Job opportunity with the SFA Eswatini hub - Research Assistant

The Sustainable Futures in Africa (SFA) Network, in collaboration with the University of Eswatini, is seeking to fill the position of a Research Assistant  to help implementing a collaborative research project entitled Whose crisis?: The Global covid-19 crisis from the perspective of communities in Africa. More specifically, the Research assistant will lead the fieldwork activities. This project is an interdisciplinary initiative and project team members are spread across the UK, Botswana, Malawi, Nigeria, Eswatini and Uganda. The Research Assistant will have the opportunity to exchange with colleagues from other locations as well as to build an international network. Click here for more information about the project.

About the role

The research assistant will be responsible for video capture, photography, documentation, story creation and academic writing in line with SFA guidelines. Trainings in 1) participatory methods, 2) audio and video capture, 3) project management will be provided, but the applicant needs strong experience in these areas.

This is a part time position, for 10 months (Nov 2020 to Aug 2021). The working schedule will be discussed with potential candidates, and will vary depending on project phases. The candidate will be based at the University of Eswatini and will work closely with a multidisciplinary research team and with the research administrator.

Responsibilities

  1. Support the development of the hub methodology and the selection of appropriate participatory research methods
  2. Build strong collaborative relationships and links with external agencies, stakeholders and communities maximizing the potential for increased partnership working
  3. Travel in-country and document the plural and diverse lived experiences of, perspectives on, and responses to, COVID-19 in vulnerable local communities at a community and household level
  4. Support the Research Administrator in the maintenance of accurate records of documentation (data), safeguarding the confidentiality of subjects, as necessary
  5. Provide ready access to all data/material for the home institution research team and/or Project team based in the UK (University of Glasgow)
  6. Request or acquire equipment or supplies necessary for the project
  7. Meet with the Research Lead and Research Administrator to report on progression and challenges in a timely manner
  8. Support the Research Lead with Ethic applications
  9. Participate in team meetings, other essential meetings and workshops

Role's requirements

  1. Must hold master’s degree from a recognized academic institution.
  2. Must have participated in a research project and demonstrate data collection ability.
  3. Must demonstrate ability to capture video, photographs, and to document lived experiences.
  4. Must demonstrate excellent project management skills (data collection and storage, etc.).
  5. Must demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills.
  6. Must demonstrate excellent writing skills (for diverse audiences: media, academia, general public, etc.).

How to apply

Interested applicants who meet the requirements should submit their CV and cover letter (both in .pdf format) by email with at least 3 reference contacts and daytime contact number to; sustainablefuturesinafrica@gmail.com

Please indicate the position in the subject line.

Apply by 9th November 2020.