Research Associate

Join Us at Plan International Bangladesh: Make a Lasting Impact!

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And its girls who are most affected and mostly during crisis. Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children. For over 85 years, we have rallied other determined optimists to transform the lives of all children in more than 80 countries.

Over the 30 years journey in Bangladesh, we envision a 2030 where children and youth, particularly girls and young women, are recognized as leaders of change in gender norms and can make decisions about their lives.

Since 24 September 2017, Plan International has been responding to the Rohingya refugee influx in Cox’s Bazar with special focus on protecting girls and boys from violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation; improving hygiene and sanitation; and restoring access to safe, quality, and inclusive education for refugee children and adolescents. Guided by our core values, we remain unwavering in our commitment to advancing children’s rights and equality for girls so that children, especially girls, and their communities can learn, lead, decide, and thrive.

For the past three decades, our work in Bangladesh has made a significant impact, and we are now looking for a Research Associate.
The Role

The Research Associate will support the design, implementation, quality assurance, analysis, and reporting of research, assessment, monitoring, learning, and evidence-generation activities under the Social Norms Specialized Agency (SNSA) component of the EARN Project. The Social Norms Specialized Agency (SNSA) is a key component of the Economic Acceleration and Resilience for NEET (EARN) Project, implemented by the Department of Youth Development (DYD) under the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS) with support from the World Bank.
The position will contribute to the development of research methodologies, sampling frameworks, data collection tools, and field protocols; oversee data collection processes; supervise research assistants and enumerators; ensure data quality and compliance with ethical standards; conduct quantitative and qualitative data analysis; and support the preparation of research reports, policy briefs, presentations, and knowledge products. The role will generate evidence and learning related to social norms transformation, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI), safeguarding, SEA/SH prevention and response, youth development, and childcare interventions to inform programme implementation, adaptive management, stakeholder engagement, and policy dialogue.

What we’re looking for

• Bachelor's degree in International Relations, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Anthropology, Statistics, Economics, Public Policy, Gender Studies, or Arts or a related discipline. A Master's degree will be considered as an added advantage.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience where two (2) years in research, assessments, surveys, evaluations, monitoring and learning activities within development, humanitarian, governance, gender, youth development, or social inclusion programmes.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method research studies, including development of methodologies, sampling frameworks, research tools, and field protocols.
• Proven experience in coordinating field data collection activities, supervising enumerators and field teams, conducting training, and implementing data quality assurance measures.
• Strong understanding of research ethics, safeguarding principles, informed consent procedures, and data protection requirements.
• Experience in managing and analyzing quantitative and qualitative datasets using statistical and analytical software such as SPSS, NVivo, SenseMaker, or similar platforms.
• Proficiency in digital data collection platforms such as KoboToolbox, ODK, SurveyCTO, CommCare, or similar systems.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct data analysis, interpret findings, triangulate evidence, and translate results into practical recommendations for programme improvement and decision-making.
• Strong report writing, analytical writing, and presentation skills with the ability to prepare high-quality research reports, learning briefs, policy notes, and knowledge products in both English and Bangla.
• Knowledge of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI), social norms transformation, youth development, safeguarding, SEA/SH prevention and response, and community-based approaches will be considered a strong advantage.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to work effectively with government counterparts, development partners, consultants, community stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively to project locations and work during emergency or disaster response situations, as required by the organization.

Why Join Us?

Joining Plan International means engaging in impactful work that transforms lives and promotes equality. As part of our global network, you will have opportunities for international collaboration and continuous professional development. We value diversity and inclusivity, offering a supportive environment where every team member is empowered to thrive. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we know that to achieve lasting impact, we must invest in those who make it possible. We are guided by a values-based leadership framework rooted in feminist leadership principles.

If you are a committed and values-driven professional with a passion for making a difference, we invite you to join our journey and help shape a better future for children in Bangladesh.

To know more about the role profile, go to this link: Research Associate.

Location: Bangladesh Country Office, with 70% travel

Deadline: 08 August 2026

The project duration is up to 18 months, and the selected candidate will receive an initial one (1) year contract for this position, with a high possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funds. Only Bangladeshi citizens are eligible to apply.

Salary Package for this role is BDT. 65,071 monthly CTC salary along with other benefits, i.e., hospitalization benefit for spouse and children, contributory provident fund, gratuity, festival bonus, leave, group insurance, yearly medical check-up for employee, and day care facilities.

Plan follows an equal opportunity policy and actively encourages diversity, welcoming applications from all, especially women and people living with disability, and gender diverse communities. We promote a competitive salary, a female-friendly workplace, outstanding co-workers (who are respectful, professional, unbiased, and easy to work with) and equal opportunity, which means equal access to career progression, leadership roles or upskilling programs.

A range of pre-employment checks and anti-terrorism screening will be undertaken in conformity with Plan International's Global Safeguarding Policy and Preventing Sexual Harassment and Exploitation and Abuse (PSHEA) policy. Plan International also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this scheme we will request information from applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.

By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of the recruitment procedures. Plan International is committed to an inclusive recruitment process and will provide appropriate support for applicants with disabilities upon request. If your disability is likely to affect you adversely within the application process itself, please let us know (within the vacancy timeframe) by emailing Career.Bangladesh@plan-international.org

Please note that Plan International will never ask for any fees through mobile banking or send unsolicited emails requesting payment from candidates.
Only short-listed candidates shall be contacted. Any prior communication or persuasion may lead to the disqualification of the candidacy.