Research Associate

Research Associate - National Science Bowl Project

Location: Lahore

Closing Date: 01/31/2025

About CERP:

The Centre for Economic Research in Pakistan, or CERP, is a leading independent nonpartisan policy institution focused on improving decision making in Pakistan through evidence-informed research, engaging with policy counterparts with real policy challenges and designing and advising on high impact reforms based on data. At CERP, we also deploy cutting edge pedagogy tailored for Pakistan and provide data insights to the private sector on product and process design.

Program Description:

The National Science Bowl Pakistan (NSBP) is a dynamic and engaging nationwide competition that challenges high school students to deepen their understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The NSBP brings together bright minds from across the country to compete in fast-paced, buzzer-style quiz rounds that test their knowledge in various STEM disciplines. The competition fosters a love for science and teamwork, inspiring participants to pursue STEM-related fields in their academic and professional careers. In addition to encouraging academic excellence, NSBP is committed to promoting inclusivity by ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds—whether from urban centers or more remote regions—have the opportunity to participate and showcase their talent.

Position:

The Associate for the National Science Bowl Pakistan (NSBP) will play a key role in supporting the day-to-day operations of the project. This role will involve assisting the Project Manager in all aspects of the competition's execution, from managing logistics and volunteer coordination to outreach and engagement with participating schools. Additionally, the Associate will contribute to the research and impact assessment components of the project, including data collection, analysis, and report writing. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, proactive, and passionate about education and STEM fields.

Job Description and Responsibilities:

1. Operational Support:

• Assist the Project Manager with daily project management tasks, including event logistics, scheduling, and coordination of regional and national qualifiers.
• Manage communication with participating schools, students, and volunteers.
• Support outreach efforts, including building and maintaining databases for potential school participants.
• Help organize and lead team meetings, taking detailed notes and tracking action items.
• Provide technical and logistical support during competitions, ensuring smooth operations.
• Assist with the recruitment, training, and management of volunteers, ensuring they are prepared for their respective roles during the competition.
• Oversee the allocation of tasks among volunteers during events, ensuring seamless collaboration.

• Assist in conducting impact assessments of the NSBP project, aimed at evaluating the short- and medium-term outcomes on student motivation, academic performance, and aspirations in STEM fields.
• Participate in data collection processes, including the administration of surveys and collection of administrative data.
• Analyze the collected data to measure the impact of NSBP on students' critical thinking, teamwork, and interest in STEM.
• Contribute to drafting research reports, sharing key findings with stakeholders to inform program improvements.

Entry Requirements:

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree in education, social sciences, STEM, or a related field.
2. 1-2 years of experience in a similar role.
3. Strong organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
4. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
5. Experience in research, including data collection and analysis, is preferred.
6. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and basic data analysis tools (experience with statistical software like Stata or R is a plus).
7. Passion for STEM education and fostering youth engagement in science competitions.