Research Assistant

SAWA for Development and Aid is a Civil Society Organization founded initially as a spontaneous initiative in December 2011 to respond to the arrival of the first 40 Syrian families displaced from Syria into the North of Lebanon.

This initiative then grew to include individual activists, locals and internationals, who worked together (literally meaning ‘SAWA’ in Arabic) to share their knowledge and exchange their experiences in order to support Syrians, internally displaced or refugees in neighboring countries, united by their belief in their right to live in dignity, freedom, and to be active individuals in their communities and wherever they are.

SAWA sees itself as part and parcel of the society, and that it is on a continuous learning journey based on a participatory relationship at all levels with the communities that it works with, whether host or displaced, as well as with local and international partners.

SAWA believes that humanitarian, developmental, and civic work has to always strive to achieve social justice, and so it aims to work with individuals and communities through holistic interventions towards a society based on democracy, pluralism, and the values of citizenship and human rights. 

Objective of the Role:

The Research Assistant provides support to the PRA Officer by gathering and analyzing information and data. H/She will conduct and interpret statistical analysis, prepare presentations, and manuscripts, and coordinate study activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

•    Manage data collection and coordination of activities including the development, implementation, and evaluation of all research aspects.
•    Design, develop, and implement procedures of methods for the creation of datasets for analysis and ensuring data quality and confidentiality. 
•    Prepare data sharing agreements and study progress reports. 
•    Conduct searches and maintain database for results and citation.
•    Analyze research data, interpret results, and prepare manuscripts and presentations.
•    Disseminate research findings at meetings.
•    Communicate with the PRA Officer, team members, and donors.
•    Review gathered research and analyze various sets of data for writing reports.
•    Ensure that databases remain secure.

Competencies and Skills:

•    Experience in conducting and organizing qualitative fieldwork
•    Experience in conducting qualitative analysis using Excel, Word
•    Evidence of ability to grasp complex concepts, debates quickly, and engages with these effectively through research
•    Evidence of having worked in group settings and/or as part of a cross-organizational or inter-organizational team
•    Ability to communicate effectively – in writing and in person - about research findings 
•    Evidence of having delivered or contributed to the delivery of high quality social research output
•    Written and oral communication skills; able to communicate clearly and sensitively with internal and external stakeholders as a representative of SAWA. This includes effective negotiation and representation skills
•    Works with trustworthiness and integrity and has a clear commitment to SAWA’s core values and humanitarian principles
•    Well planned and organized even within a fluid working environment and has the capacity for initiative and decision-making with competent analytical and problem-solving skills