Title : Junior Research Consultant
Organization : Centre for Social Change (CSC)
Duty Station : Kathmandu and one-time field visit to 6 palikas of Rupandehi and Sunsari districts
Contract Type : Individual Contract
Duration : 4 months (December 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022)
Expected Start Date : December 1, 2021
Background:
The 2015 Constitution of Nepal has embraced multi-caste, multi-lingual, multi-cultural values, dejecting all forms of discrimination. Also determined to create an egalitarian society based on the principles of proportional inclusion and participation, the constitution ensures equitable economy, prosperity, and social justice. Aligning with these ideals, the local government operation act 2074 of Nepal has ensured inclusive participation of youth in decision making and policy planning processes and its implementation stages as well. According to Nepal’s National Youth Policy, approximately 20.8 percent of the total population of the country falls in the age group of 16-25 years and 40.68 percent falls in the age group of 16-40 years. Since youth comprise a considerable proportion of the country’s population, their potential roles in nation building procedures and practices need to be assessed and strengthened.
Purpose: Considering the importance of constructive youth participation in strengthening the federal governance processes in Nepal, CSC aims to conduct research to explore the current status of youth participation in governance processes from the local to national level. The research proves abundant significance in the current context as there are limited studies that have highlighted the possible roles of youth in governance affairs and brought forward the existing challenges and opportunities associated with their engagement.
The qualitative research aims to gather primary data through FGDs, in-depth interviews, and consultation meetings conducted in 6 project locations and Kathmandu. Secondary sources of data will be obtained through desk study of various governmental and non-governmental reports, and other relevant publications.
Scope of the work:
The Junior research consultant is expected to:
- Collect and review literatures relevant to current status of youth participation in local and national level
- Assist in developing research methodology (Checklist) for qualitative interviews
- Support in conducting FGDs and in-depth interviews and transcribing them
- Develop final report based on the findings
The consultant is expected to make use of their own resources to complete the assignment, but CSC team will provide support and input where appropriate.
Responsibilities: The consultant is expected to carry out the research tasks together with CSC’s research team.
Deliverables: A policy brief will be the final product of this study, which will be widely disseminated among the policymakers and relevant stakeholders from the local to central level.
Qualification and Experiences:
- Bachelor’s degree in any field affiliated to social science. (Master’s degree preferred)
- Bachelor’s degree with minimum 1-2 years of professional experience in social research
- Experience in coordination with federal, provincial and local level government and relevant local stakeholders
- Knowledge in research designs and report preparation.
Key Competence and Abilities
- Excellent grasp of English and Nepali language (written and spoken)
- Ability to organize, set priorities and complete tasks under designated timelines
- Ability to work in multicultural and multidisciplinary environment
- Competence to work in teams and collaborations
- A strong commitment to values and principles of CSC
Duration: 4 months (December 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022)
Payment and Schedule: The consultant will be paid in two installments. Initial 40% of the total agreement amount will be paid upon the submission of the proposal and workplan. Remaining 60% of the agreement will be disbursed after the submission and approval of the final report to the organization.
Reporting: The consultant will work under direct supervision of CSC’s Program Officer. During the span of the research, consultant will work in close coordination with CSC‘s research team and will provide weekly updates on progress to the Program Officer.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested person can email an expression of interest that includes the following to dibesh.sayami@socialchange.org.np.
1. Cover letter outlining the following:
- Consultant’s professional background
- Relevant skills, experience and qualifications
- Consultant’s expected fee for 4 months and availability during the specified period
2. An updated Curriculum Vitae (of no more the 3 pages which shows past experiences with similar assignments)
Kindly put “Expression of interest: for research on Youth Participation in Local Governance” in the title/ subject of the email. The closing date for the submission of expressions of interest is November 30, 2021.