Research Assistant at Peace Building Development Consult

Purpose

• To support research projects, conducting research, analysing results and generating original ideas. Assist in the supervision of research projects, development of research skills and assessment of knowledge in accordance with the PBDC’s strategy, policy and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop research objectives and proposals for PBDC or partners research.
• Continually update knowledge and understanding in field or specialism and develop skills.
• Dealing with problems which may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Analysing and interpreting the results of PBDC research and generating original ideas based on outcomes.
• Using new research techniques and methods.
• Write articles for publication
• Using initiative and creativity to identify areas for research, developing new research methods and extending the research portfolio.
• Using creativity to analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes.
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any interns who may be assisting with the research.
• Manage your own research and administration activities.
• Preparing interview questions and summarizing results.
• Performing literature reviews.
• Conducting research and summarizing findings.
• Responding to emails relating to research.
• Preparing progress reports.
• Contribute to the planning of research projects in collaboration with others.
• Contributing to the production of collaborative research reports and publications
• Monitor research budgets.

Duties

• Analyzing and summarizing research results and data.
• Conducting literature reviews for research teams.
• Assisting in the research process by collecting experimental data.
• Preparing presentations for primary researchers
• Supervising participants involved in research projects, maintaining records, and acting as a liaison/mediator
• Developing and reviewing concept notes.
• Assisting in developing resources for project management
• Focused on tasks like preparing interviews, summarizing results, and supervising
• Guided by the research manager, conducting experiments and collecting essential study data

Personal Specification

• Postgraduate degree course in relevant subject area is preferred.
• Possess sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes
• Evidence of research activity and published research is desirable
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Able to manage research and administrative activities and to balance competing pressures of research and administrative demands and deadlines
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to liaise with colleagues
• Able to build contacts and participate in internal and external networks for the exchange of information and collaboration.
• Able to identify potential sources of funding.

Special Requirement:

• Able to undertake duties at different premises including any University campus as required.
• Expected to work outside of normal office hours if required.

Experience:

• Making presentations at national and international conferences and similar events.
• Understand how to develop website content.

Skills:

• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Computer literacy with a high level of knowledge and practice using Microsoft Office, notably Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work on own initiative
• Excellent administration skills.
• Knowledge of research methods.
• Ability to multitask.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Excellent time management skills.

Values:

• Strong commitment to PBDC’s cause and values
• Highly motivated self-starter
• Intercultural sensitivity and awareness.