Research Officer

 ORGANIZATION BRIEF

Nepal Development Society (NeDS) is a leading research and Development NGO established in 2013. It has three offices located in Kathmandu, Bharatpur, and Pokhara. It focuses on policy, planning, and development with a focus on social, economic, health, and environmental issues. NeDS has evolved as a multi-disciplinary research and development organization with its innovative, technical, management, and research competencies. It delivers quality services to various organizations ranging from Governments, Bilateral Agencies, multi-lateral agencies, Development Agencies, I/NGOs, Academic Institutions, Research Firms, and private sector Organizations.

JOB SUMMARY

The position of Research Officer is of utmost importance in a research project. The incumbent,in collaboration with the Principal Investigator and Project Manager, will engage in execution of the research-related activities in the study sites in consultation with the concerned stakeholders.The Research Officer will work in a two-member ed team at the field consisting of a fellow research officer. The primary objectives of the role are to communicate with the municipality and rural municipality already identified for the study, select appropriate ward/community,identify the study participants, and collect subjective (through interviews) and objective data(using accelerometers) on physical activity of children and adolescents. The Research Officer will also be responsible for managing the tools required for the field work including accelerometers.

 REPORTING MECHANISM

KEY ROLES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Research

• Participate in orientation and training of the project before field work.
• Prepare an annual research plan that includes information collection about the study districts and sites (where relevant), travel plan in each district, plan for meeting/interaction with concerned stakeholders at municipality, identify study participants and plan for data collection.
• Establish a good relationship with the stakeholders to facilitate the field work.
• Conduct interviews with child/adolescent and the parent and collect physical activity data using accelerometers.
• Identify, mitigate, and manage the potential challenges for smooth conduction of field work in collaboration with the key stakeholders, GAC-PAQ research team and the NeDS administration.
• Ensure privacy, safety, and security of the collected data.
• Ensure proper functioning of study tools including accelerometers.
• Handle the study tools safely and return it to the NeDS office after data collection.

Team and Stakeholders Management

• Work in team-spirit and deal with the stakeholders in a respectful manner.
• Map the potential key stakeholders in each study site.
• Provide more detail information to the stakeholders and study participants about the study, if further information is requested.
• Share any issues related to the research project and its effective execution in the field with the fellow researcher and the research team.

Relationship Building

• Map and identify potential stakeholders (representatives of community-based organisations or civil society organizations, and academic institutions) for their support and collaboration.
• Establish and maintain active working relationships with local government institutions, and other NGOs in the study districts as required.
• Act as an ambassador of NeDS to establish good relationship with the key stakeholders.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning

• Monitor and evaluate the work progress including the data collected each day.
• Take accountability of the research activities you will do during the field work.
• Take this job as a learning opportunity from interaction with fellow researcher, research team, the key stakeholders, and study participants.
• Share the success stories or challenges encountered during data collection with the fellow researcher and the research team.

Compliance and Coordination

• Ensure research project activities align with NeDS policies and procedures.

Resourcefulness and Troubleshooting

• Troubleshoot project problems and implement creative solutions.
• Communicate with NeDS administration in case of any logistics or administration-related issues.

Reporting and Coordination

• Report the field work progress to the project manager and PI every week.
• Take notes and prepare weekly report of the field work.
• Coordinate and liaise with stakeholders, and local government and non-government organizations for effective data collection.
• Ensure adherence to NeDS rules and regulations for financial and administrative matters.

Safety and Compliance

• Work closely with the Admin and Logistics Coordinator to monitor the evolving safety and security situation in the project’s geographical location.
• Ensure project operations comply with safety and security guidelines.

General

• Act as a key member of the organization, providing programmatic support across various projects, if required.
• Undertake tasks as assigned by the PI, which may include research-related assignments or broader organizational responsibilities.
• Collaborate with colleagues from different departments at NeDS to ensure effective integration of project objectives across the projects.
• Work collaboratively and communicate effectively with the leadership team of the organization to enhance overall project performance.

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in public health or equivalent.

• At least, some experience of engagement in research projects, particularly related to physical activity and/or non-communicable diseases.

• Experience of working in team as well as stakeholder management.

• Experience in troubleshooting, creative problem-solving, and effective communication.

• Excellent communication skills and ability to engage with diverse stakeholders of different geography, culture, and age- groups.

• Strong analytical and planning skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities to ensure the efficient execution of project tasks.
• Leadership qualities with the ability to guide, mentor, and support team members effectively.
• Exceptional communication skills for effective collaboration with key stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a dynamic and evolving environment with multi-cultural teams and people working at a distance.
• Commitment to ethical research practices and understanding of Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes.
• Experience on the internet, MS Office package, and data management tools.
• Proficient in reading, writing, and speaking in Nepali and English language.
• Honest, transparent, collaborative, and learning attitude.

• BPH graduate engaged in physical activity research will be highly preferred.
• Knowledge of diverse cultures and languages, enhancing effective communication and collaboration.
• Understanding of and commitment to safeguarding policies and anti-corruption measures.

• Competitive salary, provident fund, and festival allowance.
• Medical and accidental insurance.
• Career growth opportunity. 

To apply: Please submit your CV and Cover letter, with two references and expected monthly salary at vacancy@nedsnepal.org.np, mentioning the Position in the email subject. Deadline for applications: 1^th March 2024 5.00 pm. We will only get in touch if you have been shortlisted 

Disclaimer:

Nepal Development Society (NeDS) encourages diversity of nationalities, genders, races, ethnicities, profiles, and statuses among its human resources. Therefore, it complies with the principle of non-discrimination throughout its recruitment process. Nepal Development Society (NeDS) will not charge any fees for the recruitment process, including shortlisting, interviews, tests, or training. . It reserves the right to accept and reject applications.