About Company
Caritas Development Kananga is a respected non-profit organization dedicated to fostering human development and social justice within the Kasaï-Central Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. As part of the wider Caritas network, we are committed to alleviating poverty, promoting sustainable livelihoods, providing emergency relief, and advocating for the rights of vulnerable communities. Our work encompasses various sectors, including education, health, agriculture, peacebuilding, and economic empowerment, all underpinned by rigorous research and community-led approaches. We pride ourselves on our deep roots in the communities we serve and our collaborative spirit in driving positive, lasting change. We strive to be a beacon of hope and practical support, working tirelessly to empower individuals and families to build a better future. Joining Caritas Development Kananga means becoming part of a dedicated team striving to make a tangible difference in the lives of many, contributing to a more just and equitable society.
Job Description
This pivotal role offers an exceptional opportunity for a dedicated and analytically-minded Research Assistant to contribute significantly to Caritas Development Kananga’s vital work in the Kasaï-Central Province. As a Research Assistant, you will be instrumental in supporting both our programmatic and advocacy efforts through rigorous data collection, analysis, and reporting. You will work closely with project managers, community outreach teams, and academic partners to design and implement research methodologies that capture the complex realities faced by communities, helping us to understand needs, evaluate impact, and refine strategies. Your responsibilities will span the entire research lifecycle, from assisting in proposal development and ethical clearance applications to conducting fieldwork, managing datasets, and contributing to the drafting of comprehensive reports, policy briefs, and academic publications. This position demands a keen eye for detail, strong organizational skills, and a profound commitment to ethical research practices, especially when working with vulnerable populations. You will be expected to navigate diverse cultural contexts with sensitivity and respect, ensuring that all research activities are participatory and empower local voices. The insights generated from your work will directly inform strategic decision-making, enhance program effectiveness, and strengthen our advocacy for improved social welfare and sustainable development outcomes across the region. This is more than just a research role; it is a chance to be at the forefront of evidence-based intervention in a challenging yet incredibly rewarding environment, playing a direct role in shaping humanitarian and development strategies that genuinely transform lives. You will gain invaluable experience in both NGO operational research and academic-level inquiry, fostering a holistic understanding of development challenges and solutions. This position is ideal for someone passionate about social research, community development, and making a real-world impact in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in the design and implementation of research methodologies, including surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews.
- Conduct primary data collection in the field, adhering to ethical guidelines and ensuring data quality and integrity.
- Manage and organize quantitative and qualitative datasets, performing initial data cleaning and analysis using relevant software.
- Contribute to the drafting of research reports, policy briefs, articles, and presentations for various stakeholders.
- Support the preparation of research proposals, concept notes, and applications for ethical review boards.
- Participate in community engagement activities to ensure research relevance and local ownership.
- Monitor project progress and contribute to monitoring and evaluation activities as required.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant research trends, methodologies, and ethical standards in humanitarian and development contexts.
Required Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Public Health, Economics, or a related field.
- Proven experience (minimum 2 years) in research, data collection, and analysis, preferably in an NGO or academic setting.
- Strong proficiency in KISWAHILI, TSHILUBA and French (written and spoken); English proficiency is a plus.
- Demonstrated knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team in challenging environments.
- High level of integrity, ethics, and commitment to humanitarian principles.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in a relevant field.
- Experience with statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R, Stata) or qualitative analysis software (e.g., NVivo).
- Familiarity with the socio-economic and cultural context of Kasaï-Central Province.
- Previous experience working with vulnerable populations or in conflict/post-conflict settings.
- Knowledge of project cycle management and M&E frameworks.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience and local market rates.
- Opportunity to work on impactful projects that directly benefit communities.
- Professional development and training opportunities.
- Collaborative and supportive work environment.
- Contribution to a global humanitarian network.
- Generous leave policy and health benefits package.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to click on the application link below to submit their CV, cover letter, and a list of three professional references. Please ensure your application clearly highlights your research experience and your motivation to work with Caritas Development Kananga.