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Oxfam in Uganda

Research Assistants

Oxfam in Uganda

Uganda Full time Administration
Posted: Jul 17, 2026 2 weeks ago 191 views

Job Description

 

Research Assistant (Consultancy) – Oxfam in Uganda

Organization
Oxfam in Uganda (Oxfam Novib Uganda)
Job Title
Research Assistant
Duty Stations
  • Adjumani
  • Amuru
  • Apac
  • Kalaki
  • Amuria
  • Soroti
  • Serere
  • Iganga
Contract Type
Consultancy
Contract Duration
1 Year (On-call basis)
Work Schedule
Full-time (40 Hours per Week)
Reports To
MEAL Officer
Start Date
As Soon As Possible
Application Deadline
22nd July 2026

About Oxfam

Oxfam is a global confederation of 22 organizations working in more than 70 countries to end poverty, inequality, and injustice. The organization partners with governments, civil society, and local communities to improve livelihoods, respond to humanitarian crises, promote gender equality, strengthen climate resilience, and advocate for social justice.
Oxfam has worked in Uganda since the 1960s, supporting vulnerable communities through humanitarian assistance, sustainable development programmes, and advocacy initiatives.

Project Background

Oxfam, in partnership with PELUM Uganda, ESAFF Uganda, and CIDI, is implementing two major food systems and climate resilience programmes:
  • Rooted in Diversity (RiD): Partnerships for Food Security and Livelihoods (funded by NORAD)
  • Cultivating Change in a Warming World (CCiWW) (funded by SIDA)
The projects aim to strengthen resilient, inclusive, and gender-transformative food systems by empowering smallholder farmers, particularly women, through agroecological practices, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, food security, sustainable livelihoods, and improved access to quality seed systems.
The Research Assistants will support an evaluation focused on Quality Declared Seed (QDS) and Farmer Variety Registration, generating evidence to improve seed systems, policy advocacy, and adaptive project management.

Job Summary

The Research Assistant will support field data collection for research and evaluation activities across the target districts. The role involves conducting interviews, administering surveys, facilitating focus group discussions, collecting high-quality data using digital tools, engaging communities ethically, and ensuring compliance with research protocols.
Successful candidates should have experience in research or field data collection, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in rural and remote communities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Data Collection
  • Identify and locate sampled households and respondents.
  • Conduct face-to-face interviews with community members.
  • Administer questionnaires and surveys.
  • Facilitate focus group discussions (FGDs).
  • Collect accurate data using:
    • Kobo Collect
    • SurveyCTO
    • SurveyMonkey
    • Other approved digital data collection tools
  • Ensure data collection follows approved methodologies and protocols.
2. Preparation and Planning
  • Review questionnaires and research tools before field activities.
  • Plan and schedule field visits.
  • Coordinate with supervisors and team members.
  • Meet daily and weekly data collection targets.
3. Community Engagement
  • Build positive relationships with respondents.
  • Explain the purpose of the research clearly.
  • Obtain informed consent before interviews.
  • Respond professionally to participants' questions and concerns.
  • Maintain confidentiality and respect for respondents.
4. Data Quality Assurance
  • Verify collected data for completeness and accuracy.
  • Identify and correct errors before submission.
  • Maintain organized records of field data.
  • Submit completed data according to project timelines.
5. Reporting and Feedback
  • Prepare regular progress reports.
  • Share field observations and recommendations with supervisors.
  • Participate in debriefing meetings.
  • Support continuous improvement of data collection processes.
6. Compliance and Ethics
  • Follow Oxfam's Code of Conduct.
  • Maintain confidentiality of participant information.
  • Respect community cultures and traditions.
  • Comply with ethical standards for research and data collection.

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum Diploma in any relevant field.
Preferred fields include:
  • Social Sciences
  • Development Studies
  • Agriculture
  • Public Health
  • Statistics
  • Community Development
  • Related disciplines

Experience Requirements

  • 1–4 years of experience in:
    • Data collection
    • Surveys
    • Research
    • Assessments
    • Monitoring and evaluation
    • Fieldwork
Experience in NGOs or humanitarian organizations is an added advantage.

Required Technical Skills

  • Knowledge of digital data collection platforms including:
    • Kobo Collect
    • SurveyCTO
    • SurveyMonkey
  • Basic computer literacy.
  • Ability to use tablets and smartphones for field data collection.
  • Data recording and verification skills.

Required Competencies

  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • High attention to detail.
  • Good organizational skills.
  • Time management skills.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Teamwork and collaboration.
  • Commitment to ethical research practices.

Language Requirements

Fluency in English and at least one of the following local languages is highly desirable:
  • Madi
  • Acholi
  • Langi
  • Ateso
  • Lusoga
  • Kumam
Applicants who are residents of the target districts are strongly encouraged to apply.

Working Conditions

  • Extensive fieldwork in rural and remote communities.
  • Frequent travel within assigned districts.
  • Flexible working hours, including weekends when required.
  • Ability to walk long distances and work outdoors.

Why Join Oxfam?

  • Opportunity to contribute to impactful research on food security and climate resilience.
  • Gain experience with an internationally recognized humanitarian organization.
  • Professional learning and development opportunities.
  • Work alongside experienced researchers and development practitioners.
  • Contribute to evidence-based policy and community development initiatives.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:
  • Updated Resume/CV.
  • Cover Letter.
Applications must be submitted through the official Oxfam application portal before the closing date.
Application Deadline:
22nd July 2026
Note:
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
  • Successful candidates will undergo reference checks and appropriate background screening.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY



About Company

Oxfam in Uganda

Oxfam in Uganda

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Job Overview

  • Job Type: Full time
  • Experience Level: Intermediate
  • Education Level: Bachelors
  • Vacancies: 1
  • Category: Administration
  • Location: Uganda
  • Application: External Website

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