The Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR) at the University of Oxford is looking for an academic consultant providing research support to the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)-funded project “Understanding ‘Buddhist nationalism’ in Myanmar: Religion, Gender, Identity and Conflict in a Political Transition.” The project is directed by Dr Matthew J Walton and the Oxford-based research team includes Dr Ma Khin Mar Mar Kyi. The consultant will be expected to support the research team’s activities in Myanmar in various ways.

The work will be undertaken outside the UK and will consist of collecting, organizing and sharing data with the research team (including books, journals, DVDs, and other media); completing transcriptions and rough translations of collected data; supporting the research team in planning and organizing field research; occasionally conducting interviews for the project; leading in organizing regular consultation and dissemination meetings; occasionally contributing to the research team’s scholarly and media outputs; and submitting quarterly progress reports to the Director.

The successful candidate will have professional competency in both English and Burmese (written and spoken) and be able to complete rough translations of material from Burmese to English.  S/he will have experience supporting research projects and ideally some experience in conducting research. The candidate will be organized and responsive, with a high level of attention to detail and an ability to engage delicately with sensitive topics. S/he must be comfortable interacting with government officials and high-ranking religious figures.

The works will be undertaken outside the UK and, ideally the consultant will be based in Yangon (Myanmar), although candidates based in other major cities in Myanmar will be considered. The successful applicant will be required to provide the University with a copy of an adequate professional indemnity insurance policy on request.

This contract will be full time commencing as soon as possible and ending on 31 July 2018.

Further duties and skills required are described below.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities

1. To collect data (including books, journals, DVDs, and other media) as required for the project, organizing it and sharing with the research team
2. To complete transcriptions or rough translations of collected materials
3. To conduct preliminary analysis of collected materials
4. To support the research team in planning and organizing field work
5. To occasionally undertake research which might include preparing, setting up, conducting and recording interviews or other field work
6. To lead in organizing the research team’s regular consultation/dissemination meetings
7. To prepare quarterly progress reports for the project director
8. To contribute to the research team’s scholarly and media writings, as appropriate
9. To contribute to the planning process of the research team as appropriate
10. To comply with University policies relating to health and safety, ethics, equality of opportunity and data management

Any other duties as maybe assigned from time to time commensurate with the project.

Selection Criteria

Essential
• Professional competency in English and Burmese (written and spoken);
• Experience supporting research projects, including planning interviews and consultation meetings, managing small budgets, and writing reports;
• Experience collecting, organizing, and analysing data;
• Ability to engage delicately and effectively with sensitive topics;
• Excellent administrative skills and capability, including problem solving, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
• Comfortable working with people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds.

Desirable
• Experience in transcription and translation;
• Familiarity with media in Myanmar, including social media;
• Experience in event organisation;
• Experience in independently managing a discrete area of a research project;
• Experience working in areas related to religion, politics, gender, or conflict;
• Experience conducting research, including conducting interviews.

To apply for this assignment, please send a cover letter and CV (including references) to: matthew.walton@sant.ox.ac.uk.

 Closing date for applications is Monday noon (UK time) 8th August 2016. Applications received after the closing date cannot be considered.