Research Assistant (part-time / 30 hours)
In this role, you will support our participatory research work through desk-based research, qualitative data processing, communications, and coordination with researchers in the field. The Participatory Research Team on Community-led Action (PARTOCA team) advances an understanding of how displaced populations adapt, pursue opportunities, and navigate change through locally led, cross-border research.
Working closely with colleagues in Copenhagen and with research teams in Uganda and Kenya, you will help ensure that rigorous, community-centered research informs humanitarian programming and decision-making. Who are we? The Strategy, Programming & Results (SPR) Department is a DRC headquarters department responsible for global coordination of DRC's strategy, global overview and standard setting for DRC's programming and global measurement of and learning from DRC's results About the job You will join the PARTOCA research team based in the global MEAL team in Copenhagen.
In this role, you will support the PARTOCA research team by contributing to desk-based research, qualitative data management, communications, and coordination with field-based researchers. Your main duties and responsibilities will be: Support the daily administration and management of qualitative data systems, including data organisation and mapping Conduct comprehensive literature reviews to inform participatory research activities Support communications tasks within the research team, including coordination and content support Transcribe interviews and assist with processing and organising qualitative interview data Contribute to desk-based stakeholder mapping in close collaboration with colleagues in Uganda and Kenya Provide practical and administrative support for field visits, workshops, and meetings, as required Support data management and contribute to report writing and research outputs Assist with the supervision and technical support of research assistants, particularly on qualitative methods and tools About you To be successful in this role we expect you to possess a strong foundation in qualitative and ethnographic research, along with a structured and detail-oriented approach to desk-based work.
You enjoy working collaboratively across teams and cultures and are comfortable supporting multiple tasks in a fast-paced, international environment. You are motivated by research that meaningfully informs humanitarian action and decision-making.All employees should master DRC's core competencies: Communicating, Taking the lead, Collaborating, Striving for excellence and Demonstrating integrity. Moreover, we also expect the following: Required A completed Master’s degree in Anthropology, Ethnography, Global Development, or a closely related field 1–2 years of experience conducting qualitative or ethnographic research, including interviews and desk-based research Experience with literature reviews, qualitative data processing, and research administration Fluency in written and spoken English Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across cultures and contexts Desirable Experience conducting research in East Africa, particularly in humanitarian or development settings Experience supporting participatory or community-based research approaches Familiarity with qualitative data management systems and transcription processes Experience supporting field-based research teams or supervising research assistants Experience contributing to research reporting or analytical outputs We offer Contract length: 9 months (with possibility of extension, subject to funding) Working hours: 30 hours per week Workplace: Lyngbyvej 100, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark Start date: 1 April, 2026 End date: 31 December 2026 The position is temporary as it is project funded.Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for DRC and AC.
The position is at “fuldmægtig” level. This is a national position for which local terms and conditions apply. Please note that you need to have the right to work in Denmark (through nationality or existing work visa) in order to be considered for this role.Application process All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered. Closing date for applications: 2 March, 2026. We expect to conduct interviews between 9-13 March, at the DRC office.
Further information For questions regarding the vacancy please contact Volker Hüls (volker.huels@drc.ngo) For more information about the Danish Refugee Council, please visit our website drc.ngo. DRC as an employer By working in DRC, you will be joining a global workforce of around 600 employees in approximately 30 countries.
We pride ourselves on our: Professionalism, impact & expertise Humanitarian approach & the work we do Purpose, meaningfulness & own contribution Culture, values & strong leadership Fair compensation & continuous development DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.
DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process. If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/jobsupport. Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer and we consider all applicants based on individual merit and qualifications, regardless of personal characteristics or attributes.We are committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce, aiming for a 50% balance of men and women in management roles and ensuring that at least 50% of management roles are filled by national staff. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is crucial for achieving our organizational goals and making a positive impact on the communities we serve.
Tip a friend Print APPLY FOR POSITION Application due: 3/2/2026 Workplace: Copenhagen Department/Country: Strategy, Programming & Results (HQ) Contract type: National contract Homepage: drc.ngo ABOUT DRC Founded in 1956, DRC Danish Refugee Council is Denmark’s largest, and a leading international NGO.
We have continuously been ranked as one of the best NGOs in the world - and are one of the few with a specific expertise in forced displacement. In around 30 countries, we protect, advocate and build sustainable futures for refugees and other displacement-affected people and communities.