Call for applications: Arts and culture researchers in Malawi

The five-month research study, titled Mapping Exercise of Malawi's Arts and Cultural Industries, will be conducted through funding courtesy of RFL. The mapping exercise aims to evaluate Malawi’s arts and cultural sectors to identify opportunities and challenges, estimate the economic contribution of the creative sector and make recommendations on structural changes and policy interventions required for the sector's growth and development.

Job summary

The University of Malawi is looking for four research assistants to work on a five-month research project. The research assistants will be responsible for collecting and analysing data on the five main categories of the creative sector in Malawi, including performing arts, visual arts and crafts, media arts, cultural heritage, and design. The successful candidates will work with the research team to conduct the study, draft reports and articles, and contribute to disseminating the findings.

• Job Title: Research assistant
• Number of positions: Four
• Contract duration: March to June
• Location: Zomba, Malawi (with national travel)

Responsibilities

• Collect data from various sources, including surveys, interviews and secondary sources on the five main categories of the creative sector in Malawi.
• Conduct data analysis using statistical software (Stata and or Nvivo/NUDIST) and other tools.
• Assist in report writing and presentation of findings, at higher-level meetings.
• Collaborate with other research assistants and the project lead to ensure timely completion of project deliverables.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or LaTex.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (obtained from a NCHE accredited university) in a related field, such as theatre, media, communication, cultural studies, economics, statistics, or social sciences.
• A certificate in qualitative and quantitative research will be a plus.

Skills

• Strong data collection and analysis skills (both qualitative and quantitative).
• Experience with statistical software.
• Skills in translating and transcribing.
• Excellent communication and writing skills in English, including proficiency in Chichewa and any other local language.
• Experience working on research projects, preferably related to the arts and cultural sectors.
• Good ICT skills.
• Evidence of presentation at high level meetings.
• Knowledge of the creative sector in Malawi is a plus.

Note: The potential research assistants will be asked to demonstrate the skills indicated above. A competitive renumeration package and the opportunity to work on an exciting project that has the potential to make a significant impact on Malawi’s arts and cultural industries will be offered.

Interested persons should submit their applications accompanied by a cover letter and CV with at least two references, which can be emailed to vacancies@unima.ac.mw before 28 February.