[newdevjobsindo] SEHAT - Research Assistant

Mei 27, 2026   Comment  

Terms of Reference

Position: Research Assistant

Location: Jakarta
Reporting to: MEL Specialist

 

SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT

The Strengthening Equitable Healthcare Access in Target regions (SEHAT) project in Indonesia is a seven-year project funded by Global Affairs Canada. SEHAT aims to improve health outcomes and rights, particularly Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), for marginalized and vulnerable women and girls (W&Gs) in the provinces of Central Sulawesi (CS) and Papua. The project will achieve its ultimate outcome by addressing the barriers faced by W&Gs both on the supply and demand side of health care. On the supply side, the Project will improve the delivery of quality, gender responsive and environmentally sustainable health care (1100) through a series of interventions aimed at improving the ability and capacity of healthcare providers, administrators, managers and policymakers at provincial and district levels. This pillar will strengthen four of the six core building blocks of the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework for Resilient Health Systems, namely: health workforce; leadership/governance; service delivery; and health infrastructure, equipment and supplies. On the demand side, the Project will work with women & girls and their communities to promote accessible, non-judgmental, and evidence-based health information; support women and girls' ability for decision-making on SRHR; and challenge harmful social norms and practices that affect women and girls' health and rights. Combined, interventions under this second pillar will lead to the increased use of quality, gender responsive, and environmentally sustainable health care by Women and Girls (1200).

 

Background

This Scope of Work outlines the terms of engagement for a Research Assistant to support the MEL Specialist in delivering both research and monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) activities during the assigned period. The consultant will work on a flexible, project-based arrangement and will be engaged as needed based on workload and project milestones.

The Research Assistant is expected to contribute equally to research-related activities, including literature review, qualitative analysis, and report writing, and to MEL operations such as assessment support, data entry, and administrative coordination.

 

Objective of the Consultancy

The Research Assistant is engaged to:

1. Support research activities including desk research, literature review, and qualitative data analysis
2. Assist in the development and writing of research outputs, reports, and learning materials
3. Support MEL processes including assessments, data collection, data entry, and quality assurance
4. Provide administrative support to ensure smooth day-to-day research and MEL operations

Duration of Assignment

Total duration: 3 months (June-August 2026)

 

 

Key Activities

1. Literature Review & Desk Research

• Conduct systematic literature reviews and desk research on topics relevant to the project
• Identify, retrieve, and synthesize evidence from academic journals, grey literature, policy documents, and reports
• Maintain an organized reference library and annotated bibliography
• Produce structured literature review summaries and briefing notes as requested

2. Qualitative Data Analysis

• Support the organization and management of qualitative data (interview transcripts, FGD notes, case studies)
• Assist in coding and thematic analysis of qualitative data using agreed frameworks or software (e.g., NVivo, or manual coding)
• Synthesize qualitative findings into clear, evidence-based narratives
• Assist in the development and refinement of data collection tools (interview guides, observation checklists)

3. Report Writing Support

• Assist in drafting, editing, and formatting research reports, policy briefs, and learning documents
• Support the preparation of presentations, infographics, and communication materials based on research findings
• Contribute to the development of project case studies, success stories, and learning products
• Ensure consistency, clarity, and quality of written outputs prior to submission or publication

4. MEL & Assessment Support

• Assist in the design and preparation of MEL data collection instruments (surveys, assessment tools, checklists)
• Support field data collection activities including surveys, interviews, and observations under the guidance of the MEL Specialist
• Enter and clean collected data accurately in designated MEL databases or systems
• Assist in compiling MEL reports, progress updates, and indicator tracking
• Flag data discrepancies or gaps to the MEL Specialist for review and resolution

5. Administrative & Coordination Support

• Assist in organizing and documenting research and MEL-related meetings, workshops, and events
• Prepare meeting notes, agendas, and relevant documents
• Manage and track activity schedules, research timelines, and deliverable deadlines
• Maintain an organized repository of research documents, tools, datasets, and reports

 

Deliverables

 

Deliverable	Description	Timeline
Literature Review Summaries	Structured synthesis of evidence on assigned research topics	As per research plan
Qualitative Analysis Outputs	Coded data, thematic summaries, or narrative findings	Per data collection cycle
Report & Publication Drafts	Draft inputs, edits, or full sections of research reports and briefs	Per reporting milestone
MEL Data & Assessments	Completed instruments, cleaned datasets, and data summaries	Within 5 working days post-collection
Activity Documentation	Meeting notes, event reports, and coordination records	Within 3 working days per activity

 

Required Qualifications and Experience

1. Minimum Bachelor's degree (S1) in Public Health, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Statistics, or a related field; Master's degree is an advantage
2. Demonstrated experience in research assistance, including literature review, qualitative or quantitative data analysis
3. Familiarity with MEL concepts, frameworks, and tools in development or health program contexts
4. Strong academic and professional writing skills in English; proficiency in Bahasa Indonesia is required
5. Experience with qualitative analysis approaches (thematic analysis, coding); familiarity with NVivo, Atlas.ti, or similar tools is preferred
6. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace
7. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and ability to synthesize complex information
8. Willing and able to travel to project field locations as required
9. Ability to manage multiple tasks, work independently, and meet deadlines
10. Experience in NGO, development, or health program settings is an advantage

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

 

Candidates are encouraged to apply by June 12, 2026 / as soon as possible. For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as follows:

 

CV and cover letter to be sent to info@sehat-cowater.id with the Subject RA_[Name].

 

Interviews will be conducted immediately, with CVs reviewed on a rolling, daily basis.

 

Cowater international strives to maintain a fair, transparent, and human centered recruitment process. As part of our commitment to responsible hiring practices and compliance with evolving recruitment regulations, we may use AI assisted tools to support limited aspects of our talent acquisition workflow, such as reviewing or shortlisting applications. These tools are used only to enhance efficiency and consistency in our processes. All assessments, interviews, and final hiring decisions are made exclusively by our human recruiting managers. Candidates may request additional information about the use of these tools or reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process.

 

Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law. We thank all applicants, however only that shortlisted will be contacted.

 

ABOUT US

Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. Weare a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies since 2017.

We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow.