MMC Research Assistant at Danish Refugee Council

Interested candidates should have a passion for research on issues of mixed migration and understanding the experiences of refugees and migrants as they move to, within, and from East and the Horn of Africa, and Southern Africa. MMC provides opportunities for learning and developing to advance research skills and migration expertise. An ongoing project in which the Research Assistant will be involved focuses on qualitative data collection and transcription with children and youth on the move along key mixed migration routes in East Africa, and from East to North Africa.

Key responsibilities:

Data Management

• Work closely with the Research and Policy Specialist to support MMC’s qualitative data management needs, including transcriptions and developing transcription protocols;
• Assist on coding and labelling variables to be used in qualitative analysis.

Data Collection

• When project needs arise, carry out data collection using qualitative tools (e.g., focus group discussion guides, semi-structured interview guides);
• Assist in developing qualitative tools.
• Assist with organizing fieldwork logistics.

Data Analysis, Visualization and Factsheet Production

• Support with the visualization of data in graphs, tables and other relevant formats;
• Carry out qualitative data analysis in support of the research agenda;
• Produce factsheets based on qualitative data analysis to be shared with programming partners.

Other

• Carry out desk research and mapping to support MMC’s various research projects;
• Take notes and write up briefings for meetings;
• Support MMC’s communications needs as needed, including the organization of research events and other outreach;
• Assist the team with administrative or any other tasks related to the running of MMC and its projects.

About you

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.

Qualifications and Experience

• BA in social sciences. Specific course work in the field of migration and in qualitative data collection and analysis is highly desirable.
• MA or MSc in the social sciences is desirable.
• At least one year experience working in qualitative research or a Masters in the social sciences where a thesis was submitted;
• Excellent writing and editing skills; demonstrated ability to synthesize and condense information;
• Experience in transcription, coding, and qualitative analysis is highly desirable;
• Experience in NVIVO, ATLAS or a similar software is an asset;
• Experience in generating graphs and tables of data (Excel) is highly desirable;
• Previous experience working with international NGOs is an asset;
• Enthusiastic about learning, pushing limits, and finding new solutions;
• Strong verbal and written communication aptitude;
• Working verbal and written knowledge in Arabic, Amharic and/or Somali is an asset;
• Strong attention to details and rigor in dealing with qualitative data.