Research Assistant

We are seeking a professional Social Equity Research Assistant (RA) to join its team for a full-time position based. SamuelHall’s Social Equity Pillar covers a wide range of topics on economic inclusion and integration, social protection, food security, gender, labor markets, resilience to climate change, sustainable and efficient energy use, as well as urban and rural vulnerabilities. Depending on their level of seniority, the Research Assistant will manage between one and three projects simultaneously and be increasingly involved in research aspects. There is a strong potential for domestic, regional, and international travel.

Who We Are

Our research connects the voices of communities to changemakers for more inclusive societies. Samuel Hall is a social enterprise that conducts research, evaluates programmes and designs policies in contexts of migration and displacement. Our approach is ethical, academically rigorous, and based on first-hand experience of complex and fragile settings. With offices in Afghanistan, Germany, Kenya, Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates, we are based in the regions we study.

We have over ten years’ experience in 70+ countries and have become a trusted partner and leading voice in the field of migration and displacement research, working with governments, donors, multilateral organisations and NGOs, as well public and private sector entities. It’s an exciting time for Samuel Hall – we were recently selected by Stanford University as one of the Global South’s high-potential, fast-growth social enterprises. For more information, please visit www.samuelhall.org.

CHILDREN & YOUTH PILLAR: Over half the world’s population is under 30 – young people frequently presented as burdens or risks, and children as victims to be protected. Samuel Hall takes a different approach. Our work amplifies their voices and celebrates them as forces for development, and drivers of positive social and political change. We specialise in (participatory) research into key transitions: supporting children and youth practically in accessing education, health, and other services; foundational rights: realising the rights accorded them in the UNCRC, and aspirations: upholding their agency in shaping their own futures. We work with child-friendly and child-focused organisations as well as international organisations, NGOs, and private foundations such as UNICEF, IOM, the World Bank, and Save the Children to develop impactful and actionable research.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: We work in a fast-paced, demanding, and challenging environment – you will be expected to grow with us and carve out your own spot in the team. We look for proactive, creative individuals who find opportunities to make their mark and identify solutions to problems. We look for strong leaders and reliable team-players who can add value from the very start, expand our knowledge and help us to maximise our social impact.

TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Objective 1 – Research

• Assume responsibilities of the project cycle from A to Z
• Support the design or design research tools and research methodology
• Conduct secondary research and desk reviews
• Provide strong analysis and recommendations in line with policy and academic standards
• Transcribe interview notes, write field reports, and contribute to the draft/final report
• Provide strong analysis and recommendations in line with policy and academic standards
• Prepare drafts of deliverables in a timely manner

Objective 2 – Fieldwork

• Undertake socio-economic research including fieldwork and primary data collection, putting fieldwork at the centre of the mission
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative data collection (such as surveys, case studies, focus groups, field observations, and key informant interviews)
• Support project fieldwork and monitor the quality of data collection
• Provide input to improve the quality of the field teams’ notes, transcripts, outputs

Objective 3 – Organisational Support

• Train field teams and colleagues as required on components of the project cycle and research standards – Plan fieldwork logistics, and adequate resource management with field coordinators
• Support to widen Samuel Hall’s network
• Effectively communicate with supervisors on progress with daily and weekly updates

Vacancy Requirements Required

• A Master’s degree in a related field (Economics, Political Science, International Development, etc.)
• Previous experience in contexts of migration, economics, and international development
• Knowledge in quantitative and qualitative data analysis and tools (for example, R, SPSS, NVIVO)
• Excellent verbal and written skills in English
• Keen attention to detail
• Ability to be patient and to work well within a global team
• Ability to cope well under pressure, occasionally work irregular hours and meet tight deadlines

Desirable

• French, Arabic, Dari, Pashto and/or additional languages
• Past experience specific to the East and Horn of Africa, Central/South Asia, and/or the Middle East and North Africa

NB: Strong preference for applicants with solid quantitative background and fluent written and spoken French