Research Assistant 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 authority on major development issues and an internationally recognized multidisciplinary organization. It is under the dual supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation and the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. For more than 75 years, it has been carrying out original research, expertise, training, and knowledge sharing for the benefit of territories and countries that make science and innovation one of the main levers for their development. The position will be in the research unit UMMISCO and hosted by the IRD/TLU ACROSS Laboratory.

STAR FARM Project

The STAR FARM project, led by the FAO, is financed by the EU Delegation in Vietnam for 4 years, as part of the DeSIRA program. It brings together several partners, including IRD, to address, through the most vulnerable groups, the possibility of developing more sustainable agri-food systems in the Mekong Delta, based on the adoption, at small and large scales, of agro-ecological practices and an in-depth study of their impacts on soil health, value chains and carbon emissions. Through capacity building in key agro-ecological innovations (KAEIs), business development, green finance and sustainable standards, the project will help entrepreneurs and farmers develop their skills in sustainable farming systems and agribusiness development.

Can Tho (remote working) or Hanoi at laboratory ACROSS (https://across-lab.org/) with frequent travels to fields.

Mission

We are looking for a skilled research assistant, interested in working in a multidisciplinary context, to join our team as part of the STAR FARM project. The candidate will be responsible for assisting research activities on the role of women, youth, and disadvantaged groups in the adoption of innovative practices, which corresponds to activity 2.1.2 of the project proposal. Responsibilities include organizing field visits, ensuring effective communication between research team and local partners, and preparing field reports.

Activities            

– Supporting the design, organization qualitative/quantitative surveys to understand the issues in the project’s case studies;

– Maintaining communication with local authority and ensuring the smooth operation of project activities at the project’s sites;

– Supporting the organization of the focus groups, workshops and training planned in the activity

– Conducting interviews and data collection activities together with the research team;

– Monitoring the survey progress and contacting with interviewees during and after the surveys;

– Supporting data analysis and reporting.

Skills                   

Knowledge of the academic and NGO environment in the field of agro-ecology, specifically in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta.

Proven experience in organizing and doing research survey.

Ability to read, write, and speak English and Vietnamese. Excellent writing and editing skills using MS Office (Word, Powerpoint, Excel). Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines and to adapt to multiple priorities.

Education        At least a Bachelor degree in development studies, social sciences, agricultural management or related fields.

Aptitudes             Ability to work in a team and in a multicultural environment. Respect for deadlines and an appetite for group facilitation.

Send CV and cover letter before May 31, 2024 to Huynh Linh, IRD Researcher, huynhtplinh@gmail.com.

Click here to download the Job Description.