Democracy International

Research Specialist
Democracy International, Bangladesh

Democracy International, Inc. (DI), a USA based international organization, seeks experienced Research Specialist candidates for the multi-year USAID Bangladesh Obirodh: Road to Tolerance program. The primary responsibility of the position will be to assist the Research Director with conceiving, implementing, writing, and disseminating DI’s research agenda to identify the drivers of Violent Extremism (VE) in Bangladesh for the Obirodh project. This position is contingent upon donor approval of personnel and subject to a 90-day probationary performance evaluation period.

Key responsibilities:

Provide implementation support and technical expertise for the project’s research on understanding the drivers and narratives of VE in Bangladesh;
Work to support numerous researchers in implementing a variety of diverse research grants;
Draft comprehensive research proposals utilizing strong analytical skills;
Support drafting research protocols, questions, and surveys;
Help identify lessons learned from research to integrate into current and future Obirodh programming;
Perform routine assessments of literature, data, and field reports on CVE, to provide discrete analysis in both written and verbal form;
Provide routine written assessments, in English, demonstrating excellent analytical capabilities, organization, writing skills, and ability to accurately capture findings from various sources;
Support the Research Team in all matters of implementation of research projects, including extensive administrative assistance, online and field research, identification of partners, management of research projects and deadlines, and development and articulation of discrete findings;
Guide research partners on CVE, including considerations of working on sensitive issues;
Conduct outreach to a variety of stakeholders for research, partnership, and informational purposes;
Provide administrative support to research team, including identifying and scheduling interviews;
Identify, compose, and design research questions and projects related to CVE;
Along with the Research Director, represent the project at external events and effectively coordinate with local CSOs, think tanks, universities, researchers, government and donors.

Required qualifications:

University Degree (Bachelor’s or higher);
Minimum of five to seven years of experience conducting methodologically complex research projects, including experience with extensive qualitative research methods, performing a variety of qualitative research field work, designing qualitative and quantitative research
projects (especially surveys), managing multiple research projects simultaneously, and monitoring ongoing research;
Ability to support and undertake a variety of desk and field research projects with minimal supervision;
Excellent desk research and report writing skills;
Excellent computer skills;
Detail-oriented with ability to work efficiently and manage multiple responsibilities and projects in a very high paced work environment;
Ability to travel extensively in country, and on short notice, in support of the project;
Team player with positive energy; willing and eager to learn; strong curiosity about human and societal issues and behaviors;
Strong understanding of VE and its relevant drivers, or experience with conflict analysis, conflict mitigation, peacebuilding, or political economy analysis;
Experience working on highly sensitive issues;
Excellent people and communication skills and an ability to communicate effectively with various segments of society;
Knowledge of relevant stakeholders in Bangladesh including academics, community leaders, government, security, and CSOs;
Complete fluency in written and oral English and Bangla.

Application instructions:

Interested and qualified persons are requested to submit:

an application letter addressing relevant skills and qualifications highlighted above
an updated resume

Send materials to: infobangladesh@democracyinternational.com

Deadline: June 8, 2018.

Only short listed candidate will be contacted.

Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

No phone calls please.

Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.