Research Coordinator (FOR MYANMAR NATIONAL ONLY)

TITLE: Research Coordinator

ROLE PURPOSE:

The Myanmar Education Consortium (MEC) partners with selected ethnic and monastic education providers to strengthen their capacity to deliver and sustain good quality learning opportunities for hard-to-reach children in Myanmar. MEC provides funding, coordination, technical assistance, and research across different complementary education systems to promote continuous improvement of education services and a supportive operating environment for ethnic and monastic education providers. As MEC enters into a new strategy period (2021-25), the program is expanding in scope and size.

The Research Coordinator provides coordination and operational support to the Strategy, Research, and Learning Unit (SRLU) under the guidance of the Strategy, Research, and Learning Manager – major focus on the implementation of the MEC’s Research and Learning Agenda and workplan and support the SRUL manager in coordination with different research firms and organizations. Performing multi-task skills and building/maintaining professional relationships with MEC’s partners as well as the oversee development of monthly context monitoring of the partners’ areas. Responsible for the implementation of research initiatives, the post-holder collaborates with the Policy Engagement and Advocacy Advisor, the Planning Coordinator, the Communications Officer, and other members of the Partnership & Program Support (PPS), Education, and Evidence & Information Management (EIM) teams. The post-holder will be responsible for ensuring that MEC research programs are coherent, efficient, and effective to support MEC’s goals and objectives.

The position requires significant experience in the coordination of research projects, with strong research skills (both qualitative and quantitative) as well as analysis skills. He or she must be able to communicate effectively in a collaborative working environment with multidisciplinary teams and partners. Experience working with ethnic groups/in ethnic areas, as well as experience in education, is preferred.

SCOPE OF ROLE:

Reports to: Strategy, Research and Learning Unit Manager

Direct Reports: No Direct Reports

Financial Approval: No financial approval

External Representation: Regular contact of basic factual information

Travel: Frequent (more than 5 days every month)

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:

Research and Initiatives

• Work on MEC’s research designs and initiatives with partners and education stakeholders, focusing on ethnic education and MTB MLE insights with thematic and operational approaches.
• Monitors the progress of research activities – develops and maintains records of research activities and prepares periodic and ad hoc reports mainly for MEC leadership team and the funding agencies.
• Ensures the smooth and efficient research and data collection activities, acts as the primary contact for MEC research projects liaising with technical experts, consultants and the partners’ organizations
• Plans and coordinates the initiation of the research study protocol, the establishment of operating policies and procedures, and the research ethics and guidelines.
• Keep on track and analyze the larger political economy and alternative education providers to handle a complex environment while adapting programs and techniques in accordance with conflict-sensitive principles.
• Distribute findings, results, and evidence of complementary education systems to highlight their value, supporting the role of ethnic education to be inserted in the nationwide education strategic plan.
• Assist the SRLU manager in leading on MEC strategy review process, strategic decision-making and adaptive management, ensuring an effective and efficient cross-team approach in quarterly reviews, annual reflection, and mid term reviews with the partner.
• Contribute to the development of new MEC strategic initiatives and expansion, along the cross-team and partner collaboration to ensure funding allocation aligned with strategic growth.
• Coordinate MEC’s context and assumptions monitoring initiatives, ensuring that management and teams are provided with strong, well-informed analysis to support reflection and learning
• Support Planning Coordinator managing in design and manage the implementation of learning and planning processes enhancing the team’s performance.

Team Collaboration

• Collaborate with the Planning Coordinator and other coordinators for research efforts throughout the MEC team.
• Encourage a collaborative culture that values sharing, learning, and creativity.
• Ensure Gender, Equity, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) strategies are prioritized and executed
• Additional responsibilities as assigned and agreed with the SRLU Manager.

Child Safeguarding Responsibility:

• Develop specific and contextual guidance to ensure that the safeguarding of children is incorporated into MEC strategies and that children are protected from exploitation, increased vulnerability, or any form of harm or indignity.

QUALIFICATIONS ,EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Degree in a relevant field (such as social sciences, research, education) or evidence of equivalent experience across the key areas of focus
• At least 4 years of research experience in the development, education or humanitarian sectors
• Experience with ethnic partners and the education sector in Myanmar would be a distinct advantage.
• Experience in literature survey, context analysis, design of research, developing questionnaires, use of appropriate sampling methods, training enumerators, data collection, and analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data, use of some statistical software and tools such as SPSS, Power BI, etc.,
• Experience in contributing to or lead quantitative of research reports or products
• Demonstrated experience in the coordination and delivery of high-quality and targeted research projects
• Demonstrated ability to analyze information, evaluate options, draw conclusions and to think and plan strategically;
• Excellent communication skills, experience in working with ethnic groups and performing multi-tasks skills are highly preferable
• Good proficiency in English 4 skills and good presentation skills (in both oral and visual). Ability to speak one ethnic language is an asset.
• Computer competency including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizing and management skills.
• Ability to work on one’s own initiative with a proactive approach to problem-solving. Strong work-ethic, personal effectiveness and integrity.
• Commitment to and understanding of Save the Children’s aims, values and principles including child safeguarding.