Kingston, Jamaica | Contract (6 months)
About SlashRoots
The SlashRoots Foundation is a social impact organisation that uses the principles and practices of the digital age to create a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable Caribbean society. We work with governments, development organisations, and civil society to improve the design and delivery of social services and development programmes, while helping them be more responsive to the communities they serve.
About this Role
We are seeking a researcher to help us conduct qualitative research on urban governance in Jamaica. The study will examine the role of citizen engagement in impacting community outcomes and service delivery improvements. It seeks to deepen our understanding of the efficacy of the channels through which citizens engage with the institutions that affect their community's development and craft recommendations and programmatic improvements to strengthen community and institutional collaboration.
This is a short-term engagement (6 months). However, strong contributors may be invited to continue in the role with the SlashRoots team. The Researcher will receive in-depth training on SlashRoots’ design research approach and methodologies, and following this, will collaborate closely with our team to conduct research through semi-structured group and individual interviews, design workshops, documentary review, and analysis related to citizen engagement and public participation.
Our ideal candidates have demonstrated interest and/or knowledge in public policy, urban planning or community engagement. An academic/professional background in the social sciences, community development, research, or communications (journalism, media, etc.) is useful.
A variety of skills are sought: creativity, problem-solving, ethnographic field research, project management, and documentation are all highly valued. Fluency in English is required.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Researchers will be responsible for research execution and documentation. Specific responsibilities include:
Research Execution and Documentation
Conduct field research across Jamaica’s two urban centres (Kingston and Montego Bay)
Digitally document field interviews and observations.
Manage parts of research documentation and support documentation of final outputs.
Research Synthesis
Participate in research synthesis sessions and support the research team in analysing data to translate research findings into final products.
REQUIREMENTS
Ideal candidates have:
At least three years of relevant professional experience in qualitative research, public policy, social science, or community research.
A university degree in a relevant field, such as social work, political science, anthropology, sociology, or communications.
Demonstrated experience with qualitative research and analysis. Ethnographic research methods, in particular, are a plus.
Close ties to relevant communities, such as civil society, civil service, or community and youth development sectors.
Excellent communication skills in English and Jamaican language.
Computer proficiency (especially MS Office and Google apps) is required.
To Apply
Selected researchers will be expected to participate in a full-time training and research sprint from February 01 - March 31. The engagement will continue with other research activities beyond that date.
Interested candidates are asked to submit a CV, a cover letter, and a writing sample (preferably policy related, such as an op-ed, memo or research publication). The link can be to a Google Document. Please highlight relevant experience in your cover letter to support your application. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. In your cover letter, please indicate:
Your availability for the periods;
Anything else pertinent to success in the role
Only complete applications will be considered.
Candidates will be reviewed on a rolling basis, but the application deadline is January 25, 2025.