Research Officer - Islamabad, Pakistan - Professional Employers (Pvt.) Ltd.

Description

Title: Research Officer (RO)

Duty Station: Islamabad, with frequent travel to the Merged Areas

Type of Contract: Consultancy

Contract Duration: until December 2024 (with a possibility of extension)

Number of Positions: 2 Positions

Background

The Merged Areas Governance Programme (MAGP II is a comprehensive governance initiative that focuses on technical assistance and implementation support to the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (GoKP) in three main areas: (1) accelerated development with an emphasis on the delivery of basic services; (2) border governance and connectivity; and (3) support to local governance.

The Programs overall objective is to enhance the capacity of the GoKP to successfully integrate the Merged Areas and strengthen border governance and cross-border connectivity by extending laws, policies, and strategies; planning, designing, and delivering development initiatives; and implementing inclusive local government systems. An emphasis is placed on inclusive development, to ensure that marginalized population groups benefit from development in the MAs, as well as on disaster-risk reduction and improved risk management, to help prevent, mitigate and/or address the effects of climate change and other risks. To that end, MAGP works closely with GoKP and several development partners across multiple functional areas to lay the groundwork for the creation of results-oriented, responsive, and inclusive solutions that can help transform the lives and livelihoods of the people of the MAs.

Against this background, MAGP is recruiting a Research Officer (RO) to assist the MAGP team with academic research, data collection and analysis support for ongoing project result areas, as well as assist with substantive background qualitative and quantitative research.

Objectives & Targets

To perform background research and data analysis on various topics that fall under GoKPs priorities as reflected in MAGPs workplan informing judicious policy and decision making through data analysis and research products. To conduct thoroughly researched information for design & implementation of the projects, progress reports, policy briefs, and policy papers.

Reporting Structure & Co-ordination

The Research Officer will report to the MAGP Programme Manager/Team Lead and will work under the technical tasking and oversight of the Lead Economic Adviser (LEA). Day-to-day reporting may be to a designated supervisor under delegated authority, as required.

Detailed Results

• Perform secondary research for feasibility studies in Merged Areas
• Prepare literature reviews, background research, and other draft content.
• Present thoroughly researched information for background research, implementation of the projects, progress reports, policy briefs, and position papers.
• Compile the researched material in a systematic way and prepare background briefs/briefing notes as and when required.
• Design and develop data collection protocols and instruments, and data sharing protocols.
• Clean survey data and check for accuracy, completeness, and quality.
• Establish and implement quality assurance mechanisms for resolving problems and issues in the data.
• Assist in the analysis of both primary and secondary data using appropriate statistical and qualitative analysis techniques.
• Support in the design of interventions, including collaborating with project teams to conceptualize intervention strategies, develop experimental protocols, and refine intervention designs based on literature reviews and input.

Performance Indicators for Evaluation of Results

Deliverables/Outputs

Estimated Duration to Complete

Schedule of Payments

Review Required from

Approval Required from

1. Monthly Work Report on Research Tasks and completion of Assigned DPs

Monthly

Upon completion of assigned DPs and activities

Lead Economic Advisor (LEA)

Programme Manager

1. Monthly Work Report on Research Tasks and completion of Assigned DPs

Monthly

Upon completion of assigned DPs and activities

Lead Economic Advisor (LEA)

Programme Manager

1. Monthly Work Report on Research Tasks and completion of Assigned DPs

Monthly

Upon completion of assigned DPs and activities

Lead Economic Advisor (LEA)

Programme Manager

Any other deliverable may be assigned at the start of each month by the supervisor.

Please note that the Research Officer shall report research activities performed in the monthly Workable Report (WR) along with the assigned Development Products (DPs).

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of governance issues in MAs and KP;
• Candidate should have a good understanding of socio-economic challenges grappling Merged Areas
• The candidate must have knowledge of AIP 1
• Strong ability to conduct comprehensive literature reviews across various disciplines, as well as proficiency in identifying, synthesizing, and critically analyzing existing research findings, theories, and methodologies.
• Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies is essential with experience in designing experimental/quasi-experimental interventions, implementing research protocols, and collecting primary and secondary data using appropriate methods and tools.
• Proficient in using statistical software packages such as STATA, SPSS, R, or similar tools for analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data, including experience in conducting descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, as well as thematic analysis of qualitative data.
• Excellent coordination and communication skills to effectively collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders, including international consultants.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to think critically. Capable of identifying research gaps, proposing innovative solutions, and addressing complex challenges related to intervention design, data analysis, and project implementation.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

The candidate must possess the following experience:

• Bachelors or masters degree in a relevant field of development studies, economics, data science or related fields
• Years of experience:

If Masters degree, it is preferred that candidates have: 3-4 years of specialized experience in development, public policy, investigative methods and analysis of economic development projects

If Bachelors degree, it is preferred that candidates have: 5 years of specialized experience in development, public policy, investigative methods and analysis of economic development projects

• Thorough knowledge and experience of field experimentation- especially in running and evaluating results of Randomized Control Trials is highly preferred
• Thorough knowledge of how policies and projects may be re-designed to enhance impact, including awareness of innovative practices such as behavioral nudges will be preferred
• Ability to work with experimental and quasi or non-experimental data and understanding of causal identification techniques with both
• Proficient with statistical analysis tools including STATA, SPSS or R.
• Prior experience of working in KP is considered an asset; familiarity with government planning structures and planning cycles is preferred.
• Familiarity with governmental processes and operations, including interaction with government counterparts
• Experience in working with international development organizations
• Demonstrated experience of working in public sector development projects

Language Requirements: English, Urdu

Selection Process

Competitive