Research Assistant (Short-Term, Field-Based) – Regenerate Africa

Job Details

Background

Purpose of the Assignment

• Establish baseline information on nature-based livelihood enterprises, value chains, and market dynamics.
• Conduct livelihood and market analysis for nature-based enterprise opportunities.
• Identify employment opportunities, income sources, household characteristics, market linkages, challenges, and community dependence on wetland resources.

Objectives of the Research Assistant Assignment

• Collecting household survey data while observing research integrity and ethical standards.
• Conducting field observations using approved observation checklists.
• Taking photographs and recording field notes to support research findings.
• Collecting accurate information using digital data collection tools.

Project Study Areas

• Musambwa Islands.
• Adjacent wetlands.
• Fishing landing sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Attend the mandatory orientation and training workshop before field deployment.
• Learn how to use household survey tools on ODK digital platforms.
• Participate in testing and piloting data collection tools.
• Receive training in:
  • Research methods.
  • Interview techniques.
  • Digital data collection using ODK.
  • GPS coordinate collection.
  • Data quality control.
  • Research ethics and informed consent.

2. Household Survey Data Collection

• Conduct household surveys using ODK digital tools.
• Interview randomly selected respondents within assigned project locations.
• Collect GPS coordinates of respondent households.
• Ensure participation of both women and men according to gender inclusion requirements.
• Meet assigned sample targets for the study area.

3. Field Observation Activities

• Conduct structured observations on:
  • Livelihood activities.
  • Wetland resource use.
  • Market infrastructure.
  • Community economic activities.
• Capture photographs of relevant activities with participant consent.
• Record GPS coordinates for important observation points.
• Take detailed field notes to support research analysis.

4. Data Submission and Reporting

• Upload completed ODK survey data daily.
• Submit interview notes, focus group discussion notes, and checklists to the Field Supervisor within 24 hours.
• Prepare a brief field report after completing data collection.
• Highlight:
  • Key findings.
  • Community feedback.
  • Data quality issues.
  • Important field observations.
• Participate in post-field review meetings with the Regenerate Africa research team.

5. Ethical Responsibilities

• Obtain informed consent before collecting any information.
• Explain the purpose of the study to respondents.
• Protect confidentiality and privacy of participants.
• Follow research ethics and the do-no-harm approach.
• Handle all collected information responsibly.
• Avoid sharing project data with unauthorized persons.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum qualification of a Diploma in a relevant field such as:
  • Social Work.
  • Environment Studies.
  • Public Health.
  • Development Studies.
  • Community Development.
  • Agriculture.
  • Related fields.

• Basic computer literacy.
• Experience using smartphone/tablet-based data collection applications such as ODK.
• Previous experience in household surveys, research, or field data collection.
• Availability for the full assignment period.
• Preference will be given to applicants residing in Kyotera or Masaka Districts.
• Fluency in Luganda is mandatory.

Key Competencies

• Strong interviewing and communication skills.
• Ability to collect accurate information.
• Good observation and note-taking skills.
• Respectful engagement with communities, farmers, local leaders, and government officials.
• Strong research ethics and integrity.
• Ability to work effectively in field environments.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of gender-sensitive research approaches is an added advantage.

Confidentiality Requirements

• Protect all collected information and research materials.
• Maintain respondent confidentiality.
• Avoid sharing research findings without authorization.
• Return all survey tools, notes, and materials after completion of the assignment.

Contract Termination Conditions

• Poor performance or failure to complete assigned duties.
• Misconduct.
• Providing false or inaccurate data.
• Breach of confidentiality.
• Failure to submit collected data or attend required activities.

Terms of Contract

How to Apply

• A brief cover letter (maximum one page) indicating:
  • The study site they are applying for.
  • Relevant research or field experience.
• Updated CV (maximum three pages).
• Contact details of two professional referees.

Interview Preparation Tips

• Previous experience conducting surveys or field research.
• Experience using ODK or digital data collection tools.
• How to obtain informed consent from respondents.
• Handling confidential information.
• Approaches to interviewing rural communities.
• Challenges faced during field data collection and how they were managed.
• Experience working with environmental, community development, or livelihood projects.

CV Tips for Applicants

• Research assistant experience.
• Data collection experience.
• ODK, KoboToolbox, or mobile data collection skills.
• Community engagement experience.
• Public health, environment, agriculture, or social research background.
• Knowledge of Kyotera or Masaka communities.
• Language skills, especially Luganda.
• Report writing and field documentation skills.