Research Assistant - Data and Foresight
Organizational Context
UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, aims to achieve a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. With over 40 years of presence in Myanmar, UNFPA supports the country's efforts to end preventable maternal deaths, unmet family planning needs, and gender-based violence. The Data and Foresight function is crucial for generating evidence, identifying trends, and informing strategic decisions within UNFPA Myanmar.
Job Purpose
The Research Assistant will provide essential technical and operational support to the Data and Foresight Analyst at UNFPA Myanmar. This role is vital for generating reliable, timely, and actionable evidence to guide program planning, implementation, and strategic foresight initiatives. The position involves a flexible working arrangement, combining office-based work in Yangon with remote engagement and necessary field missions. The incumbent will contribute to strengthening UNFPA's evidence base and preparedness by supporting data collection, analysis, and visualization efforts, ultimately informing critical decision-making processes for the agency's mission in Myanmar.
Responsibilities
The Research Assistant will support the Data and Foresight Analyst in various tasks, including designing and implementing quantitative and qualitative research, conducting desk reviews, and compiling data from diverse sources. Responsibilities include developing research plans, data collection protocols, and administering questionnaires using platforms like Kobo Toolbox, potentially translating tools into local languages. The role involves coordinating data collection with field teams and partners, analyzing health financing, and ensuring secure data management. Additionally, the assistant will perform data cleaning, quality checks, and preliminary analysis, maintaining data dictionaries and coding frameworks. Support will also be provided for developing data visualizations and dashboards using tools such as Power BI and Comcare, transforming complex data into accessible formats for stakeholders. Coordination with program teams, partners, and consultants, along with contributing to foresight briefs and trend summaries, are also key duties.
Work Experience
Requires at least 1 month of experience, with 1 year of relevant professional experience in research, data collection, monitoring and evaluation, or related fields. Demonstrated experience with quantitative and qualitative data collection, including FGDs and KIIs, and using digital data collection platforms like Kobo Toolbox is essential. Experience in data cleaning, management, basic analysis, and data visualization tools is desirable. Prior work with NGOs, UN agencies, or in Myanmar's development context is advantageous.
Skills
Key competencies include accountability, adaptability, building trust, commitment, communication, ethics, integrity, planning, professionalism, respect for diversity, self-management, technological awareness, and teamwork. Technical skills encompass data science, information management, research, reporting, and familiarity with data visualization tools like Power BI.