Nepal faces an acute leadership crisis. Frustrated with high poverty and inequality, local communities nationwide are losing hope and becoming more dependent on external support. The authorities in the public, private and social sectors, on the other hand, have largely failed to collaborate in creating a suitable environment and citizen capacity for addressing these flaring issues. Most unfortunately, the colossal innovation potential of youth, who comprise half the nation, remains largely untapped. In fact, 1500 youth leave Nepal each day for foreign opportunities.

Nepal Leadership Academy (NLA) is a signature component of Daayitwa Abhiyaan, which envisions a resilient and thriving Nepal where all citizens embrace their responsibilities to collectively transform societal challenges into innovative opportunities. Towards this vision, NLA builds leadership capacity in young change-agents – who are guided by the shared values of collaborating, innovating, and serving and the shared principles of community, justice and sustainability – to architect effective policy, business and civic solutions that tackle the most grueling adaptive challenges in Nepal. NLA conducts research, develops curriculum and provides in-practice leadership coaching to policy, social and business innovators in Nepal.

Position Title: Research Assistant
Based: Kathmandu and field visits
No. of Vacancy: 1
Application Deadline: May 31, 2018

NLA is evaluating a leadership course that seeks to improve management and good governance skills of target communities. The course involves problem identification, stakeholder analysis, budgeting, and civic engagement. The goal of this evaluation is to assess impacts of the leadership training on local planning and governance. The research assistant (RA) will receive general supervision from the lead researcher to support this project. The RA will also assist in other ongoing research works as well as provide logistical support to the NLA.

1. Strong analytical and research abilities, with practical application experiences in conducting qualitative and quantitative research

2. Ability to independently conduct focus group discussions and key informant interview

3. Academic coursework and practical experience in applied research methods, particularly in social sciences.

The responsibilities include the following:

1. Assist the Daayitwa research team in designing research methodology

2. Work in liaison with relevant stakeholders, as necessary

3. Assist the research team with literature reviews, drafting entirely or portions of such reviews

4. Provide technical inputs and critical feedback to the research team

5. Manage fieldwork related to the project at all levels of the government, including field visits

6. Engage with key stakeholders in the public and private sectors as well as with a wide range of urban and rural populations in the research districts

7. Assist the governance team in synthesis, analysis, and other general research works

1. At least have a university degree in sociology, psychology, political science, public policy, or other social science majors

2. Two years of relevant research experience

3. Ability to work effectively under pressure in a diverse, team-oriented environment

4. Strong motivation, self-starter and organizational/time management skills

5. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks at a time within deadlines

6. Willingness to learn and work hard

7. Excellent oral and written communications skills in English and Nepali

To learn more about Daayitwa and our work, do visit our facebook page or our website. 
Facebook :  https://www.facebook.com/daayitwa/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGYX-0_rlCuvASwYuqzpCOw
Website    :  www.daayitwa.org

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