Data Research Analyst

Aurattech; Islamabad; On-site; PKR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

AuratTech is seeking a Research Associate to support and independently deliver qualitative and mixed-methods research across its programmes. The postholder will design and conduct research from design through data collection, analysis and drafting, develop research questions, select methodologies, and synthesize literature to inform programme decisions.

Based in Islamabad, the role involves fieldwork across Pakistan, supervision of interns and junior staff when required, and close collaboration

Qualifications

• Master's degree in social sciences or development-related field.
• Approximately 3–5 years of professional research experience.
• Proven ability to design and conduct qualitative research.
• Experience conducting KIIs, FGDs and in-depth interviews.
• Experience with literature reviews and evidence synthesis.
• Experience field research in Pakistan and travel as required.
• Background in gender equality, women's empowerment, or related areas is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design qualitative studies and mixed-methods components.
• Develop research questions, guides and tools; conduct data collection.
• Analyse qualitative data with systematic thematic approaches.
• Draft findings and contribute to reports and knowledge products.
• Coordinate fieldwork and supervise junior researchers when needed.

Skills

Qualitative research design

Qualitative data analysis

KII / FGD facilitation

Mixed-methods research

Sampling design

English & Urdu communication

Field research

Education

Master's degree in anthropology, sociology, economics, development studies, social research, public policy or related

Tools

MAXQDA

NVivo

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

AuratTech is seeking a Research Associate to support and independently deliver qualitative and mixed-methods

research across its programmes.

The Research Associate will take ownership of assigned research activities from design through data collection,

analysis and drafting. The postholder should be able to develop research questions, select appropriate

methodologies, synthesise literature, design research tools, analyse qualitative evidence systematically and

produce clear findings that inform programme decisions.

The Research Associate will work closely with the Head of Research, Research Analyst and relevant technical

specialists, and may supervise interns, enumerators and other short-term research support.

2. Key Responsibilities:

2.1 Qualitative Research Design and Delivery

• Design qualitative research studies, assessments and components of mixed-methods research
• Develop research questions, sampling approaches, interview guides, FGD guides and other qualitative research tools
• Conduct and facilitate KIIs, FGDs, research interviews, participatory workshops and other qualitative research activities
• Support the design and implementation of longitudinal and follow-up studies
• Undertake field research across Pakistan, including travel and extended field stays where required
• Apply appropriate research ethics, informed consent, confidentiality and safeguarding standards

2.2 Evidence Review and Research Development

• Conduct literature reviews, evidence scans and desk research
• Synthesise evidence across studies rather than producing study-by-study summaries
• Identify patterns, contradictions, evidence gaps and implications for research design
• Use existing programme Theory of Change, conceptual frameworks and available evidence to develop and
• refine research questions and methodologies
• Contribute to research concept notes, proposals, protocols and study designs

2.3 Qualitative Data Management and Analysis

• Review and quality-assure transcripts, interview notes and other qualitative data
• Develop coding frameworks and conduct systematic thematic analysis
• Use MAXQDA, NVivo or similar qualitative analysis software
• Develop case summaries, thematic matrices and other analytical outputs

Identify emerging themes while maintaining a clear evidence trail back to source data

• Work with other colleagues to integrate qualitative and quantitative findings in mixed-methods studies
• Clearly identify limitations, contradictory evidence and areas requiring further investigation

2.4 Research Writing and Communication

• Draft research findings, analytical sections, briefs and reports
• Convert complex evidence into concise and decision-relevant findings
• Present findings clearly to colleagues who may not have a research background
• Contribute to programme learning, research dissemination and external knowledge products

2.5 Research Coordination and Supervision

• Take ownership of assigned research workplans, deliverables and deadlines
• Coordinate fieldwork and data-collection activities with the Research Operations Coordinator
• Supervise and guide interns, enumerators and other junior research staff where required
• Review research outputs of junior colleagues and provide constructive feedbackRaise emerging risks, delays or methodological issues early and propose practical solutions
• Maintain clear research documentation and contribute to effective knowledge management across the team

3. Person Specification

Education

• Master's degree in anthropology, sociology, economics, development studies, social research, public policy or another

Experience

• Approximately 3–5 years of professional research experience
• Demonstrated experience designing and conducting qualitative research
• Experience conducting KIIs, FGDs and in-depth interviews
• Experience analysing qualitative data and producing research findingsExperience conducting literature reviews and evidence synthesis
• Experience contributing to complete research products from design through reporting
• Experience conducting field research
• Strong understanding of qualitative research methodologies and sampling approaches
• Ability to distinguish between exploratory, formative, evaluative and other research purposes and select methods accordingly
• Understanding of longitudinal qualitative research
• Ability to develop analytical frameworks and move from raw qualitative data to defensible findings
• Working understanding of quantitative research and mixed-methods approaches
• Familiarity with research ethics, informed consent, confidentiality and safeguarding

Software and communication

• Experience with MAXQDA, NVivo or similar qualitative analysis software
• Strong Microsoft Word and Excel skills
• Strong written and spoken English and Urdu
• Ability to write clearly, concisely and analytically
• Experience working on gender equality, women's economic empowerment, technology, education, skills development, mental wellbeing or related areas
• Experience working in international development, NGOs or research organisations
• Experience conducting research with women, young people or underserved communities in Pakistan
• Experience integrating qualitative and quantitative evidence
• Experience supervising enumerators, interns or junior researchers
• Familiarity with Theory of Change and Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning approaches

4. Ways of Working

This role is suited to someone who takes ownership of their work and can move an assignment forward without

requiring continuous task-by-task direction.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Take responsibility for agreed deliverables from start to finish
• Plan their work against deadlines and communicate risks early
• Ask for guidance where it is genuinely needed while exercising independent judgement within their area of responsibility
• Produce completed and internally reviewed work
• Respond constructively to technical feedback and incorporate it into subsequent work
• Work collaboratively across teams and support wider research activities where reasonably required
• Be comfortable with both substantive research and the practical work required to deliver it
• Maintain high standards of research integrity, documentation and confidentiality

5. Fieldwork Requirement

The position is based in Islamabad but requires regular travel for research activities. Candidates must be willing

and able to travel outside Islamabad and, where required, remain in field locations for several days or longer

periods depending on the research assignment.

6. Selection Process

Shortlisted candidates will complete a practical research task designed to assess qualitative research design,

evidence synthesis, analytical judgement and research writing.

The interview will assess methodological understanding, field research experience, ownership of research

• assignments, decision-making and ability to work independently within a collaborative research team.