Practical Action Consulting Vacancy for Research Assistant

Practical Action Consulting (PAC) is a research arm of an international development organization ‘Practical Action’. PAC operates its research and innovations in three change ambitions of Practical Action- farming that works, energy that protects, and resilience that transforms. The goal of PAC is to make the world that works better for everyone. PAC in Nepal has worked in all 77 districts of Nepal through its assignments in different change ambitions. PAC Nepal is the Asia region office of global PAC and has its footprint across different countries- Nepal, India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan.

PAC, in partnership with University College London (UCL) is conducting a research project that explores how measurement practices, knowledge, and expertise shape the implementation of adaptation policies and programmes at multiple scales. We are looking for a highly motivated early-career researcher to be involved in this exciting programme to make adaptation more accountable to the most vulnerable.

Job Functions and Responsibilities:

As a Research Assistant, you will play a crucial role in supporting the Post-Doctoral Researcher in Nepal. Your role will include the
following:

Support in conducting qualitative literature reviews on demand and share findings with the Nepal and UK team.
Review and summarize key relevant policy documents.
Lead an action-research pilot with the guidance of the post-doctoral researcher.
Provide conceptual, administrative, and logistic support in policy, workshop, and training events.
Transcribe and translate key-informant interviews.
Contribute to the project communications strategy by writing blogs, and supporting in developing workshop proceedings, working papers, and policy briefs.
About you

Requirement and qualifications:

• A master’s degree in environmental sciences, human geography, international relations, Sociology, Political Sciences, or related fields [preferred].
• Masters’ students in the final semester may also apply.
• Basic experience in qualitative research [preferred]
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English & Nepali, with the ability to (i) produce high-quality research reports in
• English and (ii) produce transcripts from voice recordings in Nepali and translate it to English [preferred]
• Experience in social sciences research in the sector of Climate change with familiarity in the policy landscape, or experience in working for climate change adaptation projects in Nepal [desirable]

Personal attributes:

• Motivated to learn new concepts, ideas, and skills.
• Willingness to be regularly engaged in reading journal articles, policy documents and organizational reports is essential.
• Committed to PAC’s policies of equal opportunity and equality, diversity and inclusion, and able to work well with academic and non-academic colleagues, students, and communities of all cultures and backgrounds.
• Willingness to travel for the research.

Why join us?

• Be a part of a change-making organization: Contribute to Practical Action’s mission of putting ingenious ideas to work so people in poverty can change their lives.
• Make a real-world impact: Contribute to a high-profile project that addresses critical challenges in climate adaptation.
• Launch your career: Gain valuable experience, build your network, and set yourself on a path towards a career in research.
• Work in a dynamic environment: Collaborate with an international team of experts from one of the most reputed academic institutions in the world and be a part of a vibrant consulting team engaged in innovative projects across diverse sectors including agriculture, climate change, and energy.

Additional information

We treat all applications for employment fairly regardless of gender, race, religion, ethnicity, nationality, caste, tribe, belief, age, marital status, pregnancy, caring responsibilities, sexual orientation, or disability.

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults and as such candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including criminal checks and terrorist financing.

To ensure that we meet our obligations of safer recruitment, appointment to posts within our organization will be subject to a satisfactory criminal check. Criminal checks will be conducted for all roles.

The successful applicant must already have the right to both live and work in Nepal and should be willing and able to travel.

Closing date for applications: 18th June 2024

Submit your application to Info.Pacasia@practicalaction.org.np including the following details;

• A one-page cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.
• A CV (maximum 2 pages) including publications if applicable.
• A relevant writing sample (e.g., Masters’ thesis chapter, blog post, peer-reviewed article if applicable).
• Contact details for 2 referees.

More details of the TOR can be found in https://practicalaction.org/careers/vacancies/research-assistant/.

Modes of selection

Shortlisting and interviews.

Supporting documents

ToR_ Research Assisstant