Research Assistant - Kusuma Foundation (Apply by: November 22, 2015)

JOB DESCRIPTION
Research Assistant, Kusuma Foundation, Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh

1. POSITION VACANT: Research Assistant, Kusuma Foundation, Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh

2. ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND: 

The Kusuma Foundation (KF) is registered under Section 8 of the Company’s Act 2013 and works to support and implement programmes of national importance for Secondary Education of marginalised children, in the states of Odisha and Uttar Pradesh (UP).

The Foundation supports Kusuma Trust UK’s (The Trust) work in India. KF works in partnership with 112 Secondary schools to implement its programmes. It also has a Kusuma Resource Centre and twoKusuma Satellite Centres, which offer free access to educational resources, including books, audio-visual materials and computers with internet connectivity.

For more information about KF, please visit www.kusumafoundation.co.in

3. JOB DESCRIPTION/ RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reporting to State Manager (SM), the Research Assistant shall be responsible for developing and updating Management Information System (MIS) and Geographic Information System (GIS), for assigned projects and ensuring these comply with prescribed data requirements and timelines for the completion of field research undertaken by KF in collaboration with research agencies, partners and schools.

The post-holder shall be required to liaise with KF and Kusuma Trust UK (KTUK) staff, Grantees, State and District counterparts (both Government & Non-Government), Head Teachers (HTs), School Managements and Development Committees (SMDCs).

Key Responsibilities:

(1) Undertaking regular field visits to KF partner schools for primary data collection;
(2) Monthly updating of programme MIS;
(3) Tracking changes in key indicators in order to report progress in the work of the team;
(4) Documenting and drafting school and project updates, photos, case studies, and progress updates;
(5) Working closely with the Research Assistant in Sambalpur, Odisha, Senior Programme Manager, Programme Specialists based in New Delhi and KF Research and Evidence Manager, KTUK in London, to ensure implementation of assigned research projects to a high standard of quality and within agreed timelines.

4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES: 

Qualifications
Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Sciences, International Development, Statistics, Demography, Economics, or related field. A Masters degree is highly desirable.

Experience 
Applicants must have a minimum of two years of research experience, relating to education or development. 

Essential
(1) Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Advanced Excel;
(2) Strong communication and facilitation skills, and ability to establish good working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders;
(3) Proven ability to meet tight deadlines;
(4) Strong analytical skills and ability to write concise reports;
(5) Willingness to be based and work from a district location in Uttar Pradesh; 
(6) Working knowledge of English and Hindi; 
(7) Empathy with KF’s mission and priorities.

Desirable 
(1) Working knowledge of statistical software (SPSS, SAS, STATA etc.)
(2) Good sense of humour, enthusiasm, and patience; 
(3) A passion for creative problem solving; 
(4) Strong networking skills, problem solving and analytical skills; 
(5) Willingness to work flexibly and travel regularly.

5. COMPENSATION OFFERED:

The gross remuneration budgeted for this position is attractive. Please note that offers shall be commensurate with the qualifications, experience and salary history of the selected candidate.

6. LOCATION: Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh

7. REFERENCE: RA-KF

8. CONTACT INFORMATION:

Senior Consultant 
Strategic Alliance Management Services P Ltd.
1/1B, Choudhary Hetram House, Bharat Nagar
New Friends Colony, New Delhi 110 025
Phones: 011-2684-2162; 011-4165-3612; 011-4101-1564 and 011-4101-1565
Email: ra-kf@sams.co.in 

9. LAST DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:

Interested candidates must email their latest resume/CV, along with a cover letter and details of three professional references, current cost to organization and remuneration expectations to ra-kf@sams.co.inby or before November 22, 2015.

Please note that interviews with promising applicants shall commence almost immediately.