Job Title – Research Officer (field position)

Report to – Research Director

Start Date – As soon as possible

Contract Duration – Yearly contract (subject to three-month probation)

Salary and Benefits – Based on experience and compatible with local rate

Application Deadline – Open until filled

Overview of Progressive Voice

Progressive Voice (PV) is a cooperative, collaborative, and participatory rights-based policy research and advocacy organization rooted in civil society, maintaining strong networks and relationships with grassroots organizations and community-based organizations throughout Myanmar. It acts as a bridge to the international community and international policymakers by amplifying voices from the ground, and advocates for a rights-based policy narrative.

Job Purpose

PV is seeking a principled and committed human rights professional interested in furthering their experience in research at a local human rights organization. This Research Officer is a field position and will report to and work under the supervision of the Research Director to plan, organize, and conduct field research. The field Research Officer will also work closely with the desk Research Officer to provide accurate information and details to ensure that the outputs reflects the findings of the research and its objectives. The field Research Officer will also work closely with the Advocacy Department on relevant projects. Under the guidance of the Research Director, the field Research Officer will assist and contribute to conceptualizing research projects, including identifying research areas, methodology and partners. Some travel may be required for research, in addition the Research Officer may be required to travel for workshops, consultations and other relevant events. Ability to work flexibly with a small, diverse, committed, active and fast-paced team is a must. The candidate must have a strong commitment to human rights issues in Myanmar and ability to demonstrate sensitivity in working with vulnerable, marginalized and disenfranchised communities. The role is open to all candidates who have field research experience and can efficiently work with local partners.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the Research Director in conceptualizing and designing research projects, including methodologies and preliminary needs assessments;
• Conduct field research in consultation partners, including conducting interviews, focus group discussions and other methods of research, for diverse outputs, including reports, briefing papers, and factsheets;
• Organize logistics for field research including collating and securing data, as well as assisting the Research Director in drafting budgets, managing, monitoring and evaluating financial expenditure;
• Prepare research materials including informational documents, interview questions, and relevant equipment;
• Maintain close communication with partners following field research, including updates on the research project;
• Oversee transcripts of field data, including translating and transcribing where necessary;
• Assist in post-research data analysis;
• Identify gaps in data for further research;
• Assist in the production of Burmese language reports, including the layout and printing for reports and other written outputs;
• Participate in coordination meetings with the other departments to plan advocacy;
• Work with the Advocacy Department as a resource person and attend public and private events as needed;
• Communicate, meet and network with communities and community organizations including participating in community events and discussing feedback and future research ideas from local partners;
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including by organizing meetings and workshops and participating in regional and international networks where PV is a member;
• Assist the Research Director in the training, coaching and personnel management of temporary contracted staff;
• Participate in PV team meetings and other coordination meetings, including project evaluation meetings; and
• Other tasks as assigned.

Person Specification

Essential

• Commitment to the approach and values of PV;
• Minimum 3 years’ experience working in relevant fields, including: law, journalism, human rights, humanitarian or development;
• Experience working with local organizations;
• Strong reading, writing and speaking skills in both Myanmar and English;
• Strong commitment to human rights issues in Myanmar and ability to demonstrate sensitivity in working with vulnerable, marginalized and disenfranchised communities;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with people from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, gender and political views;
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines on activities that are time-sensitive;
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility and cooperation in working with the team and local partners;
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Proven computer literacy (Microsoft Word, Excel & PowerPoint); and
• Excellent attention to detail.

Desirable

• Bachelor’s Degree in social sciences, law, human rights, politics or other relevant fields;
• Expert Burmese writing and speaking skills;
• Proficiency in one or more ethnic languages of Myanmar would be an advantage;
• Keen understanding of local, regional and international dynamics and sensitivities

Application Procedure

Overview

Interested candidates are requested to submit a cover letter, CV, and two contact details of references in English. Only complete applications will be reviewed. We will not be able to notify all applicants unless they are chosen for an interview. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit a writing sample.

Please email your application to: info@progressive-voice.org with the subject heading “Application: Research Officer (field)”. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

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