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The Impact team’s main function is to monitor and assess the impact of Proximity’s products and services on farmers' livelihoods and the environment through research activities such as surveys, ethnographic interviews, analysis of soil, water and crop health.

As a Research Associate, you will support the team by conducting quantitative and qualitative research focused on the environmental and social impact of our products and services. This position is perfect for a young Myanmar researcher willing to work in the field of climate science, rural development and the agricultural sector. You will benefit from an exceptional working environment and opportunities for professional development and further learning.

Once You’re Here, You Will:

• Collaborate with senior research associates in designing research methodology and preparing research tools (questionnaires, soil and crop sampling protocols, etc)
• Data Collection: The research associate will cooperate with field teams to travel to farms and collect soil, water or crop samples and agronomic data required for environmental assessments of our technologies. This position requires regular field trips; the candidate must be able and willing to travel approximately once a month. Occasionally, they will also be required to conduct interviews through phone calls or field-visits.
• Laboratory Work: The research associate will collaborate with our Agronomy laboratory to design and conduct various tests for impact evaluation. A keen understanding of the scientific method and proficiency of basic principles in chemistry, biology and geology are required. The research associate will need to ensure the laboratory team has all the necessary material, technology and documentation. Occasionally, they will also need to assist in conducting tests.
• Data Analysis: The research associate will be responsible for data cleaning and basic analysis using Excel and Google sheets. Familiarity with statistics will be an advantage.
• She/He will also need to present the research findings within the organization through presentations and brief reports.

Must Haves:

• University graduate preferably in the field of agriculture, economics or physical sciences.
• 1 to 2+ years professional experience in the development or private sector, (ideally in monitoring/evaluation or agricultural extension).
• Must have experience conducting social or empirical research.
• Must be familiar with laboratory work or field experiments.
• Must be able to work in English.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency with Excel and G-suite will be an advantage.
• Passionate about helping rural farmers and improving their livelihoods.
• Enthusiastic to work within disciplines of Chemistry, Biology and Geology
• Ability to strike up a good conversation with rural farmers.

In return…

You’ll earn a competitive salary, with medical benefits, and incredible opportunities to develop your career. You can expect an annual impact bonus, an amazing office with the forward-thinking people and world-class training opportunities through Proximity School. And, ultimately, you’ll have the opportunity to change lives in Myanmar for the better, while doing groundbreaking work.

About Proximity

Proximity Designs is tackling globally important issues at the nexus of climate change, deep poverty, food insecurity, inequality and political conflict. We do this by helping hundreds of thousands of rural people care for their soils, grow more food, earn better incomes and build resilience against climate change. We address a critical government and market failure, by designing and delivering products and services needed to make farming families more productive, profitable and environmentally sustainable.

We offer our low-income customers a suite of innovative and affordable farm solutions such as micro-irrigation systems, bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides, soil health testing kits, on-call crop protection services and farm loans.

Over the past 20 years, we’ve generated USD 782 million in additional income for 1.2 million poor farming households across rural Myanmar. With this income increase, farmers can invest in their future: education for their children, more nutritious food, better healthcare and investments in their farms or other village enterprises.

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining us, please click Apply to submit your application.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis without regards to race, sex, color, national origin, sexual orientation, age, or marital status, and therefore interested candidates are encouraged to apply.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.