Research Assistants (ethnography): Resiliency project – Malawi based
The Institute of Public Opinion and Research (IPOR) in collaboration with the Governance and Local Development Institute (GLD) at the University of Gothenburg and Cornell University is seeking 8 ethnographic Research Assistants for a Malawi-based project.
The Institute of Public Opinion and Research (IPOR) in collaboration with GLD are looking for 8 ethnographic Research Assistants for the project: Survive, Thrive, or Deprive? Drivers and Outcomes of Resilience During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Malawi .
The positions are full-time during six weeks and based in either the districts of Balaka, Chikwawa, Chitipa, Dowa, Kasungu, Lilongwe, Mchinji and Nkhata Bay.
Starting date: Flexible during March 2025
About the Resiliency project
The Resiliency project examines why some individuals and communities respond better than others to crises, and the longer-term effects of crises on governance and welfare. Examining community governance in Malawi during the Covid pandemic, it aims to answer three questions:
- What explains when and how communities implement and enforce policies to mitigate the pandemic's negative effects? When/why does this impact poverty and inequality?
- How do community factors and individuals' characteristics affect how individuals manage crises?
- How has the pandemic altered community social ties and authority?
About the positions
We are seeking motivated and skilled Research Assistants to support a six-week ethnographic study in Malawi. This will entail living in the selected case study site for the period. This opportunity is ideal for individuals who are passionate about, or have an interest in, qualitative research, fieldwork, community research, participatory research and social science research. Tasks will include, but are not limited to: negotiating access into communities, collecting and collating observational data, conducting and note-taking of formal and informal walk-around interviews, writing background reports, and assisting with qualitative data management and analysis. Specific tasks will be determined based on the needs of the project.
Required education
- A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, Sociology, Development Studies, Public Health, or a related field.
- Candidates studying for (or possessing) postgraduate studies or with relevant research experience will have an added advantage.
Required skills
- Strong qualitative research skills, particularly in ethnographic methods such as participant observation and in-depth interviews
- Experience conducting fieldwork in rural settings
- Proficiency in the local language (s) spoken in the respective areas
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with diverse community members
- Strong organizational and data management skills, especially note-taking and transcription
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a resource-limited setting
Benefits
- A generous compensation that will include a stipend to cover living expenses during fieldwork
- Hands-on experience in ethnographic research within a real-world setting
- Field support, including an online research training prior to fieldwork
How to Apply!
In order to apply, please submit your CV (maximum 2 pages) with contacts of two referees and a brief cover letter (maximum 1 page) outlining your relevant experience, motivation and knowledge/attachment of any of the districts for this role.
Indicate the district to which you would like to be based in the email subject and letter.
Send your complete application to: dave.namusanya@gu.se with copies to: recruitment@ipormw.org
Deadline for applications: 19 February 2025 at 5 PM Malawi time
Only those who are shortlisted will be contacted for online interviews.