Mekong Development Research Institute (MDRI) is an established research institute in Vietnam, ranked among top three economic institutions in Vietnam by IDEAS: Economics and Finance Research. The Institute has conducted a number of large development economic projects for international aid agencies and government departments. We aspire to help bring successful policy reforms as well as challenges overcoming lessons in opening the Vietnam economy to countries with similar socio-economic conditions. Joining MDRI means working at the frontline of development research in Vietnam — where the data you help collect in the field directly informs policies and programs that improve people’s lives.
We are currently seeking potential candidates for a full-time Research Analyst (Field Coordination) to join our team of dynamic and committed researchers and consultants. This position goes beyond desk research: you will be at the heart of coordinating research activities, fieldwork, and data collection on the ground.
Working location: Hanoi
Job type: Full-time
Starting date: As soon as possible
Deadline of application submissions: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled; early submissions are strongly encouraged
Benefits
- Working in a dynamic and learning environment that creates opportunities for each team member to make his or her own mark on an invigorating journey of imparting knowledge and making a difference;
- Direct mentoring from senior researchers and hands-on training in survey design, digital data collection tools, and data analysis;
- Extensive fieldwork across provinces of Vietnam — a rare opportunity to gain first-hand understanding of local communities and of how development happens on the ground, with full travel allowances;
- Opportunities to work closely with international experts and development partners;
- Competitive compensation and benefit package, including flexible working hours, free lunch at the office, annual health check-up package, and annual vacation (also for spouse/partner and children);
Key responsibilities
Line manager: Team Leader/Senior Researcher
- To coordinate fieldwork and data collection activities of assigned research projects, including survey planning, logistics arrangements, and implementation in the field;
- To recruit, train, and supervise enumerators and field collaborators, and ensure the quality of collected data through field supervision, spot-checks, and data quality control;
- To process and analyze quantitative data and/or undertake qualitative analysis;
- To design survey and research tools;
- To participate in writing up the findings of research analyses;
- To act as a focal point between the research team and project stakeholders, including clients, local partners, and collaborators (external consultants, interns, and enumerators) throughout project implementation;
- To support other departments in fulfilling the administrative and financial procedures involved in the whole process of the projects;
- To develop proposals for assigned research and consultancy projects;
- Other duties may be assigned by line managers.
Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in Economics, Social Sciences, or a related field;
- At least 1–2 years of experience in the field of development; hands-on experience in fieldwork coordination or survey data collection is a strong advantage;
- Excellent writing and analytical skills;
- Excellent command of English;
- Strong organizational, planning, and on-the-ground problem-solving skills, with the capability to perform both independently and in a team;
- Willingness to travel frequently, including extended stays, to provinces across Vietnam for fieldwork.
Applications
The application package should be in English and include:
- One-page cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant’s suitability
- Curriculum vitae, including names of two referees who may be approached to give their opinion on the candidate’s suitability for the position
- A copy of Academic transcripts and Degree
- A copy of publications
- Other relevant documents (ex: a copy of IELTS Test Report Form, a certificate)
Applications should be sent to MDRI at recruitment@mdri.org.vn. State “[your full name] – Application for Research Analyst (Field Coordination)” in the subject heading of the email.
We regret that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.