Research Officer

Research Officer

Duty Station: Kathmandu, with travel to project working areas

Duration: 12 Months with possibility of extension subject to performance and funding

Job Description

Freedom Studio is hiring a Research Officer to support research on the use of creativity in social movements around the world and creatives working condition, socio-economic rights, and access to legal protection in Nepal. 

The Research Officer will support the design and implementation of the project’s research activities, including a literature review of social movements worldwide, nationwide survey of artists and in-depth case studies. The role will also include maintaining quality assurance, supporting data analysis and research writing.

Key Responsibilities

1. Research on Artists’ Working Conditions, Socio-Economic Rights, and Access to Legal Protection across Nepal

• Conduct literature reviews and desk research on artists’ working conditions, socio-economic rights, remuneration, contracts, social protection, and legal protection.
• Support the planning and implementation of the baseline survey of 350–400 artists across Nepal.
• Assist in developing and finalizing survey questionnaires, interview guides, and other research instruments.
• Support the recruitment, training, and coordination of enumerators involved in data collection.
• Monitor data collection and conduct regular checks to identify missing, inconsistent, or inaccurate data.
• Clean and manage quantitative data collected through the baseline survey.
• Conduct in-depth case studies documenting artists’ experiences, working conditions, and rights-related challenges.
• Organize and support analysis of quantitative and qualitative information from survey, interviews, case studies and identify key themes and findings.
• Support the preparation of research manuscripts and publications arising from the project, if time permits.

2. Research on the use of creativity in social movements around the world

• Produce case studies and stories of movements that use artivism as a tool.
• Identify and document relevant movements, campaigns, and artist-activists, and map how artivism is used to advance social change.
• Conduct interviews and gather qualitative material to develop compelling, well-evidenced narratives for the Atlas.

For both the project, 

• Contribute to the preparation of research reports, briefs, presentations, social media production and other outputs.
• Collaborate with program, research, multimedia, legal, and advocacy teams as required.

Job Specification

Required Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Sociology, Economics, Public Policy, Anthropology, Gender Studies, Public Health, or a related field.

Required Experience: Prior experience working on research projects, particularly quantitative or mixed-methods research.

Other Specifications

• Familiarity with quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Proficiency in one of the data analysis software such as Excel, SPSS, R, Python, or similar tools.
• Good research, analytical, and critical-thinking abilities.
• Good written and spoken English communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage research data accurately.
• Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience in social justice, labor, or creative-sector research is an advantage.

Application Requirement

Applicants are required to submit:

• Updated CV 
• Cover letter expressing their interest in the position and relevant experience 
• Research paper or writing sample, if applicable 

Please write: Application to Research Officer at Freedom Studio (as a subject)

Email: contact@studiofreedom.org

The deadline to apply for the Research Officer position is 10 September 2026.

Only shortlisted applicants will be called for written test and one on one interview.