Purpose/Brief Description of Job:
The Research Assistant will support a regional research project focused on understanding the impacts of youth mobility and migration on access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services in Southern Africa. The project explores how internal and cross-border migration, displacement, and patterns of urbanisation influence young people’s access to comprehensive SRHR services.
The Research Assistant will assist in phases of the research process, including: supporting the design and implementation of qualitative and/or quantitative data collection methods (e.g., interviews, focus group discussions, workshops, surveys). Assisting with fieldwork logistics, data cleaning. Contributing to the preparation of research reports, academic publications, and policy briefs and engaging with local stakeholders, partners, and youth participants in an ethical and youth-sensitive manner. This role requires a strong understanding of youth issues, gender, SRHR frameworks, and public health or development contexts in Southern Africa. Familiarity with ethical research practices, particularly when working with young people and marginalised populations, is essential.
How to apply:
To apply, please submit a cover letter clearly outlining your skills and experience, indicating the post that you are applying for, together with a CV and the names and contact details of at least three (3) references on the link:https://wits-enterprise.co.za/vacancies/57245/research-assistant-african-centre-for-migration-and-society-fulltime-12-months-fixed-term-contract/. Applications closing date 30 September 2025. For queries, contact Sonti Masike, Executive PA/HR Officer, by email on recruitment.witsenterprise@wits.ac.za.
Duties, Activities and Responsibilities:
Research Design and Tool Development
• Assist in the development and refinement of research tools (e.g., interview guides, focus group guides, workshop guides), ensuring they are youth- and gender-sensitive.
• Support the translation and localization of research instruments for use in different cultural and linguistic settings in which the study will be in.
Fieldwork Preparation
• Assist in organising fieldwork logistics such as coordinating interviews, managing schedules, and liaising with local partners.
• Data collection support
• Participate in or observe qualitative data collection (e.g., interviews, focus group discussions) where appropriate, under supervision.
• Engage respectfully and ethically with youth participants, particularly when discussing sensitive SRHR topics.
Data Management and Preliminary Analysis
• Transcribe or code qualitative data, support data cleaning for survey datasets.
• Assist in identifying key themes, patterns, and issues relevant to youth mobility and access to SRHR services.
• Academic writing and dissemination.
• Draft sections of internal reports, policy briefs, or academic papers in collaboration with senior researchers.
• Assist in preparing presentation materials for conferences, seminars, or stakeholder workshops.
Project Coordination and Communication
• Attend regular research team meetings and contribute to collaborative planning and problem-solving.
• Maintain organised project files and contribute to documenting fieldwork processes and challenges.
• Engage in research mentorship activities, such as methods workshops or writing retreats, where available.
Qualifications and experience
Minimum Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Social Sciences, Public Health, or related discipline).
• Previous research or fieldwork experience.
• Experience working with communities or participants.
• Knowledge of local language(s) including Zulu, Sotho and other local languages.
Skills and Competencies:
• Basic knowledge of research methods and data collection techniques (surveys, interviews, observations).
• Familiarity with data management.
• Project management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
