Field Research Assistant for Monitoring and Evaluation Support
Project Management / Program Management
About the Employer
Job Description
Palladium
MAKE IT POSSIBLE
VACANCY
Field Research Assistant for Monitoring and Evaluation Support in North Central Province
Sri Lanka
The Market Development Facility (MDF) is an Australian Government funded multi-country initiative, which promotes sustainable economic development, through higher incomes for women and men, in our partner countries. We connect individuals, businesses, governments, and NGOs with each other, and with markets at home and abroad. This enhances investment and coordination and allows partnerships to flourish, strengthening inclusive economic growth.
MDF is funded by the Australian Government. It is implemented by Palladium in partnership with Swiss contact. In Sri Lanka, MDF works in high value tourism, high value agriculture and fisheries sectors with cross-cutting investments to promote climate change mitigation and adaptation, access to finance and digital tools adoption.
Assignment Objectives:
MDF has several active projects in the agriculture sector. In Sri Lanka, MDF works with the private sector and government stakeholders to improve access to improved agricultural inputs, extension services and digital technology and tools.
Several of these projects involve activities in the Anuradhapura, and Polonnaruwa districts. To support with the ongoing monitoring of these activities, MDF is looking to recruit a Field Research Assistant which will be based in Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa.
Supporting with monitoring related to MDF's existing partnerships in the region will be the primary purpose of recruitment. The recruited Field Research Assistant will work closely with the MDF team and partner teams to conduct interviews with farmer networks in the Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura districts.
Key responsibilities:
- Travel extensively in the North Central region based on a schedule agreed with MDF implementation team to collect information on MDF interventions.
- Through interacting with farmers, obtain insights on the intervention execution, climate change relevance, and gender dynamics.
- Enter the data collected into formats provided by MDF.
- Provide brief updates on research findings.
- Develop and implement weekly work plans as per guidance of MDF team in Colombo and submit monthly time sheets.
- Participate in de-brief and planning sessions at MDF Sri Lanka office in Colombo.
Requirements:
A good understanding of the Sri Lankan agriculture sector including a basic understanding of the crop lifecycle and farming practices of key agricultural crops like paddy, maize, and vegetables.
- A diploma in agriculture or a related discipline will be an added advantage.
- Experience interacting with farmers in a village or home setting. Experience in conducting structured interviews will be an added advantage.
- Experience with digital tools or apps related to agriculture or otherwise will be an added advantage. Excellent written and spoken Sinhalese skills. Proficiency in English will be an added advantage.
- Willingness to travel extensively in the North Central region and Colombo as required. Duration: Up to 3 months with the possibility of extension.
Please include an up-to-date CV with contact details of two non-related referees and cover letter, combined in one file. Interested candidates can apply via the Palladium Website or the following link under current vacancies (select SL):
https://marketdevelopmentfacility.org/opportunities/
This position is open to Sri Lankan nationals and permanent residents with the authority to live and work in Sri Lanka. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
Funded by the Australian Government, managed by Palladium
