Research Assistant - National Household Survey

About the role

ARK Foundation, Bangladesh is seeking two Research Assistants to support the implementation of a national household survey under an IDRC project. The survey involves recruiting and deploying field data collectors across Bangladesh, digital household data collection, daily data-quality monitoring and data management. The position is based in Dhaka with field travel within Bangladesh as required, lasts 3 months and is temporary and contractual.

Key responsibilities

• Support day-to-day implementation of the survey across multiple field locations and recruitment/deployment waves.
• Support recruitment, communication and coordination of field data collectors, including tracking vacancies, candidate confirmation, training, examinations, deployment and replacement needs.
• Assist with online training materials, candidate Q&A sessions, examinations, in-house training and field deployment.
• Maintain regular contact with data collectors and the project team to monitor field progress and address operational issues.
• Monitor incoming digital survey data, check data quality (completeness, consistency, unusual values, missing data) and follow up with field teams on issues, documenting corrective actions.
• Maintain and update project databases, recruitment and field trackers, monitoring dashboards and other operational records.
• Support data cleaning, documentation, file management and preparation of analysis-ready datasets.
• Distribute and track field SOPs, survey materials and equipment where required.
• Prepare short progress summaries and field updates for internal project review, and support other research and project-management activities.

Required profile

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Statistics, Economics, Development Studies, Social Sciences or another relevant discipline.
• Prior research experience strongly preferred; hands-on experience in data management, data-quality monitoring, household surveys, field coordination or field-team management gives priority.
• Good working knowledge of Bangla and English, strong organisation, attention to detail and good communication skills.
• Willingness to travel within Bangladesh for field activities when required.

Required skills

• Experience with digital data-collection platforms such as KoBoToolbox/KoBoCollect, REDCap, ODK or SurveyCTO is an advantage.
• Familiarity with statistical software is an advantage.
• Microsoft Excel and/or Google Sheets expected; familiarity with statistical software is an advantage.

Duration: 3 months, with possible extension subject to project funds and organisational need. Gross salary: BDT 25,000-30,000 per month depending on qualifications and experience.