JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Research Officer

Reports To: Research Manager

Duty station: Dhaka

Duration: Till December 2025 (with the possibility of extension)

Start Date: November 2024

Context

BBC Media Action is the BBC’s international charity. We use media and communication to help deliver stronger democracies, a safer, more habitable planet, and inclusive societies. We combine a unique blend of journalistic, creative, research, and international development expertise; deep local knowledge of our audiences in the places we work; our strong networks of local partners; and our invaluable link to the BBC and everything it stands for.

We serve people most vulnerable to information disorder (including mis- and disinformation and information poverty), division, and distrust, focusing on people underserved by public interest media, and at the frontline of global challenges, risks and crises. We have a particular affinity for and track record of working with young people as agents of change; they will continue to be a central focus. BBC Media Action works with partners around the world to provide impartial, impactful, trustworthy media to people in need so that they can make informed choices to transform their lives.

Job purpose

Reporting to the Research Manager, Bangladesh the Research Officer will be accountable for supporting research and monitoring activities in the Bangladesh office. The role will be based in the BBC Media Action Dhaka office, frequently travelling to field locations including Cox’s Bazar. The Research Officer will execute research plans when assigned to a project. S/he will be responsible for developing research design and tools, managing the field research team, liaising with partners/agencies to conduct fieldwork, and ensuring the quality of primary data and its proper management. S/he will analyse data, arrange data immersion sessions, and share research findings with internal and external stakeholders/partners. S/he will also write research reports under the supervision of the Research Manager. S/he will also support the development of the M&E plan, framework, execution, and reporting monitoring activities.

Main Duties & responsibilities

  • Lead the development of research plans when assigned with a research project.
  • Support the formulation of qualitative research designs and prepare research briefs for formative, pre-testing, rapid audience feedback and evaluation studies.
  • Design and review qualitative research instruments such as discussion guides and checklists.  
  • Oversee the field research team and liaise with agencies in conducting fieldwork, including briefing the field team, supervising the piloting of the research instruments, and recruiting research participants as needed.
  • Monitor and control the data quality. Look for ways to ensure the data quality. 
  • Analyse qualitative data and prepare draft research reports under the supervision of the Research Manager.
  • Track the timeline and ensure all research activities are delivered on time. With the research manager's consultation, prepare a contingency plan. 
  • Creatively present and disseminate key findings, insights, and recommendations for internal/external stakeholders and partners.
  • Train and share knowledge with research assistants, helping them build their research skills and management knowledge.
  • Assist in developing an M&E plan, M&E framework, and relevant tools and systems to track the performance according to the project result/ log frame indicators.
  • Identify lessons learned and develop case studies to capture the project's impact evidence and share it with the project manager to improve project performance using M&E findings.
  • Check that monitoring data are discussed in appropriate forums and in a timely fashion regarding their implications for future action. If necessary, create such discussions to fill any gaps.

Skills, knowledge, and experience requirements:

Criteria
Essential (E)/ Desirable (D)
A minimum Bachelor’s degree in Gender Studies, Anthropology, Social Sciences, or any other relevant discipline.
E
At least five years of professional experience in social and market research in a development or research organisation/agency.
E
Strong ability to develop research design and tools, conduct field management, perform data analysis, and interpret results and reports.
E
Strong report writing skills, with the proven ability to communicate complex technical ideas using non-technical language to a wide range of audiences, including journalists, production staff, and development practitioners.
E
Demonstrable understanding of cultural diversity and cross-cultural research within Bangladesh.
E
Excellent interpersonal and diplomatic skills. Ability to communicate and conduct research at all levels, from grassroots to the highest levels of government and media.
E
Good time management skills, with a track record of delivering research findings to deadlines.
E
Strong IT skills, including Word, Excel, and PPT
E
Strong written and spoken ability in Bangla and English
E
Good time management skills, with a track record of delivering deliverables to deadline
E
Experience in research project on adolescent girls/digital norms/gender-based violence in Bangladesh
D
Knowledge and experience in using KOBO, Microsoft Forms, and other mobile/online data collection tools, and descriptive analysis of small-scale survey data.
D

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.

How to Apply:

If you are interested,

  • You must complete the latest job application form for BBC Media Action available at the link on www.bdjobs.com.
  • Mark your filled-in application form with your name and position
  • Mention the name of the position properly in the email subject line
  • Email your application form to applications@bd.bbcmediaaction.org.
  • Do NOT send any cover letter/CV/certificates/photograph except your completed application form.
  • If you are applying for more than one position, you must apply separately in line with the job description.

The deadline for submitting applications is 26 September 2024

The BBC is an equal opportunity employer and committed to being inclusive and accessible to disabled people.