ThaiNGO

Position Title: Research Assistant – Health Policy & Vaccine Access for Vulnerable Populations

Employment Type: Part-time, Office-based (with occasional field visits)
Location: National Health Foundation, Bangkok, Thailand
Reports to: Principal Investigator/Research Lead
Contact Person: Dr. Nyein Chan Oo (nyeinchan@thainhf.org), Mana Chunsuttiwat (mana.c@thainhf.org)

Role Summary:

National Health Foundation is seeking a Research Assistant with strong qualitative research experience and knowledge of the Thai-Myanmar border context, especially on the Thai side. The role will primarily focus on qualitative methods such as field interviews, community engagement, and stakeholder consultations, while also being open to applicants with quantitative research expertise. Fluency in Thai and/or Karen is preferred to facilitate effective field communication.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Qualitative Research & Fieldwork:

• Conduct qualitative research, including semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with stakeholders, healthcare providers, and affected communities on the Thai side of the Thai-Myanmar border.
• Help design and implement qualitative data collection tools (e.g., interview guides) to gather relevant insights from local stakeholders.
• Transcribe, analyze, and synthesize qualitative data to support the research objectives and policy recommendations.
• Provide insights into the local context of the Thai-Myanmar border, ensuring that the research addresses cultural and community-specific challenges.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication:

• Build relationships with local health officials, community leaders, and organizations in the border regions to facilitate interviews and gather comprehensive qualitative data.
• Assist in organizing and facilitating stakeholder meetings, workshops, and focus groups to gather insights and feedback on health needs and policy recommendations.
• Collaborate with the quantitative research lead to integrate findings and contribute to a holistic analysis.

Project Support:

• Assist in writing academic reports, policy briefs, and communication materials based on qualitative findings.
• Support the project lead in managing project timelines, documentation, and reporting processes.
• Participate in internal and external meetings to provide updates on the progress of qualitative research activities.

Requirements:

Educational Background:

• Master’s degree in Public Health, Social Science, Anthropology, Political Science, or a related field.

Experience & Skills:

• 1–2 years of experience conducting qualitative research, particularly in public health, social science, or related fields.
• Strong understanding of the Thai-Myanmar border context, particularly on the Thai side, including health and social challenges in border communities.
• Fluency in English, and Thai and/or Karen (written and spoken) is preferred.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with experience conducting interviews, focus groups, and engaging with local communities.
• Experience working in cross-cultural settings, particularly with marginalized or vulnerable populations.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, transcription, and qualitative data analysis tools.

Preferred Competencies:

• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including community members, local authorities, and NGOs.
• Knowledge of political, social, and healthcare challenges in the Thai-Myanmar border region, especially on the Thai side.
• Experience supporting policy development and contributing to academic publications.

Salary:

• Based on qualifications and experience.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants should send their resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to Dr. Nyein Chan Oo (nyeinchan@thainhf.org) and Mana Chunsuttiwat (mana.c@thainhf.org) by November 10^th, 2024.