• Hands-on Internship Experience: Gain practical research experience through involvement in data collection, fieldwork, research coordination, project support, and research writing alongside experienced researchers.
• Training Series on Research Design and Writing: Participate in structured learning modules focused on research methodologies, design, and academic writing tailored for policy impact.
• Ongoing Mentorship: Receive guidance and mentorship from CDRI researchers to support your professional growth.
• Professional Networking Opportunities: Engage with researchers, policymakers, and development practitioners through seminars, workshops, and professional events.

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be able to:

• Develop research questions and apply quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research methods.  
• Produce research outputs such as reports, policy briefs, and presentations.  
• Understand ethical research practices and academic integrity.  
• Conduct basic data management and preliminary data analysis.  
• Strengthen communication, analytical thinking, and research writing skills.  
• Build professional networks with researchers and development practitioners. 

• Participate in capacity building and research training workshops provided by CDRI.  
• Assist in collecting both primary and secondary data and analyzing them.
• Assist senior researchers in refining research designs and formulating complex questions.
• Assist in drafting specific sections of research reports or working papers under the guidance of a senior mentor.
• Assist in organizing and coordinating technical workshops, policy dialogues, and other events. 

This program targets motivated Cambodian and international applicants with strong analytical skills and an interest in research and policy.

Recent Graduates or Senior Students: Final-year students or graduates in Economics, Business, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Development Studies, Environmental Science, Agriculture, Education, or related fields.

The Research Assistant will be responsible for the following key functions, distributed across four core areas:

A. Core Research and Analytical Support (50%)

• Research Design & Ethics: Assist in drafting research designs, developing data collection instruments (survey questionnaires, interview guides), and preparing documentation for research ethics review across both centres.
• Literature & Documentation: Conduct comprehensive literature reviews to support ongoing research activities, project formulation, and manuscript write-ups.
• Fieldwork & Data Collection: Coordinate and execute fieldwork plans, including organizing enumerators and data entry operators. Conduct interviews and manage surveys while strictly maintaining subject confidentiality and accurate record-keeping.
• Data Processing & Analysis: Transcribe, summarize, and translate interview data. Perform data entry, cleaning, and tabulation under the guidance of senior researchers to ensure data integrity.
• Drafting & Dissemination: Contribute to the drafting and translation of research articles, analytical reports, presentations, and other scholarly publications.
• Logistics: Procure necessary software, equipment, and supplies required for seamless project implementation.

B. Project Administration and Coordination (30%)

• Administrative Support: Provide comprehensive administrative and logistical support to the research teams and field staff of both CERI and CGIS, including arranging project meetings, preparing minutes, and organizing events (inception, consultation, and dissemination workshops).
• Project Tracking & Finance: Assist in developing work plans and budgets, tracking project progress against deliverables, collecting timesheets, and preparing progress reports for team leaders and external donors.
• Supervision & Liaison: Supervise project interns, track their assignments, and act as the primary liaison between interns and the respective Centre Directors.
• Communications & Outreach: Manage project-related correspondence, facilitate communication across CDRI centres, and regularly update project information for the CDRI website.
• Knowledge Management: Maintain and archive project documents and unit records systematically.

C. Resource Mobilisation and Grant Development (10%)

Proposal Support: Compile required documentation, background materials, and institutional data for submission to grant agencies and calls for proposals.

D. Professional and Capacity Development (10%)

• Self-Initiated Research: Develop and implement an independent, self-initiated research project, culminating in a concept note, findings presentation, and publication.
• Continuous Learning: Actively participate in assigned online and offline capacity-development courses to enhance technical and thematic expertise.

Core Competencies

• Professionalism: Shows pride in work and achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments. Ability to work independently and under pressure.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues across all CDRI Centres to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas; shares information and promotes a cohesive team spirit.
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; tailors language, tone, and formatting to match the audience; exhibits strong interpersonal skills.

Functional Competencies

• Research & Analysis: Strong grasp of both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
• Inclusivity: Demonstrated awareness and understanding of gender-responsive, disability-inclusive, and socially inclusive research practices.
• Adaptability: Willingness to learn new concepts, adopt new tools, and travel to remote and rural communities for fieldwork operations.

Education

• A Bachelor’s degree in Education, Political Science, Economics, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a closely related field.
• Note: A Master’s degree is highly advantageous.

Experience & Technical Skills

• Prior working experience in a research-related field or project environment is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in working collaboratively within partnership teams and engaging with external organizations.
• Familiarity with data management and analytical software packages (e.g., NVivo, STATA) is a distinct advantage.

Language 

• Exceptional command of both English and Khmer languages (written and oral) is strictly required.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit:

• A cover letter outlining motivation and relevant experience.
• A detailed CV highlighting achievements; and
• Names and contact details of three referees.

Applications should be addressed to: Human Resources and Administration Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI) Email: [sothy@cdri.org.kh]

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.