Position Title: Research Assistant
Duty Station: Melbourne, Australia (Home-based)
Classification: Consultant
Type of Appointment: Consultant
Duration: October-November (8.5 days)
IOM Project to which the Consultancy is contributing: Fiji: Engaging with Diaspora for Fiji’s Development
Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible
Introduction:
Diaspora members play a significant role in the development of their country of origin. The engaging with diaspora for Fiji’s development is a pilot project that aims to assist the Government of Fiji to engage more closely and strategically with Fijian diaspora groups as part of its efforts to contribute to national development and further to Fiji’s commitment to achieving the relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The main outcome of the project is to ensure that the Government of Fiji demonstrates increased engagement with Fijian diaspora communities in Australia.
To achieve the project outcome, the project will deliver three outputs in partnership with the Government of Fiji and the Fijian High Commission in Australia. Firstly, a diaspora mapping survey will be undertaken in Australia which will look at the size, composition, attitudes, educational attainments, professional interest and needs of the diaspora communities. Secondly, the project will develop and provide recommendations for the Government of Fiji on strategic engagement and partnerships with the Fijian diaspora communities and how they can contribute to development areas of priority for Fiji. This will improve links with the Fijian diaspora groups, improving their ability to develop networks, build trust, transfer skills and identify investment opportunities in Fiji. The third output is for the Government of Fiji to convene a diaspora engagement meeting in Suva, with stakeholders from Australia and New Zealand High Commissions in Fiji and Canada High Commission based in Australia, strengthening the partnership between the Government of Fiji and the diaspora groups. In working towards the first output, IOM Fiji seeks to recruit a research assistant to assist with the Diaspora Survey.
Diaspora Survey:
A Diaspora survey is generally the process of collecting and analysing data about a diaspora population. The overall objective of this survey is to gather information on the Fijian diaspora living in Australia, evaluate their perspectives towards contributing to Fiji’s development, document the challenges they face in effectively participating in Fiji’s development initiatives, assess their interest to return and identify strategies and conditions to enhance diaspora engagements into Fiji’s national development. The survey will look at the size, composition, attitudes, educational qualifications, professional interests of diaspora communities, as well as their aspirations on engaging with their country of origin.
The findings of the diaspora mapping survey will provide the basis for developing policy recommendations and strategies on how the Government of Fiji can build long-lasting engagement and partnership with the Fijian diaspora communities in Australia and ways these can be mainstreamed into policies and approaches of relevant ministries of the Government of Fiji.
The key objectives of this survey are to:
i. Conduct a desk review of the available literature on migration and development in Fiji with a focus on the Fijian diaspora communities living in Australia.
ii. Map the composition, structure and characteristics of the Fijian diaspora population in Australia (these includes demographic, socio-economic and legal characteristics).
iii. Map the key diaspora associations and organisations, their membership and current activities that directly contribute to Fiji’s development.
iv. Assess the perceptions and interests of the Fijian diaspora communities in Australia towards participating in Fiji’s development initiatives.
v. Identify challenges faced by the Fijian diaspora communities in Australia towards participating in Fiji’s development initiatives.
vi. Determine their interest to return and the conditions that will facilitate their return.
vii. Develop strategies to enhance diaspora engagements into Fiji’s national development.
Core Functions/ Responsibilities:
In coordination with IOM Fiji, the research assistant is expected to:
1) Organise and coordinate 2 focus group discussions with the guidance of the Project coordinator and the consultants in line with the COVID-19 restrictions. This includes:
2) Assist with the completion of the online survey. This includes:
3) Assist with wide dissemination of the information about the Diaspora project and surveys in Australia. This includes:
Tangible and Measurable Outputs to be achieved:
Deliverables and timelines:
Objectives 1: 2 focus group discussion completed
Activities 1: Finalise logistics: Number of participants, Venue and catering
Number of days: 3 days
Timelines: October
Key Deliverable: Quotes obtained and payments for the logistics for 2 focus group discussions are processed for face to face meetings or online registrations for online meetings
Activities 2: Facilitate the Focus group discussion
Number of days: 2 days
Timelines: October-November
Key Deliverable: Brief report on the 2-focus group discussion submitted
Objectives 2: Senior citizens and diaspora associations assisted with online surveys
Activities 1: Assist the completion of online surveys
Number of days: 3 days
Timelines: November
Key Deliverable: 2 senior members of the Fijian diaspora visited
Objectives 3: Wider dissemination of the information on the diaspora project
Activities 1: Conducting awareness on social media and during Fiji day celebrations
Number of days: 1.5 days
Timelines: November
Key Deliverable: 2 media awareness strategies shared
Performance indicators for evaluation of results
i. Efficient planning and coordination of Focus Group Discussions,
ii. Timely execution of key deliverables and submission of reports
iii. Excellent level of quality of work achieved
Required Qualifications and Experience:
i. Degree or Master’s Degree, preferably in Anthropology, Development Studies, Diaspora Studies, Geography, Pacific Studies, Social Sciences, Statistics and/or Migration, Labour Mobility;
ii. Demonstrated experience in research and conducting Focus Group Discussions;
iii. Minimum 1 year of experience working with research, data and statistics, policy development or analysis, preferably in the field of migration and development in developing countries;
iv. Experience working with specialized international agencies (UN Agencies, International Organizations, and International specialized NGOs);
v. preferably Identify as a member of the Fijian diaspora in Australia
vi. Experience working in the Pacific region is preferable;
vii. Experience in facilitating working groups and discussions, actively engaging members.
Fluency in English language is required.
* This position has possibilities of travel within states.
· Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
· Integrity and transparency: maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
· Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
Core Competencies – behavioural indicators
· Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
· Delivering results: produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner; is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
· Managing and sharing knowledge: continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
· Accountability: takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own action and delegated work.
· Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.
Other:
· The appointment is subject to funding confirmation.
· Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
· No late applications will be accepted.
This vacancy is archived.