Position: Research Program Coordinator
I. Contract period: 3 years with possibility for extension (based on performance)
II. Probation period: 4 months
III. Reporting line: Program Manager; Executive Director
IV. Duty station: Thimphu, Bhutan
V. Primary responsibility: To develop and coordinate RSPN’s research program in support of RSPN’s goal of enhancing and increasing the knowledge on the Bhutanese environment and sustainable livelihood.
The need for a full-fledged research program was in principle approved by the board. This approval was further strengthened by RSPN’s third strategic plan which The prioritized research. Till then, research was integrated with communications unit. The overall goal of the research unit is to enhance and increase knowledge on the Bhutanese environment and sustainable livelihoods with the following objectives:
- To contribute to the environmental and sustainable livelihood knowledge base
- To strengthen other RSPN programmes by providing research services
- To support RSPN’s advocacy programmes
Key responsibilities
1. Establishment of research unit
1.1 Develop a research strategy for RSPN that will support environmental conservation, sustainable development, emerging issues and education
1.2 Develops research guidelines (Procedures, capacity development, cost norms, budgeting, performance incentive)
1.3 Identify, join, form and operate research consortiums and networks
2. Fundraising
2.1 Develop and implement annual research programme targets within the framework of research action plan in collaboration with other RSPN programmes
2.2 Prepare research proposals for research unit to ensure the sustainability of research unit
3. Planning
3.1 Ensure all research projects are planned
3.2 Develop and submit quarter and annual workplans for research to Program Manager
3.3 Prepare terms of reference and job descriptions of project staff including consultants, researchers and volunteers in consultation with Finance and Administration Coordinator and Program Manager
4. Implementation
4.1 Collaborate with other RSPN programmes to carry out required researches, studies
4.2 Assist program manager in recruitment of researchers
4.3 Coordinate capacity building of researchers
4.4 Monitor and supervise research personnel
4.5 Ensure delivery of timely and quality research outputs
4.6 Establish, maintain and update research database
5. Reporting
5.1 Prepare periodical research reports
5.2 Finalize, compile research and study reports for submission to donors and publication
5.3 Translate research outputs into peer reviewed journal articles, manuscripts and publications.
5.4 Organize dissemination of research information through public presentations
5.5 Monitor and evaluate usage of knowledge generated by the research program
6. Management
6.1 Identify needs for researchers and develop TORs as and when necessary
6.2 Supervise and verify against outputs the timesheets and claims of researchers for remuneration/ payments.
6.3 Verify bills, receipts, vouchers etc related to field expenses.
Knowledge and experience
- Hold a minimum Masters degree in environmental science, natural resource management
- Has at least 5 year experience in research, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, wildlife, forest
- Has strong leadership and fund raising capability
- Exhibit analytical, technical, good writing skills through evidence of publications
- Possess negotiation, conflict management, and networking
- Computer skills and Knowledge of relevant software;
Key performance indicators
1. Research guidelines
2. Research strategy
3. Research consortiums and networks
4. State of environment report
5. Periodical research publications, journal articles, grey papers, and reports
6. Research database
