Research Coordinator At Sightsavers

Sightsavers implements projects in over 30 countries in Africa and South Asia working to eliminate avoidable blindness and promote the rights of people with disabilities.

Title: Research Coordinator (Data and Research in Education)

Location: Islamabad, Pakistan

Contract: 18 Month fixed term contract

Salary: Local Terms and Conditions apply

About the role

Sightsavers is a member of the Data and Research in Education (DARE) Pakistan research consortium, and is leading several research studies in this capacity. These studies are in the area of disability inclusive education and climate resilience in education. Our research predominantly revolves around qualitative methodologies, supplemented by a variety of other techniquesThe studies are primarily qualitative, but make some use of other methods. We are looking for an experienced Research Coordinator, to play a vital role in coordinating and implementing these research studies and to support other education focused work by Country Office team.

• Coordinate Research Activities: Effectively communicate and engage with DARE research consortium leadership, federal and provincial stakeholders, including Ministries of Education and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities, as well as local stakeholders like headteachers.
• Develop Fieldwork Strategies: Create comprehensive fieldwork procedures and plans, along with training materials for fieldworkers.
• Implement Data Collection: Design and execute data collection strategies, manage logistics, conduct interviews and focus group discussions, supervise fieldworkers, and ensure high-quality data management.
• Contribute to Scholarly Writing: Assist in writing detailed study reports and contribute to scholarly journal articles.
• Disseminate Research Findings: Organize and conduct dissemination activities, such as workshops, meetings, and presentations, to communicate research findings to a broad audience.
• Participate in additional educational interventions: Support the Programme Manager with inclusive education activities, including teacher development and assessments.

This is a highly varied and involved role and the above is not an exhaustive list of duties or required professional skills. Please see the Job Description for full details.

In this role, th Research Coordinator will work closely with Principal Investigators and Co-Investigators, as well as the Pakistan Country Office Team, to coordinate and implement DARE studies and related processes. The responsibilities will include collecting, analysing, and disseminating data generated by the research.

The ideal Research Coordinator will have the legal right to live and work in Pakistan and will possess a strong background in qualitative research and project coordination, preferably within education and/or disability research sectors. The Research Coordinator will bring experience in study coordination, stakeholder engagement, fieldworker training and supervision, data collection, management and analysis, and reporting. This is an opportunity to play a vital role in supporting educational-focused work and making a meaningful impact through research.

Jobholder Requirements

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in Education, Social Sciences, Public Health, Development Studies, or a related field.
• Demonstrated training and proficiency in qualitative research methods, including focus groups and in-depth interviews.
• Proven experience in coordinating qualitative research studies within Pakistan.
• Skilled in developing research protocols and creating guides for interviews and focus group discussions.
• Familiarity with the process of submitting research protocols to ethical review bodies and managing the review processes.
• Proficiency in using Nvivo software for qualitative data analysis is preferred.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent command of the English language, both written and spoken
• Competent in planning, developing, coordinating, implementing, and supervising research projects
• The ability to motivate and collaborate within multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
• Availability for national travel within Pakistan as required by the role
• A strong understanding of research governance and ethical principles, especially concerning research involving children and vulnerable groups
• Experience in conducting, transcribing, and analysing focus group discussions and in-depth interviews
• A track record of contributing to research reports and journal articles
• A history of working effectively with both governmental and non-governmental partners and stakeholders

Closing date: 27 March 2024

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please complete an application via our recruitment portal. We are particularly interested in learning of your motivations for applying.

As an equal opportunity employer, we actively encourage applications from all sections of the community. Sightsavers is a Disability Confident Leader and qualified people with a disability are particularly encouraged to apply.

Sightsavers is an employer that does not tolerate any form of harassment and has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. All potential candidates will be subjected to rigorous background checks and controls.