Research Assistant - Bishkek

Assist in data collection and community engagement for urban studies research.

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OHCHR - Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Thursday 6 Mar 2025 at 04:59 UTC

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Overview

Assist in data collection and community engagement for urban studies research.

You have:

  • Advanced degree in urban studies, sociology, public policy, geography, or related fields.
  • Two years of previous experience conducting qualitative and quantitative research, particularly in urban studies, human rights or related fields.
  • Proficiency in data analysis software, as well as familiarity with digital governance tools and participatory research.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, organization, and ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills, and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice principles.
  • Familiarity with the local context and challenges related to urban development and governance in Kyrgyzstan.
  • Experience working with youth or community organizations, and knowledge of smart city technologies, human rights and digital governance frameworks are desirable.
  • Fluency in English and Russian is required (oral and written). Fluency in Kyrgyz is desired (oral and written).

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

Result of Service

• Number and quality of surveys, interviews and focus group discussions and capacity building workshops organized and facilitated. • Number and quality of validation workshops, engagements with young people and local youth advisory groups. • Number and quality of research team meetings. • High quality and timely preparation of periodic reports summarizing research findings and progress including active support on data collection and analysis in close collaboration with the lead researcher and the project manager.

Work Location

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Expected duration

14 days

Duties and Responsibilities

• Data Collection and analysis o Conduct surveys and facilitate discussions with youth and other stakeholders in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. o Assist in gathering quantitative and qualitative data on smart city initiatives, youth participation, and urban governance. o Assist in write-up of relevant findings and reflections from fieldwork. • Translation of presentation materials and other relevant documents as necessary into local language(s) • Community Engagement and Communication o Support the facilitation of validation workshops with young people. o Coordination with the local Youth Advisory Groups and ensuring regular contact. o Ensure effective communication between the research team and local partners and support the research team’s engagement with local stakeholders as necessary. • Documentation and Reporting: o Maintain detailed records of research activities, data collection, and analysis. o Contribute to the preparation of a comprehensive research report and illustrated version as necessary to provide localized knowledge. • Validation Workshop Organisation: o Support the organisation of validation workshops for youth in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. o Support with facilitation of sessions during the fieldwork and provide logistical support to ensure smooth rollout of activities. • Any other tasks as required.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced degree in urban studies, sociology, public policy, geography, or related fields. Current graduate student or researcher in urban studies, sociology, public policy, geography, or related fields may be accepted in lieu of advanced degree. Two years of previous experience conducting qualitative and quantitative research, particularly in urban studies, human rights or related fields is required. Technical skills: Proficiency in data analysis software, as well as familiarity with digital governance tools and participatory research is desired. Communication skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, organization, and ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders is required. Organizational skills: Strong organizational and time management skills, and ability to work independently and as part of a team is required. Commitment to social justice: Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice principles is required Familiarity with the local context and challenges related to urban development and governance in Kyrgyzstan, experience working with youth or community organizations, and knowledge of smart city technologies, human rights and digital governance frameworks are desirable.

Languages

Fluency in English and Russian is required (oral and written). Fluency in Kyrgyz is desired (oral and written).

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

Potential interview questions

Can you provide an example of a successful research project you facilitated? This helps assess your project management and facilitation skills. Discuss a specific project highlighting your role and the outcomes.
How do you approach data collection in a culturally sensitive manner? The interviewer is looking for your understanding of community dynamics. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a time you had to manage multiple tasks at once in a research context. How did you handle it? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What communication strategies do you use to engage with stakeholders effectively? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure the accuracy and reliability of data collected in fieldwork? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: careers.un.org