JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title : Research Officer
Duty Station : Cox’s Bazaar
Reports To : Research Manager
Contract type : Fixed Term
Duration of contract : Three months (strong likelihood of extension)
Start Date : ASAP

Context:

BBC Media Action is the BBC’s international development charity. We use media and communications to reduce poverty and promote human rights in developing countries. We partner with civil society, local media and others to produce creative programmes in multi-media formats which inform and engage audiences around key development issues and strengthen the media sector through capacity building. Our work is built on insights from our research and engagement with communities and is focused on three key themes: governance and human rights, health, and resilience.

The Research & Learning (R&L) Group based in London and in each of our country offices, focuses on four key activities: (1) providing BBC Media Action projects with audience and market insights to guide project strategies; (2) conducting quantitative and qualitative research studies to capture the impact of all of Media Action’s interventions; (3) building capacity in research skills and methodology and (4) documenting and disseminating the insights and learning from BBC Media Action’s projects internally and to the wider development community.

Job Purpose:

BBC Media Action is recruiting one Research Officer (RO) to support research activities for Rohingya response. The role is based in the BBC Media Action Cox’s Bazar office. The RO will be responsible to execute research activities of an anticipated project which aims to guide adolescent boys and girls (aged 10-19) so that they understand a range of Sexual Reproductive Health issues behaviours which will enable them to have safe, healthy, and mutually respectful relationships.   The project seeks to address two key issues in relation to the health and wellbeing of adolescents, particularly girls, in order to help them realise their potential: gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). S/he will maintain liaisons with project and training team, as well as external partners to ensure the overall delivery of the project research activities. S/he will have to lead and execute research studies applying different qualitative methods.

Main Duties and responsibilities

  • Lead on the research plans and execution when assigned a research project.
  • Work within the research team to manage the day-to-day research operations including designing research, fieldwork activities, project planning, timeliness, and delivery.
  • Support the formulation of qualitative research designs, preparing research briefs, and implementing or monitoring fieldwork (where appropriate) to complete the research.
  • Design and review qualitative research instruments such as in-depth interview guide, focus group discussion guide, observation checklist etc. by internal clients/research assistants.
  • Lead the field research team and liaise with agencies in conducting fieldwork including briefing the field team and supervising the piloting of the research instruments and recruitment of research participants as needed.
  • Monitor and control the quality fieldwork. Look for ways to improve data collection, research design, moderation, and analysis qualitative data.
  • Analyse qualitative data and draft research reports, with support from research assistants.
  • Present findings creatively and disseminate key findings and strategic recommendations to internal/external stakeholders.
  • Identify and solve project and production requirements in line with project deliverables and provide update in project/donor reporting
  • Train and share knowledge with research assistants helping to build their skills and project management knowledge.

Essential knowledge, Skills and Experience

  • Strong ability of analysing qualitative data and interpretation of results and reporting.
  • Ability to understand Rohingya dialect is desirable and candidates with this skill will be given priority.
  • Candidates with previous research experience working with an NGO or media organization on Rohingya crisis are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to form and maintain effective working relationships at all levels.
  • Strong IT skills, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Strong written and spoken Bangla and English.
  • Understanding of safeguarding principles, practice, and compliance.
  • Commitment to equal opportunities and health & safety.
  • Good time management skills, with a track record of delivering research findings to deadline.
  • Demonstrable understanding of cultural diversity and cross-cultural research within Bangladesh.
  • Excellent interpersonal and diplomatic skills to communicate research results and narrative with wider development community.

The position is based in Cox’s Bazar with travel to Rohingya camps across Cox’s Bazar, as necessary.

The role may involve working with groups of vulnerable children and adults. For the successful candidate, mandatory training will be provided on BBC Media Action’s safeguarding policy and staff code of conduct. A police background check may form part of the recruitment process. BBC Media Action operates a zero-tolerance policy concerning all forms of abuse and exploitation of vulnerable people.

Applications:

  • Interested applicants must complete the BBC Media Action’s job application form available in this link.
  • Only completed application form (you shall mark your application form with your name and position) will be considered.
  • Please mention the name of the position in the email subject line. If you are applying for more than one position, make sure you have written down the position name properly both in the subject line and in the application.
  • Email your properly filled in application to applications@bd.bbcmediaaction.org
  • Do NOT send any cover letter/CV/certificates/photograph except your completed application form.

The deadline for submitting application is 25th September 2021.

BBC is an equal opportunity employer