Terms of Reference (ToR)

Position: Social Researcher
Program: Promoting Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Schools Building on What Children Value and Aspire to Do and Be
Location: Cox’s Bazar Office
Reporting to: Project Manager - Promoting GESI Project
Duration: 10 Days (15 January 2025 to 25 January 2025, Contract will be extended depends upon fund availability)
Last Date of Application: 25 December 2024       

Background

RDRS Bangladesh, in collaboration with the Kathmandu University, School of Arts, Nepal, has been implementing the project “Promoting Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Schools Building on What Children Value and Aspire To Do and Be”. This project covers Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, specifically targeting host communities in the Cox’s Bazar district since March 2024. It focuses on creating school environments that teach and embody gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), encouraging children to contribute to these values and improve GESI-related policies and practices in public schools.

To achieve these objectives, a Social Researcher is required to undertake targeted research, providing insights and evidence-based recommendations to support the project's success.

Objective of the Role:
The Social Researcher will design and implement research initiatives to explore social inclusion and gender equality at school and community levels. Through qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis, and reporting, the researcher will provide actionable recommendations to enhance the project’s effectiveness in promoting GESI values.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Research and Data Collection

  • Develop and execute research strategies focusing on social inclusion and gender equality.
  • Use diverse methodologies, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and desk reviews, to gather comprehensive data.
  • Conduct field visits to engage with students, teachers, community members, and other stakeholders to collect relevant insights.

2. Data Analysis and Reporting

  • Analyze collected data to identify trends, patterns, and critical insights on GESI-related themes.
  • Draft detailed reports and presentations highlighting findings and recommendations.
  • Assist the Project Manager in preparing project documentation, including reports and publications.

3. Expert Analysis and Recommendations

  • Provide analysis on attitudes, behaviors, and experiences concerning social inclusion and gender equality in schools and communities.
  • Recommend strategies and adjustments based on research outcomes to strengthen project activities.

4. Collaboration and Coordination

  • Work closely with project teams and external stakeholders to align research activities with project goals.
  • Engage with community leaders, local partners, and subject matter experts to enrich research quality.
  • Contribute to capacity-building sessions, workshops, and training programs to disseminate findings.

Qualifications and Competencies:

Educational Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, or related fields.

Experience

  • At least 3 years of experience in social research, particularly in protection sectors or within host communities like Cox’s Bazar.
  • Proven expertise in conducting both qualitative and quantitative research on social inclusion and gender equality.

Skills and Competencies

  • Strong research design, data collection, and analytical skills.
  • Experience in writing clear and concise research reports.
  • Excellent facilitation and communication skills for engaging with diverse stakeholders.
  • Proficiency in coordination and networking, especially with NGOs, government agencies, and community groups.
  • Awareness and adherence to safeguarding policies, particularly related to PSEAH (Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment).
  • Knowledge of gender sensitivity, HIV/AIDS awareness, and the organization’s Code of Conduct.

Policies and Compliance
The incumbent is expected to:

  • Abide by organizational policies, including the Gender Policy, Child Safeguarding Policy, and PSEAH Policy.
  • Be vigilant against money laundering and terrorist financing activities.
  • Demonstrate a positive attitude towards people living with HIV/AIDS and promote awareness within communities.

Deliverables

  1. Comprehensive research strategy and methodology documentation.
  2. Data collection from field visits, surveys, and interviews.
  3. Analytical report with findings, trends, and actionable recommendations.
  4. Final presentation summarizing key insights and proposed strategies.

Remuneration and Logistics

  • Salary: First Year BDT 100,000 (Consolidated)
  • Travel and Field Expenses: Provided as per organizational policy.
Mode of Employment: Contractual

For further details or clarifications, please contact [Insert Relevant Contact Information].

RDRS Bangladesh

Address:

RDRS Bangladesh, House no.43, Road no. 10, Sector 6, Uttara, Dhaka

Application Procedure

Business:

RDRS Bangladesh is a national humanitarian and development organization works for rural development by empowering the rural poor in northwest Bangladesh. RDRS was formally established as the Bangladesh field program of the Geneva-based Lutheran World Federation/Department for World Service (LWF/DWS) on 8 February 1972. Its development aim is to achieve sustainable increases in their living standards. With this aim, RDRS enables those who participate in its program to gain the necessary skills, understanding, confidence, institutions and services; and ensure that the rural communities have the necessary economic, social and environmental resources. RDRS employees approximate 3,700 staff and works with a further approximately 1,000 volunteers and daily paid workers. The vast majority of staff are in field positions, with specialist sectoral and support units in Rangpur and Dhaka.