JOB DESCRIPTION

Title: Research Assistant (Qualitative)

Reports To: Research Manager 

Duty station: Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

Duration: Till September 2025 (this might extend based on further need)

Start Date: April 2025

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, 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. We focus 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:

To support its research efforts in Cox's Bazar, BBC Media Action Bangladesh is looking for a Research Assistant for its Bangladesh country office. The ideal candidate will have a keen interest in qualitative research, along with strong analytical abilities. They should be proficient in qualitative data collection methods, capable of managing fieldwork in challenging situations, and committed to ensuring data quality through triangulation. The role requires highly motivated research professionals who are ready to deploy to the field on short notice.

Main Duties & responsibilities:

  • Search for and review literature, then prepare a brief report or PowerPoint presentation based on the requirements.
  • Be involved in formulating research designs and preparing research briefs (where appropriate). Assist in developing research instruments.
  • Select study participants and stakeholders based on the selection criteria and maintain communication with them as needed.
  • Facilitate focus groups and conduct in-depth interviews, Participatory Rural Appraisals (PRAs), and ethnographies with the Rohingya and host communities, ensuring the reliability and validity of the data collected. Take the field note of formal and informal interviews/group discussions.
  • Assist in managing the daily field operations to ensure effective field execution and provide essential guidance and feedback to the data collectors to ensure data quality
  • Arrange all the necessary field logistics (venue, accommodation). Maintain communication with local fixers, and focal points of partner organisations to ensure all logistics are properly organised.
  • Manage the data gathered from the field and prepare transcripts/ frameworks/ summaries of interviews and group discussions.
  • Collaborate closely with the line /task manager in analysing data and assisting in drafting reports/ preparing PowerPoint presentations.
  • Assist with any research activities conducted in other parts of the country as needed.

Skills, knowledge, and experience requirements:

Criteria
Essential (E)/ Desirable (D)
A minimum bachelor’s degree from Social Science disciplines and any other relevant discipline
E
Experience in conducting fieldwork and facilitating interviews/discussions with the people from Rohingya and the Host community
E
Experience in taking notes, writing summaries/ transcripts from Cox’s Bazar local dialect to Bangla and English 
D
Ability to speak in Cox’s Bazar and/ or Chittagonian dialect
E
Strong IT skills, including Word, and Excel
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

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 31 January 2025 

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