Protection Research Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is focused on humanitarian efforts, particularly in the field of protection research. It aims to support vulnerable populations through research and data collection, ensuring that their needs and rights are addressed. The organization has a strong commitment to ethical standards and methodologies in research, and it operates in various countries, including Bangladesh, where it has established a presence to address local challenges.

Job Overview:
The Protection Research Assistant will play a crucial role in supervising the daily activities of the Protection Research Assistant and research volunteers. This position requires providing guidance on tasks and ensuring adherence to agreed methodologies and ethical standards. The role involves supporting media and open-source monitoring by reviewing key developments and preparing consolidated updates for the supervisor. The assistant will liaise with internal colleagues, including sub-units, field teams, and relevant departments, to facilitate smooth communication and information flow. Additionally, the assistant will support the preparation of study protocols, data collection tools, and analysis frameworks by drafting inputs and assisting with administrative tasks. Training materials related to protection research, community engagement, life skills, and accountability will also be prepared and delivered by the assistant. The role emphasizes capacity-building of research volunteers and trainers through guidance, coaching, and feedback on assigned tasks. Furthermore, the assistant will coordinate translation processes and ensure the accuracy and consistency of translated materials with the help of volunteers. Drafting internal notes, summaries, and sections of research reports, as well as assisting in preparing external products as requested, are also key functions of this position. The assistant will maintain working relationships with local partners and stakeholders for information exchange, under the guidance of the supervisor, and perform other related duties as assigned.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supervise the daily work of the Protection Research Assistant and research volunteers, ensuring adherence to methodologies and ethical standards.
• Support media and open-source monitoring by reviewing key developments and preparing consolidated updates for the supervisor.
• Liaise with internal colleagues, including sub-units, field teams, and relevant IOM departments, to facilitate smooth communication and information flow.
• Assist in the preparation of study protocols, data collection tools, and analysis frameworks by drafting inputs and performing administrative tasks.
• Prepare and deliver training materials related to protection research, community engagement, life skills, and accountability.
• Support capacity-building of research volunteers and trainers through guidance, coaching, and feedback on assigned tasks.
• Coordinate translation processes and check the accuracy and consistency of translated materials with support from volunteers.
• Draft internal notes, summaries, and sections of research reports, and assist in preparing external products as requested.
• Provide inputs to the development and revision of SOPs and guidance notes. 1
• Maintain working relationships with local partners and stakeholders for information exchange, under the guidance of the supervisor. 1
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma with six years of relevant experience; or a Bachelor’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law, or related fields from an accredited academic institution with four years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience supporting protection or research activities in humanitarian settings, preferably within international organizations.
• Knowledge of the region and/or country context is an advantage.
• Familiarity with protection research concept tools (e.g., PIM, PAF) is an advantage.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes either a high school diploma accompanied by six years of relevant experience or a Bachelor’s degree in fields such as Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law, or related disciplines from an accredited academic institution, along with four years of relevant professional experience. This educational foundation is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the organization's mission.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for this position includes a minimum of six years of relevant experience for candidates with a high school diploma, or four years of relevant professional experience for those with a Bachelor’s degree. Candidates should have experience supporting protection or research activities in humanitarian settings, ideally within international organizations. Familiarity with the regional context and protection research tools is considered an advantage, indicating that candidates should have a solid understanding of the challenges and dynamics present in the area where they will be working.

Languages:
While the job description does not explicitly mention mandatory languages, proficiency in English is typically expected in international organizations. Additional languages relevant to the local context, such as Bengali, may be considered advantageous, enhancing communication with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The position may involve a contract duration that is not specified in the provided information. It is important to note the seniority level of the role, which appears to be mid-level, given the supervisory responsibilities. The position is likely full-time, and the organization may be open to recruiting both nationally and internationally, depending on the candidate pool. Compensation and benefits details are not provided, but candidates can expect standard benefits associated with humanitarian organizations, which may include health insurance, paid leave, and opportunities for professional development.