Research Specialist

Job Description

Purpose of the Role

The position Research Specialist will be responsible for taking the in country lead role for the inception phase activities undertaken by ERICC in Cox’s Bazar which will focus on initiating in country collaborator engagement and research planning. The possible activities will include: mapping and engagement with key collaborators, and co-construction of the research agenda and plans for in-country research to respond to Cox’s Bazar’s priority and needs for EiCC research. The position will be directly reportable to Education Coordinator and will closely work with Regional Education Technical Advisor and Regional Research Director (RRD).

Highlights of Key Responsibilities:

The Research specialist will perform a variety of tasks in leading the inception phase activities under the project including, but not limited to:

- Lead country scan workplan, create SoPs for ways of working with multiple actors within ERICC and communication matrix development in consultation with Education Coordinator (EC), Regional Education Technical Advisor (TA) and Regional Research Director (RRD).

- Adapt Multi-country ‘Country Scan Concept Note’ template for Cox’s Bazar

- Support the RRD with the revision of the ERICC Conceptual Framework, in coordination with FCDO Advisors in country

- Support Manager – Research to develop KII data collection instruments, under guidance of RRD

- Support Manager – Research on comprehensive evidence or literature review of existing education research reports, briefs, peer reviewed publications and education policies.

- Guide Manager – Data Management to do data system mapping through reviewing existing types of data (on access, learning, continuity, well-being etc), how it is collected and by whom, and how it is used in assessment and monitoring.

- Work closely with EC, TA and RRD to identify and establish country advisory committee in Cox’s Bazar.

- Engage with country-based institutions and FCDO education advisers to establish research dissemination priorities.

- Develop plan for user research priority, to inform communications & dissemination strategy - for selected first phase countries (including Bangladesh).

- Organize and maintain ongoing engagement with country advisory committee.

- Enhance research plans and research uptake strategies through Community of Practice engagement, vetting/reviews

- Organize country advisory committee engagement workshops (in-person and virtual) in Cox's Bazar who will inform research priorities for EiE in Cox’s Bazar.

- Identify evidence gap through reviewing the country scan report and analyzing KII.

- Support Manager – Research to develop research plan and contingency research plan for Cox’s Bazar.

- Engage on conceptual framework revision with other consortium partners.

- Support in developing of multi-country research implementation strategy guidance note.

- Participate in the Country scan working group.

- Develop research uptake plan and plans for continuous technical collaborator engagement in Cox's Bazar.

- Participate in full cohort check ins, cohort 1 check ins and individual partners check in.

Qualifications

Experience and Competencies: Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

- Minimum 7 years of experience in the research field, including with the development of research protocols, creation of research agendas, and evidence reviews and synthesis and minimum five years of progressive experience in education research - Excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively in a multi-cultural environment

- Excellent project management and organizational skills, particularly managing research projects; meticulous attention to detail

- Experience with proactive communication with complex organizational structures

- Solid organizational skills: the ability to be flexible and work well under pressure, dealing with competing priorities, in a fast-paced team environment; - Interest in and ability to think and plan at the ‘big picture’ level; - Fluent in English and Bangla, fluent in Rohingya, Chittagonian, or Burmese a plus. - Flexible, independent, self-motivating, ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and work under pressure - Ability to work in a diverse, multi-cultural environment

Specific Educational Qualification

· PhD or Master’s in education, economics or related field

Standard of Professional Conduct

IRC and IRC employees are required to abide by the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – Code of Conduct which are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, Combating Trafficking in Persons and several others.

Gender Equality & Equal Opportunity

We are committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer generous benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances. We welcome and strongly encourage qualified women professionals to apply.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Are you ready to join the most dynamic team?