Job Description: Research Assistant

Deadline: December 11

For Thai nationals only

How to Apply

Send the following application materials to info@thetealeafcenter.org with the subject line “Research Assistant” by December 11 (applications will be reviewed when received and a decision may be made before the deadline):

• CV/resume;
• Cover letter explaining relevant experience and reasons for applying; and
• The names of two references, including at least one with direct knowledge of the applicant’s research experience/skills.

The Tea Leaf Center

The Tea Leaf Center is a social enterprise research and training consulting firm based in Chiang Mai, Thailand. We support locally-led research by providing tailored coaching and training, on-call support, and platforms to connect research.

The Tea Leaf Center was registered as a company limited in Thailand in 2019. Since its formation, the Tea Leaf Center and its directors have conducted evaluations and other research for international and local NGOs and conducted trainings on writing and research for local organizations working in environmental conservation, land rights, public health, migrant education, human rights and other areas. We have also worked with a local university to support quality academic research in Myanmar.

Why “The Tea Leaf Center”?

All across Asia, people come together over a cup of tea. They talk about their lives, their communities, and their countries. These conversations spark new ideas. Entire movements are born in tea shops across the region. We are The Tea Leaf Center because we take the passion and inspiration of these conversations into the real world. We support the shift of ideas from abstract, tea shop discussions to research projects that result in knowledge to help communities lead their own change.

The Position

The Tea Leaf Center is hiring a long-term research assistant to support research, evaluations, assessments, and other similar projects. The research assistant will help with projects for the Tea Leaf Center’s clients, give research advice and assistance to local non-profit organizations, identify new opportunities for collaboration and assist in organizing events to support locally-led research. This position will be mostly full-time, with flexibility between projects. The position will offer many opportunities for learning and growth, including learning new research methods and taking increasing amounts of responsibility in research projects (along with respective increases in pay). Since the Tea Leaf Center is still in the start-up phase, this position gives the opportunity to contribute to the development of the organization. The position will involve a one-year contract with a three-month probation period.

Responsibilities

• Assist on research projects, planning & logistics, recruiting and supervising enumerators, and contributing to research, analysis and report-writing.
• Maintain accurate financial records of expenses during field research.
• Assist in research skills trainings, including logistics and leading activities based on experience/skills.
• Help build and maintain relationships with local and international non-profit organizations in Thailand (and in other countries in Southeast Asia, when travel becomes possible)
• Attend meetings, conferences, and other events on behalf of the Tea Leaf Center.
• Assist in organizing events to promote locally-led research, including public talks, forums, roundtables and others.

Qualifications

• At least a Bachelor’s degree (or relevant 5 years’ experience) in social science, development, public health or other relevant field.
• Experience in conducting qualitative and/or quantitative research, including surveys, interviews, focus group discussions and/or participatory research.
• Experience working with local or international non-profit organizations.
• Fluent Thai and proficient English; another regional language including Karen, Shan or Burmese would be considered an asset.
• Commitment to empowering local communities and civil society organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to work respectfully and inclusively with people of diverse backgrounds, including ethnic and religious minorities and other marginalized populations.
• Thai citizenship.

Compensation

The research assistant will receive a minimum guaranteed monthly salary, plus an additional amount based on the days per month worked on paid research projects.

How to Apply

Send the following application materials to info@thetealeafcenter.org with the subject line “Research Assistant” by December 11 (applications will be reviewed when received and a decision may be made before the deadline):

• CV/resume;
• Cover letter explaining relevant experience and reasons for applying; and
• The names of two references, including at least one with direct knowledge of the applicant’s research experience/skills.