Overview
Data Research Analyst Jobs in Islamabad, Islāmābād, Pakistan at Aurattech
Title: Data Research Analyst
Company: Aurattech
Location: Islamabad, Islāmābād, Pakistan
1. Role Purpose
AuratTech is seeking a Research Associate to support and independently deliver qualitative and mixed-methods
research across its programmes.
The Research Associate will take ownership of assigned research activities from design through data collection,
analysis and drafting. The postholder should be able to develop research questions, select appropriate
methodologies, synthesise literature, design research tools, analyse qualitative evidence systematically and
produce clear findings that inform programme decisions.
The Research Associate will work closely with the Head of Research, Research Analyst and relevant technical
specialists, and may supervise interns, enumerators and other short-term research support.
2. Key Responsibilities:
2.1 Qualitative Research Design and Delivery
• Design qualitative research studies, assessments and components of mixed-methods research
• Develop research questions, sampling approaches, interview guides, FGD guides and other qualitative
research tools
• Conduct and facilitate KIIs, FGDs, research interviews, participatory workshops and other qualitative
research activities
• Support the design and implementation of longitudinal and follow-up studies
• Undertake field research across Pakistan, including travel and extended field stays where required
• Apply appropriate research ethics, informed consent, confidentiality and safeguarding standards
2.2 Evidence Review and Research Development
• Conduct literature reviews, evidence scans and desk research
• Synthesise evidence across studies rather than producing study-by-study summaries
• Identify patterns, contradictions, evidence gaps and implications for research design
• Use existing programme Theory of Change, conceptual frameworks and available evidence to develop and
refine research questions and methodologies
• Contribute to research concept notes, proposals, protocols and study designs
2.3 Qualitative Data Management and Analysis
• Review and quality-assure transcripts, interview notes and other qualitative data
• Develop coding frameworks and conduct systematic thematic analysis
• Use MAXQDA, NVivo or similar qualitative analysis software
• Develop case summaries, thematic matrices and other analytical outputs
Identify emerging themes while maintaining a clear evidence trail back to source data
• Work with other colleagues to integrate qualitative and quantitative findings in mixed-methods studies
• Clearly identify limitations, contradictory evidence and areas requiring further investigation
2.4 Research Writing and Communication
• Draft research findings, analytical sections, briefs and reports
• Convert complex evidence into concise and decision-relevant findings
• Present findings clearly to colleagues who may not have a research background
• Contribute to programme learning, research dissemination and external knowledge products
2.5 Research Coordination and Supervision
• Take ownership of assigned research workplans, deliverables and deadlines
• Coordinate fieldwork and data-collection activities with the Research Operations Coordinator
• Supervise and guide interns, enumerators and other junior research staff where required
• Review research outputs of junior colleagues and provide constructive feedback
• Raise emerging risks, delays or methodological issues early and propose practical solutions
• Maintain clear research documentation and contribute to effective knowledge management across the
team
3. Person Specification
Essential
Education
• Master’s degree in anthropology, sociology, economics, development studies, social research, public policy or another
relevant social science discipline
Experience
• Approximately 3–5 years of professional research experience
• Demonstrated experience designing and conducting qualitative research
• Experience conducting KIIs, FGDs and in-depth interviews
• Experience analysing qualitative data and producing research findings
• Experience conducting literature reviews and evidence synthesis
• Experience contributing to complete research products from design through reporting
• Experience conducting field research
Research skills
• Strong understanding of qualitative research methodologies and sampling approaches
• Ability to distinguish between exploratory, formative, evaluative and other research purposes and select
methods accordingly
• Understanding of longitudinal qualitative research
• Ability to develop analytical frameworks and move from raw qualitative data to defensible findings
• Working understanding of quantitative research and mixed-methods approaches
• Familiarity with research ethics, informed consent, confidentiality and safeguarding
Software and communication
• Experience with MAXQDA, NVivo or similar qualitative analysis software
• Strong Microsoft Word and Excel skills
• Strong written and spoken English and Urdu
• Ability to write clearly, concisely and analytically
Desirable
• Experience working on gender equality, women’s economic empowerment, technology, education, skills
development, mental wellbeing or related areas
• Experience working in international development, NGOs or research organisations
• Experience conducting research with women, young people or underserved communities in Pakistan
• Experience designing participatory research
• Experience integrating qualitative and quantitative evidence
• Experience supervising enumerators, interns or junior researchers
• Familiarity with Theory of Change and Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning approaches
4. Ways of Working
This role is suited to someone who takes ownership of their work and can move an assignment forward without
requiring continuous task-by-task direction.
The successful candidate will be expected to:
• Take responsibility for agreed deliverables from start to finish
• Plan their work against deadlines and communicate risks early
• Ask for guidance where it is genuinely needed while exercising independent judgement within their area
of responsibility
• Produce completed and internally reviewed work
• Respond constructively to technical feedback and incorporate it into subsequent work
• Work collaboratively across teams and support wider research activities where reasonably required
• Be comfortable with both substantive research and the practical work required to deliver it
• Maintain high standards of research integrity, documentation and confidentiality
5. Fieldwork Requirement
The position is based in Islamabad but requires regular travel for research activities. Candidates must be willing
and able to travel outside Islamabad and, where required, remain in field locations for several days or longer
periods depending on the research assignment.
6. Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates will complete a practical research task designed to assess qualitative research design,
evidence synthesis, analytical judgement and research writing.
The interview will assess methodological understanding, field research experience, ownership of research
- assignments, decision-making and ability to work independently within a collaborative research team.
