Research Assistant – Gender, Youth and Social Justice in the STAR-FARM project

• Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)

The Institute of Research for Development (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, IRD) is a leading scientific institution addressing major development challenges and is internationally recognized for its multidisciplinary research. It operates under the dual supervision of the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation and the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. For over 75 years, IRD has conducted original research, provided expertise, and supported training and knowledge sharing to benefit regions and countries that view science and innovation as key drivers of development. This position will be based in the UMMISCO research unit and hosted by the IRD/TLU ACROSS Laboratory.

• STAR FARM Project

The STAR FARM project, led by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and funded by the EU Delegation in Vietnam under the DeSIRA program, is a four-year initiative aimed at promoting more sustainable agri-food systems in the Mekong Delta. Implemented in partnership with several organizations, including IRD, the project focuses on supporting the most vulnerable groups by encouraging the adoption of agroecological practices at both small and large scales. It explores the impacts of these practices on soil health, value chains, and carbon emissions. By strengthening capacity in key agroecological innovations (KAEIs), business development, green finance, and sustainable standards, STAR FARM empowers farmers and entrepreneurs to enhance their skills in sustainable agriculture and agribusiness development.

Hanoi at laboratory ACROSS (https://across-lab.org/) with frequent travels to fields.

1. Mission

We are looking for a committed and skilled Research Assistant to support both research and field-based activities focused on social inclusion, gender equity, and youth participation. The role involves contributing to the design of interactive activities, strengthening project engagement with specific communities, and providing support for field logistics, data collection, event organization, and the co-development of social justice indicators and guidelines. Key responsibilities may include: Supporting the development and implementation of a study on social justice in agricultural value chains in the Mekong Delta; organizing skills training for youth and women’s groups, and facilitating participatory and creative methods such as photovoice, video production, exhibitions, and community workshops.

This position may be a great fit for you if you are:

• A program officer or practitioner from an NGO or community-based organization working on gender, youth, social inclusion, or community development, and are interested in expanding your work into research, policy, or international development;
• An early-career researcher with experience in projects related to gender, youth, social justice, or community engagement, seeking to deepen your involvement in applied research within an international and interdisciplinary environment;

A graduate (Bachelor’s degree or higher) in sociology, development studies, anthropology, political science, or a related field, with some fieldwork experience and a strong interest in applying research to real-world challenges in inclusive development.

2. Activities: 

• Support qualitative and quantitative research on social inclusion, gender, and youth
• Develop and conduct a study on social justice themes in the context of agricultural value chains in the Mekong Delta
• Help design and facilitate interactive activities (e.g. photovoice, video, exhibitions, workshops);
• Organize logistics for skills training with youth and women’s groups;
• Liaise with local authorities, communities, and partners to ensure inclusive fieldwork;
• Contribute to developing social justice indicators and guidelines;
• Assist with data analysis, reporting, and preparation of research outputs.

3. Skills

• Minimum 3 years of experience in research or development with women, youth, or ‘vulnerable’ groups;
• Fieldwork experience in rural or agricultural context, especially in the Mekong Delta s is a plus;
• Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills;
• Fluent in Vietnamese; proficient in English;
• Familiar with MS Office; NVivo/SPSS is a plus;

1. Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in social sciences, gender, development, or related fields;
2. Attitudes:

• Ability to work in a team and in a multicultural environment. Respect for deadlines and an appetite for group facilitation. Able to work independently and manage multiple tasks.
• Willingness to explore and bridge interdisciplinary methods, and openness to adapting new and emerging methodologies.

Send CV and cover letter before 20th July 2025  to Huynh Linh, IRD Researcher, huynhtplinh@gmail.com or linh.huynh-thi-phuong@ird.fr