ThaiNGO

Research Assistant

for PSIL Unit Research and Planning Efforts

Purpose

The Asia Foundation’s Program Strategy, Innovation and Learning unit is seeking up to two consultants to provide support through desk research on a number issues related to its current analysis and programming focuses. One consultant will focus on urban governance. If an additional consultant is hired, other research topics may include: workforce development policy and practice, analysis on regional economic integration, development trajectories of countries moving from middle income to upper income status, the governance impact of major natural disasters, and current thinking and innovative practice on research uptake in policy processes.

Objective of Assignment

This assignment aims to produce summaries of articles and reports on the focus topics (one of which will be urban governance). Each consultant will also produce a concise report analyzing trends in thinking in the sector or on the issue they are studying.

Scope of Work

During the performance period the consultants will:

Hold weekly calls with the PSIL team members to plan research focus for the coming week.

Create a master document for summaries of papers reviews on Dropbox for regular review.

Read relevant articles and update Master document regularly with summaries.

Identify relevant journals and review themes/trends in selected articles.

Produce an initial outline of a short report on trends in the sector of study.

Submit a report on the trends or major concepts in the sector of study (up to 5 pages).

Qualifications/ Desired Skills

A Master’s degree in international development, public policy, urban planning, economic development, or related field.

Experience conducting social science research.

Experience of the Asia Foundation desirable, as is experience in developing countries.

English communication abilities are essential, access to a library or online journals will also be essential to complete this task.  

Assignment Dates and Level of Effort:

The assignment is to begin on 10 September, 2015 until 28 September, 2015. The expected Level of Effort will be at least 15 days with a maximum of 20 days. The consultant will be compensated for actual time spent on the assignment during this work period.

Applicants are invited to submit a cover letter with a statement of interest and resume by email to: inquiry.country.thailand@asiafoundation.org by September 10, 2015. (Only short-listed candidates will be notified)