Online Volunteers for Research Project

Job Posting Organization:
Morobe Development Foundation Inc. (MDF) is a prominent NGO based in Lae, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea. Established to empower young people through community development initiatives, MDF focuses on utilizing talents in dance, music, and drama to foster equal participation of women in decision-making processes. The organization is committed to addressing issues such as Ending Violence against Women and promoting Human Rights, aligning its efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). MDF collaborates with various experts and researchers globally to conduct scientific studies on environmental issues, thereby enhancing its impact on community development. The management committee of MDF ensures diverse representation and equitable decision-making, emphasizing the importance of women's involvement in all projects. The foundation's mission is to leverage its skills, knowledge, and international networks to successfully implement projects that benefit the community.

Job Overview:
The position involves supporting a research project aimed at analyzing the relationship between educational policies and student performance in economically and socially disadvantaged regions of Papua New Guinea. The project seeks to understand how educational strategies affect learning outcomes, particularly in underprivileged areas, and aims to contribute insights that can inform more effective educational policies. Volunteers will engage in various tasks, including policy analysis, data collection, research proposal writing, and document review, all of which are crucial for developing a comprehensive understanding of the impact of education policy on student performance. This research aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which emphasizes the importance of inclusive and equitable quality education. The findings will be shared with funded schools and the Department of Education to enhance educational strategies and support the achievement of SDG 4.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Policy Analysis: Volunteers will analyze educational policies and their implementation in underprivileged areas, focusing on specific villages in Morobe province. This includes reviewing policy documents and educational frameworks to assess their intended impact on student performance. Volunteers will create a comparative table outlining the advantages and disadvantages of these policies based on their analysis.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Volunteers will gather and analyze data on student performance in underprivileged areas, which may involve designing surveys, conducting interviews, or utilizing existing datasets. They will assess the impact of educational policies and perform visual image processing to present their findings effectively.
• Research Proposal Writing: Volunteers will compile the findings from the policy analysis and data collection into a coherent research proposal, articulating the research objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and potential impacts on educational policy and practice.
• Document Review: Volunteers will review the documents produced by their peers for grammatical and expression-related issues, ensuring clarity and professionalism in the final outputs.

Required Qualifications:
Volunteers should possess strong analytical skills, particularly in policy analysis and educational research. They should be proficient in data collection methods, including survey design and qualitative analysis. Excellent writing skills are essential for compiling research proposals and reviewing documents. Familiarity with educational policies and their implications in disadvantaged regions is highly desirable. Volunteers should also demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively in a virtual environment and manage their time effectively to meet project deadlines.

Educational Background:
A background in education, social sciences, public policy, or a related field is preferred. Volunteers should have relevant academic qualifications that support their understanding of educational strategies and policies, particularly in the context of developing regions. Advanced degrees or coursework in research methodologies may be advantageous.

Experience:
While specific prior experience may not be mandatory, familiarity with educational research, policy analysis, or community development initiatives will be beneficial. Volunteers should demonstrate a commitment to social equity and an understanding of the challenges faced by underprivileged communities in accessing quality education.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as all documentation and communication will be conducted in this language. Knowledge of Tok Pisin or other local languages may be advantageous but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is voluntary and may require a commitment of several hours per week over a specified duration, which will be discussed with selected volunteers. This role is suitable for individuals looking to gain experience in research and policy analysis within an international NGO context. Volunteers will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that aim to improve educational outcomes in Papua New Guinea.