Research Associate – Water Community

The Research Associate is expected to carry out the following tasks:

§         Supports the Resource Person in Community knowledge sharing.  Conducts desk research, mainly through web and document searches and networking, to enhance depth of response to members’ queries; follows up with community members to obtain material.

§         Drafts material posted on Community mailgroups and websites under the guidance of the Resource Person (Consolidated Replies, e-discussion summaries, Updates, Newsletters etc.)

§         Provides the Community with operational support.  Organizes Community events, Action Groups, and initiatives; updates the website with documents and links; maintains member lists, performance indicators, and reporting information.

§         Contributes to work addressing cutting edge issues of concern to the Community, under the guidance of the Resource Person.  Helps to prepare ToRs and organizes the work; participates in assignments and events in a supporting role; drafts minutes and reports of events.

§         Participates in Solution Exchange collective activities and collaborative initiatives.  Promotes team-building; contributes to systems development; ensures conformity and compatibility with agreed systems norms and guidelines; shares information on Community initiatives

Post-graduate degree or equivalent in relevant disciplines related to development studies, social development, rural development, or rural management.

Experience:

§         More than 4 years of practical substantive experience in relevant development specialization at the field or national levels, or experience in a research or academic capacity in the field.

§         Basic experience in carrying out desk research

Knowledge and Skills:

§         Motivated, energetic, positive, thorough, and responsive to the needs of clients

§         Good knowledge of the key concerns and challenges facing development practitioners in the areas to be addressed by the Water Community.

§         Highly effective at securing relevant information through desk research; effective at applying web search tools and conventions

§         Excellent drafting skills

§         Excellent analytical, organizational and presentational skills

§         Proficient with all basic MS Office applications; proficient with or quick to learn new applications; e.g., mailgroup management and web design

Languages:

§         Fluency in spoken and written English.  Knowledge of one of the regional languages would be an added asset.