Research Assistant: Consultancy

The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is seeking expressions of interest from qualified candidates for the positions of two Research Assistants to support a Consultant undertaking research in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The assignment is expected to commence in September 2012.

The research will focus on issues relating to the humanitarian space in the OPT. The central aim of the research is to assess how beneficiaries in the OPT specifically are affected by changes in humanitarian space, and also identify appropriate strategies to minimize the negative impacts on beneficiaries based on a good understanding of policies and practices.

Duties and Responsibilities
The research assistant will be required to work under the supervision of the research manager. The
research assistant is expected to assist the research manager achieve the following:

The research assistant will be required, upon consultation and approval of the research manager
-Assist in the preparation of a research report
-Contribute substantial input to development of work plans, research questions, project concept
notes, and field research guides;
-Help to organize research interviews;
-Facilitate the logistic needs for the project, including organizing schedules, meetings, facilities, transport etc
-Conduct interviews with a variety of actors, including NGO’s, government and individuals
using a full-range of qualitative research techniques;
-Translation English to Arabic and vice versa during the in depth interviews;
-Translation Arabic to English and vice versa of key materials;
-Provide insights into the findings of field research, using substantial local knowledge (political, institutional, cultural, etc);
-Review documents and findings and provide input
-Other duties as required.

Requirements:
- Fluency in English and Arabic in oral and written form;
- University degree (law or social sciences preferred);
- Demonstrable experience conducting and analyzing field research and conducting local
research activities;
-Proven interest in issues of justice, advocacy and humanitarian/development service delivery
-In-depth understanding of the social, institutional, and political environment in the Occupied
Palestinian Territories, including an understanding of local power structures;
-Ability to conduct evidence-based policy analysis and play an active role in the development
of program policy and direction;
-For consultant based in West Bank/ East Jerusalem, the ability to travel in these areas
-Knowledge of computer programs, including Microsoft Word and Excel;
-Punctuality willingness to take initiative, multi-tasking, and willingness to work under pressure
to meet deadlines.

Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply.
Those interested shall send your current CV (not to exceed 2 pages), a letter explaining your
interest in this position and detailing relevant achievements, and the contact information for 2
professional references (employers, professors, etc) to the Swiss Agency for Development and
Cooperation in the oPt (SDC). Candidatures are expected to arrive by email at [email protected] by
September 4, 2012.