TITLE: Research Assistant (Consultant)
CONTRACT TERM: Through May 2024 initially, with the possibility of extension depending on performance and funding availability.
LOCATION: Bangkok and Chiang Rai, Thailand preferred.

SUMMARY OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The Asia Foundation’s Thailand Office seeks a qualified and personable individual for a Research Assistant to support the USAID and Australia Mekong Safeguards Program. The Research Assistant will work closely with leading civil society organizations (CSOs) and engage in insightful community research, delving into the pressing issues surrounding the Mekong River. The candidate will play a pivotal role in coordinating with CSOs on conducting comprehensive studies of the impact on infrastructure development, lessons learned from advocacy efforts, and community livelihood improvements through different stakeholder engagements, such as local authorities and communities along the Mekong River in Chiang Rai. This a great opportunity to make a real and sustainable impact on the future of the Mekong River communities.

The USAID and Australia Mekong Safeguards Program (Mekong Safeguards) is a six-year project working with central banks, governments, and developers in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar on significant energy and transportation infrastructure investments to strengthen environmental and social standards and adopt clean technologies in Southeast Asia’s Lower Mekong sub-region. The program is an exciting opportunity to support new and improved ways governments, financiers, developers, and communities can invest and build sustainable energy and transportation infrastructure. It is funded through a unique partnership between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

REPORTING & SUPERVISION

This position reports to the Senior Program Officer and Government Relations and Public Policy Specialist.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Research Assistant is a vital programmatic role in conducting research, on-the-ground coordination, and activity implementation in Chiang Rai province. The candidate can be based in Bangkok (or other provinces) and work remotely, but periodic travels to Chiang Rai will be required. Key responsibilities include:

• Conduct in-depth literature reviews in Thai and English, focusing on social and environmental issues related to the Mekong River.
• Collaborate with the local CSOs, designated by Mekong Safeguards, on data collection efforts, including interviews, focus group discussions, field visits, etc.
• Assist in data analysis and visualization, presenting insights to drive informed decision-making.
• Assist in writing research reports, highlighting key findings and their implications.
• Cultivate partnerships and engage with local organizations and communities, contributing to impactful change.
• Assist local CSOs in understanding the program’s expectations and reporting requirements.
• Serve as a crucial linguistic bridge, translating the report from Thai to English.
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned by Mekong Safeguards.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree or above graduates in Development, Social Science, Economics, Environmental Science, or related field.
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in Thai to effectively engage with the local CSOs, local authorities, and research team.
• Professional written skills in English to engage with the program staff and implementing partners.
• Previous experience in research or survey projects is preferred, but not mandatory.
• Knowledge of computer-assisted interviews, data collection, and statistical analysis software will be an advantage.
• Solution-oriented, committed, and good communication skills to work smoothly with colleagues from various cultures and backgrounds.
• A willingness to embark on occasional travel adventures to work closely with local communities.
• Exceptional translation abilities to facilitate cross-cultural communication.
• Highly organized, flexible, adaptable to changing priorities, and detail-oriented.
• Able to work well under deadlines with minimum supervision.
• Passion for environmental and social issues is a plus.
• Experience with USAID or Australia DFAT programs is a plus.

Send CV/résumé and cover letter to Mekong.Safeguards@asiafoundation.org. Please note application for Position “Research Assistant” in email subject title. The closing date is October 10, 2023. Please indicate your preferred daily rate in USD. (Only short-listed candidates will be notified.)

This recruitment is open to Thai citizens and foreign nationals residing in Thailand, though work permit/visa restrictions may apply to non-Thai citizens.