About Empatika
Empatika is a small 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 and experiential research and training. We believe that this requires sensitive and empathetic research approaches which enable people to share their perspectives and experiences. Of course, such approaches also require empathetic, sensitive, and skilled researchers. Do you have the interest, passion, skills, and sensitivity to become part of our wider research team?
For more information on Empatika, visit our website: https://www.empatika.org/work-with-us.html
Role and Responsibilities
To support the implementation of various research projects in Indonesia, Empatika utilizes Research Associates as part of our study teams. Qualitative Research Associates with Empatika receive a unique opportunity to learn participatory approaches by being involved in fieldwork as well as being trained, mentored and supported throughout the process. Roles and responsibilities for research associates are:
1. Satisfactory completion of the mandatory Immersion Research Level 1 training
2. For research studies:
- Attend all required study briefing sessions
- Travel with designated sub-team to the study location and manage the selection of appropriate study participants with your sub-team, and/or for immersion studies, manage the selection of an appropriate host household.
- Use participatory approaches such as informal conversations, in-depth observations and experiences, along with other complementary approaches depending on the study method, to gather insights into the study issues, ensuring careful adherence to ethical practices and the need for the 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/data collection process, including team reflection and sense-making sessions.
- Contribute to sub-team archiving and fulfillment of all responsibilities related to finalisation of the outputs of the study or project.
- Submit all necessary supporting evidence for any payments made.
- Provide additional information as required by the sub-team leader, project director, or study leader.
3. Attend ad-hoc training as required
4. Support other Empatika activities as agreed upon.
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.) or a related field.
- Fluency in Bahasa Indonesia is required, along with strong spoken and reading English skills.
- Minimum 2 years of work experience in development research, other development work, or other relevant/related experiences.
- Experience in qualitative research including knowledge of terminologies/strategies/approaches is preferred.
- Having experience working and engaging in field activities would be an advantage.
B. Other Qualities and Experience:
- Flexible, patient and proactive: ability to change course, explore new ideas and ‘go with the flow’.
- A curious people person: excited for getting to know new people and learning about their lives; willingness to strike up a conversation with anyone
- Good listening and communication skills
- Open minded: 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 and for different applications
- 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 more ‘simple’ conditions.
- Able to maintain attention for extended periods and to maintain high quality outputs
Duration
The selected Qualitative Research Associates who pass the selection process (including the mandatory Immersion Research Level 1 training) will be offered a contract and have the opportunity to participate in studies in Indonesia.
Training
Selected candidates must also participate in the Level 1 Training which will be held in Jakarta. The contract will only be provided to those who satisfactorily complete this training.
Availability
If you are interested, please submit your full CV and a short paragraph indicating your interest in this assignment to team@empatika.org stating “Qualitative Research Associate 2022” on the subject of the email. The position is for Indonesian nationals only.
Applications close at 5 pm Jakarta Time on 10th January 2022.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.