Research Assistant - Data and Foresight
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, was established to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. With a mission that spans over 40 years in Myanmar, UNFPA focuses on three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, fulfilling the unmet need for family planning, and eliminating gender-based violence and harmful practices. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, advocating for equal rights and protections for all individuals, particularly women and young people whose rights to sexual and reproductive health are often compromised.
Job Overview:
The Research Assistant position within UNFPA's Data and Foresight function is designed to provide essential technical and operational support to the Data and Foresight Analyst. This role is pivotal in generating reliable, timely, and actionable evidence that informs program planning, implementation, preparedness, and strategic foresight. The Research Assistant will engage in a variety of tasks including data collection, management, and preliminary analysis, as well as the development of data visualizations and dashboards. The position is full-time and offers a flexible working arrangement, allowing for a combination of in-office work at the UNFPA office in Yangon and remote working, field missions, and in-person engagements as required. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute significantly to the organization's mission by supporting the generation of evidence that drives impactful decision-making.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong analytical skills, proficiency in data collection and management, and experience with quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Familiarity with data visualization tools and statistical software is essential. The ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders is also required. A strong commitment to the values of UNFPA and an understanding of the importance of sexual and reproductive health rights are crucial for this role.
Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in social sciences, public health, statistics, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in research methodologies or data analysis will be considered an asset.
Experience:
Candidates should have at least 1-2 years of relevant experience in research, data analysis, or a related field. Experience working with international organizations or NGOs, particularly in the context of sexual and reproductive health, is highly desirable. Familiarity with the local context in Myanmar and understanding of the challenges faced in the field of sexual and reproductive health will be beneficial.
Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Myanmar is an advantage and will enhance communication with local stakeholders and communities.
Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role based in Yangon, Myanmar, with a flexible working arrangement that includes both in-office and remote work. The successful candidate will be expected to engage in field missions and in-person engagements as required. The role is open to both national and international applicants, and UNFPA offers a competitive compensation package along with benefits that may include health insurance and opportunities for professional development.
UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, was established to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. With a mission that spans over 40 years in Myanmar, UNFPA focuses on three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, fulfilling the unmet need for family planning, and eliminating gender-based violence and harmful practices. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, advocating for equal rights and protections for all individuals, particularly women and young people whose rights to sexual and reproductive health are often compromised.
Job Overview:
The Research Assistant position within UNFPA's Data and Foresight function is designed to provide essential technical and operational support to the Data and Foresight Analyst. This role is pivotal in generating reliable, timely, and actionable evidence that informs program planning, implementation, preparedness, and strategic foresight. The Research Assistant will engage in a variety of tasks including data collection, management, and preliminary analysis, as well as the development of data visualizations and dashboards. The position is full-time and offers a flexible working arrangement, allowing for a combination of in-office work at the UNFPA office in Yangon and remote working, field missions, and in-person engagements as required. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute significantly to the organization's mission by supporting the generation of evidence that drives impactful decision-making.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Data Collection and Research Support: The Research Assistant will support the Data and Foresight Analyst in designing and implementing both quantitative and qualitative research and data collection activities. This includes conducting desk reviews, compiling relevant data from various credible sources, and assisting in the development of research plans and data management protocols. The role also involves developing and administering research instruments, coordinating with field teams for data collection, and ensuring compliance with data protection standards.
- Data Cleaning, Management, and Preliminary Analysis: The candidate will be responsible for conducting data cleaning and quality checks on datasets, maintaining clear documentation, and performing descriptive and exploratory analysis under the guidance of the Data and Foresight Analyst. This includes producing analytical outputs such as frequency tables and summary statistics.
- Data Visualization and Dashboard Support: The Research Assistant will support the development and maintenance of data visualizations and dashboards using tools like Microsoft Power BI. The goal is to transform complex datasets into accessible visual products for programming teams and decision-makers.
- Coordination and Other Technical Support: The role requires close collaboration with the Data and Foresight Analyst and relevant program teams to understand research needs. The Research Assistant will also contribute to literature reviews, stakeholder consultations, and the preparation of analytical outputs such as foresight briefs and trend summaries.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong analytical skills, proficiency in data collection and management, and experience with quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Familiarity with data visualization tools and statistical software is essential. The ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders is also required. A strong commitment to the values of UNFPA and an understanding of the importance of sexual and reproductive health rights are crucial for this role.
Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in social sciences, public health, statistics, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in research methodologies or data analysis will be considered an asset.
Experience:
Candidates should have at least 1-2 years of relevant experience in research, data analysis, or a related field. Experience working with international organizations or NGOs, particularly in the context of sexual and reproductive health, is highly desirable. Familiarity with the local context in Myanmar and understanding of the challenges faced in the field of sexual and reproductive health will be beneficial.
Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Myanmar is an advantage and will enhance communication with local stakeholders and communities.
Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role based in Yangon, Myanmar, with a flexible working arrangement that includes both in-office and remote work. The successful candidate will be expected to engage in field missions and in-person engagements as required. The role is open to both national and international applicants, and UNFPA offers a competitive compensation package along with benefits that may include health insurance and opportunities for professional development.
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We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.