Join Plan International as a Part-time Research Assistant – Data Analysis & Research Role

2 weeks ago

4 minutes read

Introduction

Overview of Plan International and its global mission to advance children’s rights and gender equality.
Brief introduction to the Part-time Research Assistant role and its importance in the organization’s mission.
Call to action for readers to apply for the position.

Join Plan International as a Part-time Research Assistant – Data Analysis & Research Role

About Plan International

Plan International’s History:
- Discuss the founding of Plan International, its global reach, and its development over the past 85+ years.
- Provide an overview of Plan’s commitment to child rights, gender equality, and international development.
- Expand on Plan’s global presence, major initiatives, and past achievements (e.g., child protection, education programs, disaster response).
Mission & Vision:
- Plan’s vision of a world where all children can access their rights to education, healthcare, and protection.
- Highlight the role of gender equality in Plan’s mission and how it integrates into all of their programming.
Global Impact:
- Plan International’s work in over 75 countries, focusing on poverty alleviation, gender equality, and youth empowerment.
- Detailed examples of impactful projects in education, gender equality, and child protection.
- Long-term projects and the measurable impact they have on communities worldwide.

The Role of Research Assistants at Plan International

Why Research is Critical:
- Detailed explanation of the role research plays in shaping the effectiveness of development programs.
- The importance of data-driven decision-making in the success of global programs.
- Link the research function with the organizational goal of improving children’s lives and rights.
Positioning the Research Assistant Role:
- Outline the responsibilities of the Research Assistant and their contribution to Plan’s Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research (MER) efforts.
- Detail how this position fits within the broader context of the organization’s projects.
- Emphasize the researcher’s role in ensuring that programs are evidence-based and can be improved through data analysis.
Key Skills and Competencies:
- A deep dive into the skills needed for success in the role, including data collection, statistical analysis, survey design, and stakeholder engagement.
- Importance of analytical and critical thinking skills in interpreting research findings and providing actionable insights.
- Discuss the role of communication skills in presenting findings to various stakeholders (e.g., policymakers, field teams, program staff).

The Importance of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) in Development Work

Overview of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E):
- Define Monitoring and Evaluation and its relevance in the development sector.
- Explain the distinction between monitoring (ongoing tracking of projects) and evaluation (assessment of outcomes and effectiveness).
- Why M&E is fundamental to ensuring accountability and impact in global development programs.
M&E Tools and Techniques:
- Provide in-depth explanations of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies used in M&E (e.g., focus group discussions, surveys, interviews, statistical analysis).
- Discuss specific tools used in the data collection process, such as KOBO Collect, ODK, SPSS, STATA, and GIS.
- The role of data visualization and how it helps communicate research findings effectively to various stakeholders.
How M&E Influences Program Improvement:
- Provide real-world examples of how M&E has led to program adjustments that improved outcomes for children and communities.
- Discuss the feedback loop in M&E, from initial monitoring to data analysis, and how it informs future program design and policy advocacy.

Detailed Job Description for the Part-time Research Assistant Role

Responsibilities:
- Expound on the day-to-day tasks of the Part-time Research Assistant, including detailed descriptions of responsibilities like:
  - Developing data collection tools: How you’ll create and refine surveys, interview guides, and data entry formats.
  - Data collection: What methodologies you’ll use, the tools (e.g., KOBO Collect, SPSS), and the importance of accuracy and integrity in data.
  - Data cleaning and analysis: Explain the importance of ensuring clean, accurate data, and how you’ll analyze data to generate meaningful insights.
  - Reporting and communication: Detailed breakdown of the process of preparing monthly reports and communicating findings with stakeholders.
  - Collaboration: Work with the Project Coordinator and Area Supervisor to ensure effective data management and alignment with program goals.
Skills and Tools:
- More detail on the software tools (KOBO Collect, SPSS, ODK, STATA) and how the assistant will utilize them to perform the role effectively.
- Data visualization tools and how they help the team communicate results clearly.
Qualifications:
- Education Requirements: Further details on how Bachelor’s degrees in fields like data science, economics, or statistics prepare candidates for this role.
- Experience Requirements: Explain the required 3 years of experience, and provide examples of previous research, data collection, or evaluation roles that would prepare an applicant for success.
- Technical Skills: Go deeper into why proficiency in KOBO Collect, STATA, SPSS, and other data tools is crucial.

Professional Development and Career Growth Opportunities

Growth within Plan International:
- Plan’s commitment to employee development, offering opportunities for training and career progression.
- Potential to transition to full-time roles within Plan or the broader international development sector.
- Mentorship and learning opportunities within the field of research and data analysis.
Networking and Collaboration:
- Opportunities to collaborate with global stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and development agencies.
- Gaining exposure to global health and humanitarian development initiatives through research.

Plan International’s Work Culture and Benefits

Workplace Environment:
- Plan International’s inclusive culture, fostering diversity and promoting gender equality both within its programs and its workforce.
- Insights into the employee experience, including how Plan fosters a supportive work environment that values collaboration and continuous learning.
Benefits:
- Health and wellness benefits, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Generous paid time off and paid family leave to support employees’ work-life balance.
- Opportunities to participate in Plan’s employee communities, which may include groups focused on women’s empowerment, diversity, and global development.

Conclusion

Call to Action:
- Encourage prospective applicants to apply before the April 4, 2025 deadline and outline how to apply through the official Plan International website.
Emphasize Impact:
- Remind readers of the opportunity to contribute to meaningful change through the Research Assistant role and make an impact on children’s rights and gender equality in Cameroon and beyond.