Senior Research Associate/Research Coordinator (Qualitative Stream)

Job Description

Title: Senior Research Associate/Research Coordinator (Qualitative Stream)

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

Vacancy: --

Age: Na

Job Location: Anywhere in Bangladesh

Salary: Negotiable

Experience:

• 5 to 8 years
• The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s): University, Research Organization

• Master’s degree in Anthropology, Sociology, Development Studies, Public Policy, or a related social sci- ence discipline with a strong qualitative research component

• 5 to 8 years
• The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s): University, Research Organization

• Minimum 5 years or 8 years of experience (for RC) in research and/or project management, including demonstrated experience in leading qualitative studies

• Proven expertise in designing and executing qualitative research, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, ethnographic fieldwork, and participatory methods

• Proficiency in using qualitative data analysis software (e.g., NVivo, ATLAS.ti, MAXQDA) for coding and thematic analysis

• Excellent English writing and communication skills, including the ability to produce high-quality research reports, policy briefs, and academic publications

• Strong ability to lead research teams, manage fieldwork logistics, and ensure research quality and ethi- cal compliance

• Capable of managing partnerships with donors, policy stakeholders, and academic collaborators across different time zones

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple deliverables under tight deadlines

• Demonstrated ability to work independently while coordinating effectively with interdisciplinary teams

• Experience in translating research into policy or programmatic insights is a strong advantage

• Creative, adaptive, and solution-oriented in managing research processes and team dynamics

Position Summary

BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD), based at BRAC University, seeks a motivated, highly detail-oriented Qualitative Senior Research Associate/Research Coordinator (SRA/RC) for exciting projects. The SRA/RC will manage the design, implementation, and analysis of qualitative research studies. This role involves conducting fieldwork, managing qualitative data, and contributing to high-quality reports and publications. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in social science research methods, strong communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team. Additionally, he/she will support event planning, content creation, logistics, and contract management, and support day-to-day activities of the initiative. A successful candidate will have a very strong background in qualitative research and understanding of frameworks, project management, excellent communication skills, and exceptional attention to detail. Candidates must have authorization to work in Bangladesh and the ability to work in person out of BIGD’s Dhaka office. This is a full-time, contractual 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.

Primary Responsibilities:

• As a SRA/RC, the incumbent will have the following responsibilities, among others:

• Overseeing multiple projects as assigned by your supervisor and management

• Managing communication with national and international partners including national and international PIs, donors, policymakers, and other stakeholders relevant to the projects

• Managing and supervising different aspects of fieldwork when they place

• Contribute to the data processing, analysis, and interpretation

• Contribute in project report writing, prepare other project outputs, writing journal articles and preparing grant application

• She/he work towards capacity building through mentoring junior and mid-level researchers, designing and conducting administrative workshops during your tenure at BIGD.

• Any other project-related responsibilities assigned by the supervisor and the PIs.

Reporting and Base:

The position will report to the Head of Gender & Social Development Cluster, BIGD.

Eligibility

BIGD will recruit an individual with the right to work in Bangladesh. BIGD recognizes the value that diversity brings to the organization in terms of experience, skills, talent, and cultural perspectives. The organization is committed to building an environment and culture where all staff feel valued and are treated fairly and respected. BIGD is committed to providing equality of opportunity for all current and prospective staff members and will not discriminate on grounds of sex (female, male, or other) race, age, gender, sexual orientation, citizenship, medical condition (with certain exceptions based on job role), class, caste, ethnicity, disability, location, pregnancy, maternity or paternity, or religion.

BIGD’s commitment to equal opportunity covers all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, selection, compensation, promotion, professional development, termination, and participation in BIGD-sponsored employee activities.