledge on different types of variables (continuous and categorical etc.)

• Experience in analyzing Qualitative data: competency in analyzing data (thematic analysis, context analysis, narrative analysis etc..) from a variety of qualitative interviews (IDI, FGD, KII, observation)

• About 2 years’ experience working in a research environment, academic institute, or a related field is crucial. This could include experience in administering RFP processes, coordinating research projects, or working in a research funding organization.

• Excellent organizational and project management skills to manage the RFP process timeline, coordinate with different stakeholders, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for communicating with clients, stakeholders, and preparing reports and summaries for seniors.

• Ability to conduct comprehensive literature reviews, data analysis, and familiarity with research methodologies and ethics.

• Ability to understand academic research and synthesize findings into a clear and accurate narrative for a lay reader.

• Ability to understand and communicate how rigorous research can influence policy decisions

• Willingness to work hard, be self-motivated, learn, and adapt quickly

• Willingness to work with individuals located in different time zones

Position Summary: BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD), based at BRAC University, seeks a Research Associate (RA) for M&E for Learning and Adaptation (MELA) initiative. The RA will assist the research team with designing research proposals, research tools, data cleaning, initial analysis, report writing, training management, and literature review.

MELA (Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Adaptation) is BIGD’s learning-embedded research initiative that works closely within programmes, policies, and systems to understand how and why change happens, rather than only measuring results. Unlike traditional M&E approaches that assess isolated components, MELA examines entire ecosystems to generate continuous learning and support adaptive decision-making for improving effectiveness at programme and system levels. Hence, a successful candidate is expected to have familiarity with rigorous quantitative and qualitative research methods. A strong writing and analytical background with professional experience as a Research Associate or with similar works would be a strong advantage. This is a full-time position.

About BIGD: BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD), Brac University, is a Bangladesh-based social science research and academic institute, dedicated to generating and sharing knowledge through education, research, and public and policy engagement in equitable partnerships with national and global actors.

We conduct rigorous, multi-method social science research, grounded in developing country operations, on a range of social and economic issues to promote practical, time-sensitive innovations for tackling governance and development challenges. Our research spans innovations taking place in government, non-profit, and private sectors for improving lives.

We lead the research on the socioeconomic empowerment programs of BRAC—the global leader among NGOs focusing on poor and marginal people—including their ultra-poor graduation, integrated development, skills development, migration, microfinance, gender justice and diversity, community empowerment, climate change, humanitarian, and urban development programs.

Location: BIGD, Mohakhali, Dhaka

Primary Responsibilities:

• Assist in designing research proposal including most appropriate methods, tools, and other standard requirements including budget

• Investigate and draft questionnaire, interview checklist, project theory-of-change, M&E framework, and other research tools according to the research questions

• Conduct exploration and design learning events and learning tools for promoting learning-focused M&E practices in development organizations

• Work with researchers and field and data management (DFM) team to plan, implement, and real time monitoring of data collection while maintaining data protection protocols

• Conduct data analysis (both Quantitative and Qualitative)

• Prepare research reports based on qualitative and quantitative data analysis

• Prepare IRB submission, responding to feedback from reviewers, donor reports, and financial reports.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Developing and testing and translating instruments for data collection for both qualitative and quantitative studies

• Scheduling and conducting interviews and focus group discussions, preparing field reports, and contributing to report writing

• Drafting learning briefs and research briefs, op-eds and blogs

• Contribute to the drafting of journal articles

• Design and plan field surveys, train enumerators, clean and analyze survey data

• Provide technical support to the proper implementation of all research protocols

• Effectively coordinate between the research team and the Field and Data Management team for smooth survey implementation

• Regularly communicate with stakeholders including representatives of government, other implementing partners, external researchers, and donors.