Terms of Reference
Qualitative Research Associate in Bangladesh

About Empatika
Empatika is an independent international company specializing in people-centred research and training. We are passionate about providing in-depth insights and fresh views on development aid and programmes through participatory research and training. We believe that this requires empathetic research approaches which enable people to share their perspectives and their experiences. The inclusion of people's voices in programme design and policy making is a means for empowerment and ensuring that a multitude of perspectives contribute to the generation of knowledge.

For more information on Empatika, visit our website: http://www.empatika.org

Role and Responsibilities
To support the implementation of ashort-term research project in Sylhet, Bangladesh, Empatika requires Research Associates to be part of the study team. QualitativeResearch Associates receive a unique opportunity to learn participatory approaches by undergoing Reality Check Approach Level 1 training, involving in fieldwork as well as being mentored by International Senior Researchers throughout the study process. Roles and responsibilities of research associates are:

1. Satisfactory completion of the mandatory Reality Check Approach Level 1 training
2. During the study:
- Attend study briefing session
- Travel with designated sub-team to the study location to immerse in the selected host household for the period of the study (having informal conversations, in-depth observations and experiences) and to gather insights into the study issues, ensuring careful adherence to ethical practices and the need for careful triangulation of information
- Full participation in de-briefings with the team leader
- Submit all required archiving in a timely manner
- Full participation in the post field study process, including team reflection and sense-making sessions
- Submit all necessary supporting evidence for any payments made
- Provide additional information as required by the team leader

Skill and Competencies
A. Technical Competencies:

- A minimum of Bachelor's degree in social sciences (i.e. anthropology, development studies, sociology, political science, economics, development communication etc.)
- Fluency in Bengali and Sylheti required with strong spoken and reading English skills
- Minimum of a year of work experience in development research or other development related work
- Experience in qualitative field research and knowledge of terminologies of qualitative research is preferred

B. Other Qualities and Experience:

- Flexible, patient and proactive: ability to change course, explore new ideas and 'go with the flow'
- Curious people person: excitement about knowing new people and learning about their lives; willingness to strike up a conversation with anyone
- Good listening and communication skills
- Open mind: interested in having new, unusual experiences and going to new places
- Reflexive: ability to continuously reflect on own behaviour, biases, and practices as a researcher
- Interest in learning new participatory methods and thinking how different methods can work in different contexts
- Willingness to work flexible hours during the research, including weekends
- Willingness to travel potentially long distances and live with families in villages for a few days in 'basic' conditions
- Able to maintain attention for extended periods and to maintain high quality outputs
- "Candidates from greater Sylhet Division or Understand Sylhety local language would be prioritized for the post."

Duration
The selected Research Associates who pass the selection process (including the mandatory Level 1 training) will be offered short-term contract and have the opportunity to participate in the main study between February to March 2020. Approximate working days under the contract will be 18 days.

Training
Selected candidates must participate in the Level 1 Training which will be held in Dhaka around late January - early February 2020.Contracts will only be provided to those who satisfactorily complete the mandatory Level 1 training.

If you are interested, please submit your full CV and a short paragraph indicating your interest in this assignment to bd@empatika.org stating "Qualitative Research Associate Bangladesh" on the subject of the email. The position is for Bangladeshis nationals only.

Applications close on 20 January 2020.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.