Department: Manoogian Simone College of Business and Economics (MSCBE)

Contract type:

Job location: Yerevan, the capital of the Republic of Armenia

Project: “Closing Gender Gaps through Economics Research in Armenia,” implemented by the AUA Manoogian Simone College of Business and Economics in partnership with the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE), funded by the Swedish Institute under the Eastern Partnership Cooperation framework

Location: Yerevan, Armenia (AUA campus and participating schools)

Reports to: Principal Investigator, Prof. Knar Khachatryan, and the project research team

Project Background

Within the applied research and policy engagement component of the project, the research team is studying women’s underrepresentation in STEM fields. In collaboration with the CareerLab Career and Mobility Center, the team has developed a career orientation module for school-aged students, whose effectiveness will be evaluated through randomized interventions. With the approval of the RA Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports (MoESCS), the experimental program will be implemented in 14 selected basic schools of Yerevan during the first semester of the 2026–27 academic year, in three ninth-grade classes per school, within the framework of the “Career Orientation” extracurricular club. The intervention consists of several modules delivered by invited career orientation specialists; in line with the study’s randomization design, some schools will receive the module on values and stereotypes, while others will receive a session with STEM professionals. Study outcomes will subsequently be analyzed in cooperation with the National Center for Education Development, and a comprehensive report will be submitted to the MoESCS to inform evidence-based policymaking.

Position Summary

The Research Assistant will support the research team in the planning, communication, and coordination of the field implementation of the experimental career orientation program. The RA will serve as the operational focal point between the research team, the participating schools, invited trainers and STEM professionals, CareerLab, and other stakeholders, ensuring that sessions are scheduled and delivered according to the study protocol and that consent and data collection procedures are properly prepared.

Scope of Work

Under the guidance of the Principal Investigator and the research team, the Research Assistant will:

• Planning: Develop and maintain a detailed implementation plan and schedule for delivering the program in the 14 participating schools (three ninth-grade classes per school) during September–October 2026, in line with the study’s randomization protocol.
• School coordination: Communicate individually with each school’s administration and career orientation club facilitators to agree on dates, times, classrooms, and logistical arrangements for the sessions; maintain an up-to-date contact list and communication log.
• Trainer and speaker coordination: Coordinate the availability and school visits of invited career orientation specialists and STEM professionals, ensuring each school receives the modules assigned to it under the study design.
• Data collection support: Assist in preparing and administering baseline student questionnaires and other study instruments; ensure materials are ready and procedures follow the research protocol and ethical requirements, including confidentiality of student data.
• Field monitoring: Attend sessions in schools as needed to monitor implementation fidelity, document attendance and any deviations or issues, and report them promptly to the research team.
• Reporting: Provide regular (weekly) progress updates to the research team and flag risks or delays; prepare a brief completion report at the end of the contract period summarizing activities, schedules delivered, consent coverage, and outstanding follow-up items.

Deliverables

• Implementation plan and session schedule agreed with all 14 participating schools.
• Field notes documenting session delivery and implementation fidelity.
• End-of-contract summary report (by October 30, 2026).

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, social sciences, education, or a related field (Master’s degree or current graduate enrollment is an advantage).
• Demonstrated experience in project coordination, fieldwork, event or training logistics, or similar organizational roles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Armenian and English.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage parallel schedules across multiple sites.
• Proficiency with standard office tools (MS Word, Excel, Google Forms/Sheets) for scheduling, tracking, and record-keeping.
• Ability to travel to schools across Yerevan during the contract period.

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with the Armenian general education system and experience communicating with schools or public institutions.
• Understanding of research ethics and experience supporting surveys, randomized evaluations, or other empirical research.
• Interest in gender economics, education policy, or career guidance.

Terms of Engagement

The Research Assistant will be engaged on a deliverables basis and will coordinate closely with the Principal Investigator and the project research team. Remuneration will be specified in the service contract in accordance with AUA procedures and the project budget.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their CV and a brief motivation letter via the AUA careers portal here. Application will be reviewed on a rolling basis, until the position is filled.

AUA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active non-discrimination program within the institution

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