Research Assistant Jobs – Refugee Law Project (RLP)

Job Title:    Research Assistant

Organisation:  Refugee Law Project (RLP)

Duty Station:  Kampala, Uganda

About Organisation:

Refugee Law Project (RLP) is an outreach project of the School of Law, Makerere University. Our Mission is to empower asylum seekers, refugees, deportees, IDPs and host communities to enjoy their human rights and lead dignified lives. The Refugee Law Project has a wide physical presence with offices in Kampala, Hoima, Mbarara, Gulu, Kitgum, Nakivale, Kyangwali, Kiryandongo, Lamwo, Adjumani, Maaji II, Bidibidi (Yumbe), Palorinya (Moyo) and Arua.

Job Summary: The Research Assistant is a vital member of the research team, providing administrative and logistical support to the Research Officer and contributing to the successful implementation of research projects focused on RLP’s thematic areas of intervention, including Access to Justice, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, Gender and SRHR, Transitional Justice, Conflict and Peace Building, Memory and Memorialisation, Reconciliation, and Justice. The ideal candidate will have a strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and a passion for research and community engagement. They will work closely with the Research Officer to support data collection, management, and analysis, while also engaging with communities and stakeholders to promote research acceptance and participation.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Research Administration and Support:

• Provide administrative support to the Research Officer, including scheduling meetings, managing calendars, and coordinating travel arrangements for research activities focused on RLP’s thematic areas.
• Assist with preparing research proposals, reports, and other documents, ensuring alignment with RLP’s research agenda and thematic areas.
• Maintain accurate records and files, both physical and electronic, related to research projects, including those focused on access to justice, mental health, and gender- based violence.

Data Collection and Management:

• Schedule data collection activities for research officers, pool researchers, lead researchers and Coordinator Research and Documentation
• Assist with data collection, including conducting interviews, surveys, and focus groups with refugees, youth, and vulnerable populations, focusing on RLP’s thematic areas.
• Support the use of innovative and non-conventional research methods, such as storytelling, art, dance, music, and other creative expressions, to engage young people and vulnerable persons, including victims and survivors of violence.
• Transcribe audio and video recordings, and organize notes and transcripts, ensuring data quality, confidentiality, and security, and adhering to RLP’s data management protocols.
• Support the Research Officer with data analysis, including data cleaning and coding, using tools like NVivo, SPSS, or R, to inform programming and policy in RLP’s thematic areas.

Community Engagement and Participation:

• Engage with communities and stakeholders, including refugees, youth groups, and survivors of gender-based violence, to promote research acceptance and participation in RLP’s research activities.
• Assist with obtaining informed consent from research participants, including administering consent forms, ensuring compliance with RLP’s research ethics and protocols.
• Build relationships with community leaders and members to facilitate research access and acceptance, particularly in refugee settlements and host communities.
• Support the development of community engagement plans and strategies, ensuring cultural sensitivity and relevance to RLP’s thematic areas.

Innovative Research Methods:

• Support the development and implementation of innovative research methods, such as participatory video, photovoice, and digital storytelling, to capture the experiences and perspectives of young people and vulnerable populations.
• Assist with the collection and analysis of data from non-traditional sources, such as art, music, and other creative expressions.
• Contribute to the development of research reports and other communication products that showcase the findings and recommendations from innovative research methods.

Data Transcription and Organization:

• Transcribe interviews, focus groups, and other data collection activities, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail, and organizing data in a manner that facilitates analysis and reporting.
• Organize and manage data, including notes, transcripts, and audio-visual materials, using digital tools like NVivo, Excel, or other data management software.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:

• Assist with communicating research findings to stakeholders, including communities, government, NGOs, and donors, ensuring that research informs programming and policy in RLP’s thematic areas.
• Support the development of communication products, including reports, briefs, infographics, and social media content, highlighting research findings and recommendations.
• Engage with stakeholders to promote research uptake and utilization, fostering partnerships and collaborations that advance RLP’s mission.

Data Protection and Management:

• Ensure all research data is handled and stored in accordance with RLP’s data protection policies and procedures, adhering to international standards for data security and confidentiality.
• Support the Research Officer with data management and archiving, including transferring data to secure servers and ensuring compliance with RLP’s data retention policies.
• Assist with maintaining confidentiality and anonymity of research participants, particularly in sensitive research areas like gender-based violence and mental health.

Collaboration and Teamwork:

• Work closely with the Research Officer and other team members to ensure research projects are completed on time, within budget, and to a high standard, contributing to RLP’s overall research agenda.
• Collaborate with data management and archiving teams to ensure data is properly managed and stored, supporting RLP’s commitment to data quality and integrity.
• Provide support and assistance to other team members as needed, fostering a culture of teamwork and collaboration.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., social sciences, research, statistics, development studies, or related fields).
• 3 years of experience in research administration, data collection, or a related field, preferably in a research or development context.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with attention to detail and ability to work independently.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of local languages an asset.
• Familiarity with data management software and tools (e.g., NVivo, Excel, SPSS, or R).

Desired Skills and Qualities:

• Passion for research and community engagement, particularly in the context of refugee and host communities.
• Strong understanding of research principles and ethics, including those related to vulnerable populations and sensitive topics.
• Ability to work with diverse populations, including refugees, youth, women, and survivors of gender-based violence.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities, ensuring flexibility and resilience in a dynamic research context.
• Familiarity with RLP’s thematic areas and experience working in related fields an added advantage.
• Creativity and innovation in research design and methods, particularly in using non- conventional approaches to engage young people and vulnerable populations.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, meet deadlines and work in a fast-paced environment
• Takes initiative and with good time-management skills
• A good deal of common sense, etiquette and an ability to think on one’s feet.
• Ability to work on own initiative
• Ability to deal with sensitive information with discretion and to maintain confidentiality.
• Excellent IT skills, including a working knowledge of presentation software packages, preferably Microsoft Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint, outlook.

How to Apply:

For all positions listed, please submit a motivation letter, an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae and academic certificates relevant to the position applied for in one PDF Document not exceeding 8 pages. You can include links to your writings in your CV.

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Deadline: 12th December 2025.

Applications received after this deadline will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Candidates must be in a position to cover their own travel expenses for interviews.

NOTE

• Applications sent through any other channels will not be considered. For any challenges with the system, reach out to support@refugeeelawproject.org.
• Refugee Law Project is a human-rights based organization with strong Anti-Discrimination policies.
• Women and Refugees are encouraged to apply

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Level of Education: bachelor degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 36