Call for Applications: Residential Training on Participatory Research
Publish Date: 11 January 2024
Deadline of application submission: January 31, 2024
Dates of training: February 11, 2024 – February 15, 2024
Training Venue: BRAC Learning Centre, Jashore
Who we are:
Centre for Peace and Justice (CPJ), BRAC University, is a multi-disciplinary academic and research institute which promotes global peace and social justice through quality education, research, training and advocacy. Established in March 2017, CPJ prides itself in conducting research that is ethical, inclusive and non-extractive in nature and design.
Since 2019, CPJ and The Asia Foundation (TAF) have adopted community-driven approaches to explore critical aspects of Bangladeshi borderlands. With the aim to replicate and apply CPJ’s adaptation of Participatory Action Research (PAR) methodology to a previously unexplored context, CPJ and TAF have collaborated to initiate a new study in Bangladesh’s climate-affected southwestern borderlands, particularly Jessore and Satkhira districts (Sharsha, Keshabpur, Shyamnagar, Debhata upazilas). A key component of this project is to train and empower community youth members as researchers to account for their lived experiences in both data collection and analysis.
Core components of training:
- Research Methodology: Experiential training on research methodology, concepts and tools of social science research.
- Fundamentals of Qualitative Research: Teaches different interviewing methods, reflexive analysis, positionality and narrative inquiry.
- Community-based Participatory Research: Provides trainees a deep understanding of CPJ’s community-focused approaches, research tools, and use of Trust Networks in exploring new questions.
- Research Design: Refines the skills to outline research concepts, to prepare and frame research questions, to identify sample types and to strategically plan data collection, data coding and analysis.
- Ethical approaches: Educates trainees on research ethics, rapport-building approaches with respondents, and data protection mechanisms.
- Research Tools: Teaches use of digital tools for data collection and report writing.
- Field testing: Provides trainees with hands-on theoretical training with practical field exercises.
Seeking Young Research Enthusiasts (Eligibility Criteria):
- Recent university graduates or enrolled into university.
- Participants must be from Jashore or Satkhira districts (Sharsha, Keshabpur, Debhata, Shyammagar upazilas preferred)
- Familiarity with the cultural and geographical context of southwestern borders.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a solid command of reading and writing in English. Notable transcribing skills from Bengali to English.
- Ability to work independently and in challenging environmental conditions.
- Strong sense of teamwork and adaptability to a vulnerable environment.
- Preliminarily selected applicants will be interviewed by CPJ research staff.
- Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply. Female friendly spaces will be created during the training.
Why join us:
- Opportunity to be hired after training: Exceptional trainees will be hired as community researchers to work alongside CPJ and TAF colleagues for the span of this ongoing project (~12 months).
- Research skills and advocacy: Gain the transformative skills to conduct social research and lead advocacy for your own community.
- Network and mentorship: Experienced researchers will guide trainees and help expand their existing local network of academics and research enthusiasts.
- Certification: A BRAC University accredited certificate of training will be provided.
- Amenities: Free accommodation, food, snacks and transport will be provided during the training.
How to apply:
Please send your CV and a short personal statement describing why you would be a right fit for the training (200 – 250 words) to [email protected] by January 31, 2024, 11:59 PM.
