Research Assistant – Migration & Displacement Pillar at Samuel Hall

Samuel Hall is seeking a professional and motivated individual to join its team for a full-time position as Migration & Displacement (Pillar 1) Research Assistant with background in conducting empirical research. The RA will work under the Pillar Lead, Research Managers and/or Project Lead, providing support on projects and to other staff as needed. Applicants must be recent graduates (Masters level). Depending on their level of seniority (Junior RA, RA or Senior RA), the Research Assistant will manage between 1 and 3 projects simultaneously and be increasingly involved in research aspects. There is a potential for domestic, regional, and international travel; COVID-19 restrictions permitting.
Who we are Our research connects the voices of communities to change-makers for more inclusive societies. Samuel Hall is a social enterprise that conducts research in contexts affected by issues of migration and displacement. Our mandate is to produce research that delivers a contribution to knowledge with an impact on policies, programmes, and people. We provide practicable insights to challenging issues in the global South by providing academic-standard research through primary data collection in areas where researchers do not commonly go. Samuel Hall works with governments, donors, multilateral organisations and NGOs, as well public and private sector entities. We have worked with more than sixty-five organisations worldwide since 2010 through our offices in Afghanistan, Kenya, Tunisia, and Germany covering Asia and Africa.

Work Environment

• We are a rapidly growing research organisation: you will be expected to grow with us and carve out your own spot in the team.
• We look for pro-active, creative individuals who can identify opportunities to make their mark and identify solutions to problems.
• We believe in hiring people who can show their ability to be both strong leaders and reliable team-players, and able to to add value from the very start. We hire people who can expand our knowledge and help us reach our social impact objective in their field of expertise. We work in a fast-paced, demanding, and challenging environment.

Objective 1 – Research

• Assume responsibilities of the project cycle from A to Z
• Support the design or design research tools and research methodology
• Conduct secondary research and desk reviews
• Review translation and documents
• Liaise with supervisors (in country and remotely) to improve quality of outputs and deliver timely outputs
• Transcribe interview notes, write field reports, and contribute to the draft/final report
• Provide strong analysis and recommendations and prepare drafts in line with academic standards.

Objective 2 – Fieldwork

• Supervise all project fieldwork, putting fieldwork at the centre of the mission.
• Undertake socio-economic research including fieldwork and primary data collection

1. Qualitative research
2. Supervise quantitative survey led by the rest of the team.

• Support and monitor field team’s work
• Problem solving in the field
• Provide input to improve the quality of the field team’s interview notes, transcripts, outputs.

Objective 3 – Organisational Support

• Train field teams and colleagues as required on components of the project cycle and research standards
• Support and monitor field teams’ work, including solving field problems.
• Effectively communicate with supervisors on progress with daily and weekly updates
• Provide input to improve the quality of the field teams’ notes, transcripts, outputs
• Plan fieldwork logistics, and adequate resource management with field coordinators
• Ensure all project related information is stored correctly
• Direct reporting and support to the research team
• Support to widen Samuel Hall’s network

Vacancy Requirements

• Prior experience working and conducting research in contexts of migration, displacement, and international development are requirements for this role. The successful RA is further required to have:
• A Master’s degree in a relevant field (completed)
• Past research and work experience specific to migrating and displaced populations and/or vulnerable groups
• Proven interest and experience working with migrants and displaced persons
• Knowledge of key institutional frameworks and stakeholders