Field Research Officer

Position:  Field Research Officer  

Contract start date: 05/06/2017 – 14/07/2017

Contract type: Assignment based

Reports to : Executive Director

Job Type: Fully time

Gender: Female applications are highly encouraged

Location: Multan

Pakistan Alliance for Girls Education – PAGE is an Independent registered Trust that aims to turn a new page for girls by creating an enabling environment that ensures gender equity in access to education. PAGE was established by the integrated efforts of decision makers, education experts, development practitioners and patrons to act together and align their synergies towards promoting the gender equity in education and literacy in Pakistan.

An experienced field Research Officer is required to collect data and contribute to analyses for both quantitative and qualitative research project. Data collection will be conducted in selected areas of Multan & Muzafargarh. The field officer is expected to conduct field work for around 3 weeks and the remaining time will be spent collating and liaising with Project management unit in Islamabad.

Assignment scope Position specific

Field researchers will be responsible for data collection using a variety of research methods and tools. They will be encouraged to contribute to the analyses of the data they collect and reflect on the appropriateness of methodologies and methods being used to collect data.

Their specific roles will include but not be limited to the following:

• Collecting quantitative and/or qualitative data using a variety of tools    including: structured questionnaires; interview guides; informal conversations, focus group discussions(FGDs) and missing school facilities assessments.
• Ensuring informed consent is given by research respondents
• Take detailed notes from interviews and focus group discussions or complete questionnaire forms accurately and with necessary details
• Keep field-notes where needed
• Type up full transcripts from interviews and focus group discussions
• Contribute to the analyses of data through team discussions
• Ensure research quality is high
• Form teams and distribute tasks amongst them if required
• Contribute to knowledge management. Plan and implement activities that capture and distribute critical knowledge in a documented form (soft/hard copy) from initiatives across your project area.

General

• Adhere to Pakistan Alliance for Girls Education Policies and Procedures
• Ensuring delivery of project outputs and outcomes are in line with programme description. This will involve routine whole-of-project meetings (each week) to undertake detailed review of progress against the log-frame, adjusting work plans and resourcing on an ongoing basis to remain on track.

Person specification Essential

• Undergraduate/Bachelor’s degree in social sciences or related field and at least two years field-work experience OR a minimum of two years field-work experience
• Willing to stay and travel Multan and Muzafargarh. Preference will be given to Local female residents who understands the local culture.
• Outstanding project management skills, experience in developing work plans using Microsoft Project or Primavera
• Strong Urdu and Siraiki Language Skills
• English language skills as appropriate to the study
• Very strong interpersonal skills and ability to mix well with people of all backgrounds
• Ability to listen and observe carefully, remember well and write detailed notes
• Inquisitive and questioning nature and interest in people (including ability to challenge own assumptions)
• Adaptable, committed and flexible attitude
• Experience working with communities on development programmes or similar
• Computer skills, including word-processing and e-mail (preferably MS Office: word/Outlook)

Desirable

• Experience of conducting or participating in social science research
• Experience of working in South Punjab and familiarity with the context and customs. Experience of working with people from different backgrounds, including poor communities; urban and rural communities including community based organizations(CBOs), government officials and civil servants
• Knowledge of the Education Sector specifically Girls Education
• Active, Creative and Result oriented
• Passionate about helping and empowering girls
• Self-motivated, optimistic person who is ready to think out of box and willing to learn with an open mind