Research Officer

Vacancy Announcement: Research Officer

Position: Research Officer

Required Number: One

Duty Station: Hetauda

Type: Full-time

Application Deadline: 17th April, 2026

About us:

We are a non-governmental, non-profit, and non-political organization established in 2019, working to strengthen implementation science research for improved public health outcomes in Nepal. As part of our commitment to excellence and effective program delivery, we are seeking qualified and motivated individuals to join our team as a Research Officer. The officer will oversee field activities, support qualitative data collection, ensure ethical compliance, and liaise with stakeholders including schools, community organizations, and research partners.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and oversee fieldwork activities including ethnographic observations and in-depth interviews
• Supervise and support research assistants and youth researchers
• Facilitate communication between project partners, including academic and community organizations
• Ensure adherence to ethical protocols, especially related to sensitive populations (LGBTQ+ youth and mental health)
• Assist in participant recruitment using purposive and snowball sampling techniques
• Maintain project documentation, timelines, and reporting
• Support training of field staff on qualitative research methods and safety protocols
• Coordinate with schools, local authorities, and community stakeholders
• Monitor data quality and assist in preliminary data management and analysis
• Provide logistical and administrative support for project implementation

Qualifications:

• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Psychology, Nursing, Health Sciences, Health Education. Preference will be given to Masters level with above discipline
• Minimum 2–3 years of experience in research project coordination, preferably in qualitative or community-based studies.
• Experience working on mental health, youth programs, LGBTQ communities or gender/sexual minority issues is highly desirable
• Strong understanding of ethical research practices and human subject protection
• Experience in qualitative data collection methods (e.g., IDIs, KII etc)
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills
• Ability to work sensitively with marginalized populations
• Strong leadership, coordination, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Nepali and English (written and spoken).
• Strong computer skills (MS Office; familiarity with digital health tools is an asset).

Skills and competencies:

• Strong organizational and coordination skills with high attention to detail, particularly in managing complex qualitative and ethnographic fieldwork.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, especially in interpreting social, cultural, and institutional dynamics.
• Excellent communication skills in both Nepali and English (verbal and written), with the ability to engage sensitively with youth, families, educators, and policymakers.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating research projects involving qualitative methods such as in-depth interviews, ethnographic observation, and document review.
• Experience in training and supervising research teams, including youth researchers or community-based staff.
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills, with the ability to build trust and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including schools, NGOs, and government institutions.
• Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders across academic, community, and policy settings.
• High level of cultural sensitivity and ability to work respectfully with marginalized and vulnerable populations, including LGBTQ+ youth.
• Knowledge of ethical research practices, particularly in mental health and sensitive topics such as suicide and stigma.
• Strong time-management skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines in dynamic field settings.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently to rural project sites (Makwanpur and surrounding areas).

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit their current CV, cover letter, and two professional references to career.iish@gmail.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The vacancy may be closed prior to the deadline if suitable candidates are found. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Please use “Research Officer Application – [Your Full Name]” in the subject line.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The organization is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Qualified candidates from all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.