Assistant Research Officer at BBC Media Action

Department: Research and Learning
Reports to: Senior Research Officer
Start Date: October 2018
Type of Contract: Fixed Term
Duration of Contract: 6 months (with possibility of extension)

Job Purpose

• To assist the Research and Learning team, working closely with the Head of Research & Learning and other senior members of the team in the effective, timely and efficient coordination and implementation of research for BBC Media Action’s development communications projects in Nigeria.
• The Assistant Research Officer will also be responsible for providing administrative support to the team (where required).

Main Duties

• Assist in the effective design, co-ordination and delivery of research for all BBC Media Action’s development communications projects across a range of thematic areas in which BBC Media Action works (e.g. health and governance), comprising of formative research, process research ( pre-testing of outputs) and impact evaluation.
• Assist in facilitating and monitoring research and outreach assessment activities (e.g. focus group sessions, quantitative surveys, listening groups etc.), working to time, budget and high quality.
• Assist in the analysis of qualitative and quantitative data, interpretation and communication of learnings from primary and secondary research work, to relevant / key Project and Management teams, to aid strategic thinking and decision making.
• Undertake the supervision and ensuring quality control of research fieldwork.
• Assist in the design of research sampling, research instruments (e.g. recruitment questionnaires/screeners, discussion guides, questionnaires) and design of presentation charts.
• Undertake administrative duties to include documentation, pre-fieldwork logistic planning and resource acquisition.
• Perform any other duties that may be assigned.

Key Skills and Experience

• Basic Knowledge of / skills in qualitative research (interviewing, moderating, observation, ability to listen attentively etc).and/or quantitative research (questionnaire administration, data coding etc).
• Ability to work closely with  non-research teams in applying research findings to media outputs. 
• Enthusiasm to learn about communication strategies and  development issues.
• Basic knowledge of / skill in writing reports and briefing documents.
• IT skills, including MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to speak and write Hausa language is required.
• The Assistant Research Officer should have at least one year post NYSC experience conducting research or supporting any elements of research in / with any research agency or development organisation.

Key Competencies
The following competencies (behaviours and characteristics) have been identified as key to success in the job. Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate these competencies:

• Analytical Thinking - Able to simplify complex problems, processes or projects into component parts, explore and evaluate them systematically. Able to identify causal relationships, and construct frameworks, for problem-solving and/or development.
• Strategic Thinking - Can identify a vision along with the plans that need to be implemented to meet the end goal. Evaluates situations, decisions, issues, etc. in the short, medium and longer-term.
• Decision Making - Is ready and able to take the initiative, originate action and be responsible for the consequences of the decision made.
• Planning and Organisation - Is able to think ahead in order to establish an efficient and appropriate course of action for self and others. Prioritises and plans activities taking into account all the relevant issues and factors such as deadlines, staffing and resources requirements.
• Resilience - Can maintain personal effectiveness by managing own emotions in the face of pressure, set backs or when dealing with provocative situations. Can demonstrate an approach to work that is characterised by commitment, motivation and energy.
• Influencing and Persuading - Ability to present sound and well-reasoned arguments to convince others. Can draw from a range of strategies to persuade people in a way that results in agreement or behaviour change.
• Communication - The ability to get one’s message understood clearly by adopting a range of styles, tools and techniques appropriate to the audience and the nature of the information.
• Imagination / Creative Thinking - Is able to transform creative ideas/impulses into practical reality. Can look at existing situations and problems in novel ways and come up with creative solutions.
• Managing relationships - Able to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of people.
• Self-Development - Is able to identify and apply opportunities for learning and development.