Recruitment of research assistants

The Forum for Education NGOs in Uganda (FENU) is implementing a research study to assess subject-specific and gender-responsive teacher recruitment and deployment gaps in government and grant-aided secondary schools across 75 districts in Uganda. The Research Assistant will support the collection of high-quality field data from assigned schools using Kobo Collect and ensure timely submission of complete and accurate datasets.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Pre-field Preparation

• Participate in the mandatory project induction and training.
• Familiarize yourself with the study protocol, data collection tools and assigned schools.
• Plan daily travel routes to assigned schools.

Data Collection

• Visit assigned secondary schools and administer electronic questionnaires using KoboCollect.
• Obtain information from designated school officials while observing ethical research principles.
• Verify responses using available school records such as staffing lists, timetables and other administrative documents.
• Capture GPS coordinates and photographic evidence where required.
• Maintain confidentiality of all information collected.

Data Quality and Reporting

• Validate completed questionnaires before submission.
• Upload completed forms to the central database on a daily basis.
• Prepare and submit daily field activity reports.
• Participate in daily or scheduled debrief meetings with supervisors.
• Promptly report any field challenges affecting data collection.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of a Diploma in any related field of study.
• At least one year of experience conducting field surveys or research.
• Demonstrated experience using KoboCollect, ODK or similar mobile data collection platforms.
• Experience working in Uganda's education sector will be an added advantage.

Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• High level of integrity and commitment to research ethics.
• Good planning and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently under minimum supervision.
• Attention to detail and commitment to data quality.
• Willingness to travel extensively within assigned districts, including hard-to-reach areas.

Safeguarding

FENU has zero tolerance for abuse, exploitation, or harassment. We are dedicated to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff, volunteers, and partners to share this commitment. Recruitment is subject to satisfactory references and relevant background checks. The recruitment process is free and no payment is required at any stage of the hiring process. A detailed safeguarding code of conduct will be provided to the successful candidates at contracting.

• Participate in the mandatory project induction and training.
• Familiarize yourself with the study protocol, data collection tools and assigned schools.
• Plan daily travel routes to assigned schools.
• Visit assigned secondary schools and administer electronic questionnaires using KoboCollect.
• Obtain information from designated school officials while observing ethical research principles.
• Verify responses using available school records such as staffing lists, timetables and other administrative documents.
• Capture GPS coordinates and photographic evidence where required.
• Maintain confidentiality of all information collected.
• Validate completed questionnaires before submission.
• Upload completed forms to the central database on a daily basis.
• Prepare and submit daily field activity reports.
• Participate in daily or scheduled debrief meetings with supervisors.
• Promptly report any field challenges affecting data collection.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• High level of integrity and commitment to research ethics.
• Good planning and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently under minimum supervision.
• Attention to detail and commitment to data quality.
• Willingness to travel extensively within assigned districts, including hard-to-reach areas.
• Demonstrated experience using KoboCollect, ODK or similar mobile data collection platforms.

• Minimum of a Diploma in any related field of study.
• At least one year of experience conducting field surveys or research.
• Demonstrated experience using KoboCollect, ODK or similar mobile data collection platforms.
• Experience working in Uganda's education sector will be an added advantage.