State Research Assistant at CARE

SCOPE:

Employment Category: Contract

Employment Type: Full-Time 

Job Status: Nationals only.

Slots: 1

Location: Lagos, Lagos State

Working Condition: 100% Field Based

JOB SUMMARY

CARE International is seeking an experienced Research Assistant to support the implementation of our Research project. We are seeking an ambitious candidate who wants to take part in shaping the country program and portfolio of research studies in Nigeria. The State Research Assistant will play a key role in supporting the success of Social Norms and Diagnosis research of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This is a state position, working closely with the research manager, and other research teams and stakeholders. Under the supervision of Research Manager, the incumbent will support research projects implementation. This role requires a strong background in qualitative research methodologies and practical skills in collecting, analysis and reporting qualitative interviews.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:

Job Responsibility #1: Research Planning:

• Assist in the development of field report template for field enumerators to document daily feedback from field experience.
• Ensure that required secondary data review and/or analysis has been conducted and available in preparation of an assessment.
• Support the training of field enumerators for primary data collection and monitor data collection, ensuring correct implementation in line with agreed protocols. 
• Keep track of progress and delays of all assigned assessments throughout the research cycle.
• Support the coordination of logistics and scheduling for data collection activities, including arranging venues, mobilization of research participants, and managing field teams, to ensure smooth and efficient implementation of data collection plans.
• Support the facilitation of day-to day engagement of field enumerators and research participants throughout the data collection cycle. 
• Follow up with field enumerators to ensure all research tools and equipment are up to date and available at field location. 
• Assist in developing timelines and milestones for each field enumerators, including setting deadlines for data collection, to ensure timely completion of daily activities.
• Collaborate with the research team and community focal points to mobilise research participants and assess any potential risks and challenges associated with the field work

Job Responsibility #2 Research Implementation and Data Collection:

• Support the facilitation and conduct qualitative data collection activities according to established study protocols, including conducting interviews, facilitating focus group discussions, and documenting observations, while ensuring adherence to ethical guidelines and standards.
• Support proper documentation of all data collected during fieldwork accurately and comprehensively, using appropriate data collection tools and techniques, to ensure data quality and integrity.
• Establish good communication with research participants, research teams and create a conducive environment for open and honest interviews during data collection activities, fostering trust and meaningful data collection.
• Ensure all data collectors/field enumerators adhere to ethical principles and guidelines throughout the data collection process, including obtaining informed consent from participants, ensuring confidentiality and privacy, and forwarding any ethical concerns that may arise.
• Facilitate briefing sessions with filed enumeration in collaboration with research teams, to discuss about success, challenges, share lesson learned and best practices. 
• Collaborate with research team to ensure quality assurance measures; validity, reliability, and credibility of qualitative data collected, including conducting regular checks and audits of data collection procedures and outputs.

Job Responsibility #3: Drafting of Research Report, Products, and Information Management:

• Producing high quality and varied research outputs for a range of audiences including analysis, report writing and presentations where necessary
• Document and share key lessons learnt daily to facilitate discussion and action points throughout the research cycle. 
• Maintaining accurate records of research processes and results
• Assisting in the preparation of research reports, presentations, and publications
• Maintain database of all research activities/interventions 
• Archiving all finalized research work plans, monthly action plans, and updated databases related to all research activities.
• Follow the designated timeline of reports to be submitted to project partners and donors.
• Ensure that delays or identified challenges for specific activities are reported in writing and orally in a timely manner to the research supervisor. 

Job Responsibility #4: Data Protection and Confidentiality:

• Uphold the highest level of confidentiality regarding all data collection procedures.
•  He/She will proactively implement safeguards to prevent any unauthorized disclosure of information and data belonging to CARE and its partners throughout this assignment
• Other Responsibilities as Assigned

QUALIFICATION/EXPERIENCE/TECHNICAL SKILLS:

Required:

• A Degree in Social and Behavioral Science, Public Health, Research methods, Econometric, Statistics, or other related fields.
• At least 2- 3 years professional experience in conducting qualitative research with a clear understanding of various social and behavioral research methodologies.
• Demonstrated research and analytical report writing skills with sound experience in qualitative data analysis.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft packages-e.g. MS word, MS excel, MS PowerPoint, Google Suite applications, is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in the use of qualitative data processing tool (e.g ATLAS.ti or nVivo)
• Language skill in English is required and additional one of either Hausa, Igbo or Yoruba languages. 
• Understanding of the cultural context and excellent communications skills that are appropriate and respectful to government stakeholders and the public in general.
• Prior experience with and good understanding of quantitative data processing and analysis methods, including descriptive and inferential statistics.
• Openness to feedback and willingness to learn.
• Ability to manage time effectively and thrive in a fast paced, results-oriented working environment.
• Demonstrate good communication/reporting skills.  
• Multi-tasking skills, ability to multitask with tight deadlines, on numerous research cycles.
• Cross-cultural work environment ability to operate in a cross-cultural environment requiring flexibility.
• Must be resident in the state applied for.

Competencies:

• Approachability                                  
• Building Effective Teams
• Customer Focus
• Integrity and Trust
• Drive for Results
• Comfort around Higher management
• Business Acumen
• Negotiating
• Organizational Agility