Qualitative Research Associate, International Development

AIR is seeking Research Associates to join our International Development Division (IDD). These positions offer opportunities to gain first-hand research experience on exciting evaluations of development programs.

AIR’s IDD strives to improve the quality of life in low- and middle-income countries by using rigorous monitoring, evaluation, research and technical assistance to enhance education and social development. We work across a wide range of topics including workforce development, agriculture/food/nutrition, early childhood development, education, refugees and migration, social protection, water/sanitation/infrastructure, and women's empowerment in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, Central and Latin America as well as the Middle East. IDD generates policy-relevant evidence through rigorous monitoring, evaluations, and research; helps improve program design through continuous learning and adaptation; and works with local organizations, funders, and governments to build sustainable solutions based on evidence. 

These positions can be remote or out of any of AIR's office locations in: Arlington, VA; Rockville, MD; Austin, TX; Chicago, IL; Chapel Hill, NC or Waltham, MA.

About AIR:

Established in 1946, with headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, AIR is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to solve some of the most urgent challenges in the U.S. and around the world. We advance evidence in the areas of education, health, the workforce, human services, and international development to create a better, more equitable world.

The responsibilities for the position include:

• Apply qualitative techniques and methods
• Conduct literature reviews and write sections of proposals and deliverables
• Develop interview protocols and conduct interviews
• Support and organize content for focus groups
• Support qualitative data collection activities such as training etc.
• Work on moderately complex assignments under indirect supervision
• Communicate project support needs and requests to senior management and clientele, provide administrative support where applicable
• Utilize external resources to supplement, organize, and contribute to tasks and projects
• Participate in business development activities

Education, Knowledge, and Experience:

• Master's degree in Anthropology, Economics, Sociology, Political Science, Psychology, History, Government, Public Policy or related fields
• Background working on education, social protection, agriculture, international labor, gender, or international assessments

Skills:

• Familiarity with M&E systems, indicator development, and results framework desirable
• Knowledge of NVivo or Atlas.ti or other qualitative software package
• Experience living and/or working outside the United States is required
• Ability to work independently on detailed assignments
• Flexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and team player
• Willingness to travel as needed
• Fluency in any of the following languages preferred: Spanish, Portuguese, French, Arabic
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite or the equivalent (word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software)
• Comfortable working independently and as a member of a team

Disclosures:

AIR requires all new hires to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or receive a legally required exemption from AIR, as a condition of employment.  AIR will ask candidates to verify their vaccination status only after a conditional offer of employment is made.  Applicants should not provide information about their vaccination status or need for exemption prior to receiving a conditional offer of employment from AIR

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) is not available for this position. Depending on project work, qualified candidates may need to meet certain residency requirements.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.

AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

 Please note, each section of the application is required in order for you to be considered for this opportunity. If you do not complete the required screening questions, or if you close your browser before completing each section of the application, your application will not be submitted for this position.