Short-term field researcher/interpreter (Nicaragua-based)

Bilwi, Northern Atlantic Autonomous Region, Nicaragua

2 week contract – May 3 to May 17, 2013.

 

Reboot seeks a researcher and interpreter to support a short-term project researching children’s rights in the Northern Atlantic Autonomous Region of Nicaragua between May 3 and May 17, 2013. The research component will focus on understanding community priorities, capabilities and constraints related to key aspects of children’s growth and development in the region.

The researcher will be responsible for supporting the field team with linguistic and cultural translation; data collection and analysis, including interviewing and synthesis processes; and outreach to communities and potential interviewees. Research methods will be qualitative and, specifically, ethnographic.

This is a short-term assignment that will include 2 weeks of full-time work.

Responsibilities:

• Support the content and operational planning for community research activities in collaboration with Reboot staff.
• Provide linguistic and cultural translation in interactions with local communities.
• Coordinate research activities and engagements in selected communities.
• Conduct qualitative research using methods such as semi-structured depth interviews, focus group interviews, and participant observation.
• Prepare detailed notes and documentation of the field research.
• Analyze collected data using structured synthesis exercises and techniques.
• Manage field research logistics including transport and communications.

 

Qualifications:

• Must be available for full-time work in and around the regional capital of Bilwi from May 3-May 17.
• Must be from (or very familiar with) the Northern Atlantic Autonomous Region.
• Must speak/write native Spanish and advanced English. Knowledge of additional local languages (e.g. Miskitu) a plus.
• Interpretation experience also a plus
• Empathy and emotional intelligence are core requirements. Must be sensitive and able to interact well with communities from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
• No prior background in community development, education, or design necessary, though would be a plus.
• Experience in social science (and especially ethnographic) research preferred, but not critical. We are also open to working with capable, talented university students, young journalists, social workers, community mobilizers, and other similar profiles –– essentially, candidates that have experience working with communities at a grassroots level.

 

To Apply:

All applications should include a recent CV and a description of experience living/working in the region. Applications must also include a proposed daily rate, inclusive of all costs working in and around Bilwi, to be considered.

All applications should be sent to samantha AT thereboot DOT org .

Applicants will be interviewed in Bilwi between April 30 and May 3.