Research Officer

A non-profit organization, based in Bahria Town Islamabad and operations all over the country, is seeking the services of an efficient person to contribute to and Support the Operations Department.

PURPOSE OF JOB

This position is responsible for providing professional expertise in research methodology, research design, data collection, data analysis, the interpretation and presentation of research and evaluation results, and other research support to the Office of the Director and the project team. This will include undertaking relevant and appropriate data analysis and collating, and preparing appropriate briefs and documents containing evidence-based assessments and any relevant advice and recommendations in support of the work.

The Research Officer will also have the opportunity to take a significant lead in the development, management, and reporting of approved research projects as agreed with the Director.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Research Responsibilities            

• Coordinate with Director Program to determine research objectives and lead the development, resourcing, implementation, and completion of research and evaluation that meets organizational operations and strategic plan.
• This includes but is not limited to conducting data collection, data management, advanced data analysis and interpretation, reporting of results and tasks specific to any research project
• Where ever relevant to a research or evaluation project, learn and apply behavioral coding skills, screening and interviewing skills, and assessment and therapeutic interventions skills specific to the respective project.
• Interpret the research findings within the broader body of published literature and provide practical recommendations that benefit organizational outcomes.
• Translate existing theoretical literature and empirical data into literature reviews, a summary of the evidence, and organizational briefs.
• This could include reviews that inform the design of new research, models of practice, and/or practice improvements.

·        Deliver training and support to staff in these skills and measure research intervention quality and fidelity.

Writing, Presenting, and Dissemination Responsibilities 

• Producing high-quality and varied research outputs for a range of audiences including analysis, report writing, and presentations where necessary.
• Assist the Director Programs in writing grant applications
• Prepare other research articles, journal publications, organizational reports, and presentations on behalf of Senior Executives.
• Form and maintain collaborations with other researchers and stakeholders to support Office endorsed research.
• Present at conferences, workshops, and other events as and when directed by the Director of Programs

Data Management Responsibilities

• Analyze a wide range of data sources on the intended subject matter and produce structured reports.
• Maintain research and evaluation documentation, literature, forms, data, and databases in a secure manner (especially where data is confidential) and conducive to the efficient retrieval and revision of content.
• Develop survey tools specific to research requirements.
• Ensure that research data is managed, stored, and destroyed in compliance with the requirements of each assignment

Other Position-Specific Responsibilities 

• Ensure that the research assignments are carried out to a high quality and as per ethical guidelines and industry standards.
• Collaborate and work on time-sensitive tasks for research inputs (e.g., proposal submissions)
• Work collaboratively with other colleagues in the organization to facilitate and operationalize all programs of the organization.

Other Organizational Responsibilities    

•   Adhere to all organizational policies, procedures, standards, and practices.
•   Working closely with others as part of a team and with external stakeholders to manage relationships and deliver work.
• Perform any other tasks and duties, consistent with skills and experience, as directed by the Director Programs/ Senior Executives.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required (Social Sciences; Educational Management/Systems; Educational Research)
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in research and Data Management;
• Proven knowledge of educational research concepts;
• Demonstrated knowledge of the development sector in Pakistan;
• Proven experience in report writing;
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to work both as an independent self-starter and as a member of a dynamic and fast-moving team;
• Experience working on USAID or similar internationally-funded programs is a plus;
• Strong communication skills; and,Proficient in English and Urdu for both oral and written communication.