Research Associate (2 year contract), Policy Development & Evaluation (Southeast Asia) - Geylang

Verian is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Associate to support our Policy Development & Evaluation team in Southeast Asia. You will contribute to high-impact international development projects focused on evidence-based policy and programme design — including an ongoing regional perceptions study and a multi-country impact evaluation.

The role is based in Singapore and ideal for an early-career professional with strong research and analysis skills, a keen interest in social issues, public policy and international development, and familiarity with the Southeast Asian regional context.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct desk research, literature reviews, and regional policy scanning across ASEAN member states.
• Assist in designing and deploying mixed-method research tools (e.g. surveys, interviews).
• Perform stakeholder mapping and synthesize qualitative and quantitative data into reports.
• Leverage statistical, data, and text analytics, as well as data visualisation skills (e.g. Excel, SPSS, R, Python, Netbase, Nvivo, Power BI, Tableau), to interpret survey results and analyse open-ended responses for data-driven insights.
• Ensure accuracy and consistency in data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Present research findings through clear visualizations, infographics, dashboards, and reports tailored for different audiences (e.g. word, powerpoint, Canva).

• Coordinate fieldwork logistics and engagement with local consultants across Southeast Asia.
• Ensure timely delivery of project outputs, including presentations, data summaries, and client reports.

• Proactively manage proposals, timelines, and project deliverables to meet deadlines and objectives.

• Serve as a point of contact for clients, beneficiaries, and service providers, managing day-to-day interactions effectively.

• Work with cross-functional teams to share insights, contribute to internal knowledge bases, and enhance research methodologies.

• Contribute to research, analysis, and proposal development as needed.

Capabilities:

• Preferably with 1-2 years of relevant experience in research methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative approaches, statistics, and data analytics, with prior hands-on experience in conducting data analysis across these areas.
• Have a Degree or Masters in statistics, data analytics, sociology, psychology, political science, international development, international relations, social and behaviour change, or other related disciplines.
• Excellent fluency in spoken and written English and another Southeast Asian language.
• Active experience and knowledge of regional multilateral organisations and public sector institutions in Southeast Asia, such as philanthropies and think tanks.
• Passionate about behaviour change, policy development, and evaluation within the social and government space.
• A team player—interested in working with and learning from others to do great things and relishing the opportunity to contribute to a growing, interdisciplinary team.
• Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.