Position Title: Research Officer
Duty Station: Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, Nepal (with up to 40% field visits)
Duration: One Year (with a possibility of extension)
Working Hours: Full Time
Application Closing Date: 24 February 2023 

Background

ChildSafeNet is a non-profit non-governmental organisation, established with a mission to make digital technology safer for children and young people. ChildSafeNet works with children, young people, parents, schools, colleges, the government, the media, the private sector, NGOs, and international organisations. We work to raise awareness on safer use of the internet and digital devices to protect children and young people from internet addiction, online sexual abuse and exploitation, cyber-bullying, phishing, gaming addiction and to promote digital literacy.

Purpose

The Research Officer, a crucial member of the organisation, will work as a member of the ChildSafeNet research team. The Research Officer will develop research designs and plans; supervise, coach and manage the research team; coordinate the collection of primary and secondary data; analyse collected data; and write research reports. 

Description of Duties

• Develop research designs and instruments 
• Ensure timely collection of secondary data, including through literature review
• Lead and ensure Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) are conducted in a timely manner, using structured, semi-structured and open instruments in the field
• Coordinate collection of quantitative data through online and offline surveys 
• Supervise research assistants in collecting, tabulating and analysing data
• Prepare manuscripts and draft research reports
• Maintain accurate record of qualitative and quantitative data collection
• Develop a work plan and monitor progress against plans
• Regularly meet the supervisor & the research team to discuss the plans, progress and challenges
• Conduct and participate in training, meetings, workshops and seminars as necessary
• Perform other duties assigned by the supervisor

Qualifications and Experience

• Master's degree, preferably in social work, sociology, public health or anthropology 
• At least two years of experience in conducting research in the field of child rights and child protection issues (e.g., sexual violence against children, online risks and gender-based violence)
• Excellent knowledge and experience in the use of qualitative and quantitative data collection tools
• Experience in coordinating desktop and field research in a methodical manner
• Ability to use statistical and data analysis tools (e.g., SPSS and MAXQDA)
• Excellent communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to convey complex concepts and recommendations both orally and in writing, in a clear, concise style
• Proven track records in writing research reports 
• Good knowledge of children and young people's online behaviour and risks, desirable
• Good knowledge of child rights, child protection and gender-based violence
• Excellent knowledge of ethical considerations for research with children and young people 
• Knowledge of digital technology and use of computer applications

Personal Attributes

• A strong commitment and interest in the protection of children and young people online
• Willingness to learn and keep abreast of new developments in the field of cyber safety for children and young people  
• Ability to think analytically, strategically, critically, and outside the box
• Creativity, flexibility and attention to detail
• Sound planning and organisational skills (including self-management and time-management) 
• Excellent timely communication manner – online, telephone and face-to-face
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to operate effectively across organisational boundaries
• Ability to take own initiatives but also to work as a part of a team in a multicultural environment
• Ability to prepare plans, set priorities and implement activities in a timely manner
• Ability to multi-task and meet tight deadlines
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of work-related information 
• Sensitivity to gender, ethnicity and children and young people in difficult circumstances

Salary and Benefits

Rs. 40,000 – 60,000 according to the skills and experience plus benefits as per the organisational rules

Equal Opportunity

ChildSafeNet is an equal opportunity organisation, and the vacancy is open for all, regardless of their gender, ethnicity and socio-economic background.

Child Safeguarding

The post-holder's work may include face-to-face or online contact with children and young people. ChildSafeNet is committed to the protection of children and young people from abuse and exploitation. To ensure children and young people are safe, our selection process includes rigorous background checks of the short-listed applicants.