DEMOCRATIC VOICE OF BURMA (DVB)

Vacancy Announcement

Programme Researcher — Early Warning, Civilian Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Organisation	Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB)
Position	Programme Researcher — Early Warning, Civilian Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Employment Type	Fixed-term staff position
Contract Duration	7 months, November 2026–May 2027
Duty Station	Chiang Mai, Thailand
Application Deadline	29 October 2026
Application Email	[email protected]

Important notice: Recruitment and appointment are subject to confirmation of project funding.

1. ABOUT DVB

The Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) is an independent media organisation committed to providing accurate, independent and impartial news and information to the people of Myanmar. Through journalism, research, digital media and public-interest programming, DVB documents political, social, economic and humanitarian developments affecting Myanmar and its people.

DVB is strengthening its research capacity to support evidence-based journalism, public-interest information, conflict analysis, governance and risk research, and the development of research-based multimedia products. The organisation works across multiple thematic areas and projects, requiring researchers who can combine sound research methodology, analytical judgement and effective collaboration with editorial, technical and programme teams.

2. ABOUT THE PROJECT

DVB is developing KNOW BEFORE YOU NEED TO KNOW — Multimedia Civilian Safety, Early Warning and Emergency Preparedness Campaign in Myanmar. The proposed seven-month project, from November 2026 to May 2027, aims to improve access to practical, reliable and accessible civilian safety and emergency preparedness information, particularly for people living in conflict-affected and hard-to-reach areas.

The campaign will develop 10 core multimedia public-information products, comprising four videos, three podcast/video-podcast episodes and three visual public-information materials. Topics will include early warnings, household preparedness, airstrike and shelling safety, situations where fighting approaches, family communication, safer shelter preparedness, and awareness of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and other potentially explosive objects.

The campaign will combine research, technical specialist input, professional media production, language adaptation and dissemination through DVB's media platforms and participating media partners.

3. POSITION OVERVIEW

The Programme Researcher will conduct and support research, information gathering, verification and analysis for the Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) campaign, helping ensure that public-information materials are evidence-based, accurate, practical and relevant to the information needs of civilians affected by conflict and emergencies.

The researcher will work closely with the Project Lead, Emergency Response and Technical Protection Specialist(s), M&E Reporter, and DVB's editorial and production teams to translate reliable information into accessible multimedia content.

In addition to the EWER campaign, the position will contribute to other research assignments undertaken by DVB, according to organisational priorities and agreed work plans. These may include political economy analysis, conflict analysis, governance and risk research, open-source research, data collection and analysis, and research supporting DVB's other projects and public-interest initiatives.

The position requires a flexible researcher who can manage project-specific responsibilities while contributing to DVB's broader research and analytical work.

4. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

A. EWER, Civilian Safety and Emergency Preparedness Research

Conduct desk research on early warning, civilian safety, emergency preparedness, evacuation preparedness and related humanitarian and protection issues.
Identify, collect, verify and organise information from credible humanitarian organisations, protection agencies, emergency-response sources, relevant publications and other reliable sources.
Research civilian information needs and identify gaps in existing public information relevant to the campaign's priority audiences.
Prepare research briefs, background notes, key information points and supporting references for the development of campaign messages and multimedia products.
Research topics including household preparedness, emergency communication, airstrike and shelling safety, situations where fighting approaches, safer shelter preparedness, family communication and UXO risk awareness.
Assess source credibility, identify inconsistencies and distinguish verified information from unconfirmed reports, estimates and analytical interpretation.
Identify information gaps and questions requiring technical specialist input.
Maintain organised research records, source references and supporting documentation.

B. Multimedia Content Development and Research Support

Translate research findings into clear, concise and practical information for videos, podcasts/video podcasts, visual materials and other public-information products.
Work with the Project Lead, Producer/Graphic Design Lead, Concept Artist, editors, presenters and other production colleagues to develop research-based messages, scripts, storylines and visual concepts.
Provide background information and evidence to support the development and refinement of scripts, key messages and public-information materials.
Review draft materials from a research perspective and identify factual inaccuracies, unsupported claims, unclear messages or missing information.
Coordinate with technical specialists to ensure that technical and safety-sensitive information is reviewed and validated before publication.
Support the incorporation of research findings, specialist feedback and audience-testing results into revised content.
Work with translators and production colleagues to support accurate and culturally appropriate adaptation for relevant ethnic and local language audiences.

C. Conflict Analysis, Political Economy and Contextual Research

Conduct or support research on Myanmar's political, economic, social and conflict-related developments relevant to DVB's research priorities.
Monitor relevant conflict dynamics, humanitarian developments, territorial changes, displacement and other contextual factors where appropriate to assigned research tasks.
Examine political, economic and social factors influencing conflict and civilian vulnerability, using credible sources and appropriate analytical methods.
Collect, organise and analyse information from open sources, local reporting, publicly available documents, datasets and other relevant sources.
Identify emerging trends, patterns, information gaps and issues requiring further investigation.
Prepare background notes, research briefs and analytical summaries to support DVB's journalism, programmes and project activities.

D. Cross-Project Research and Analytical Support

Provide research support to other DVB projects and initiatives according to agreed organisational priorities and workload arrangements.
Support research on governance, political economy, territorial control, natural resources, illicit economies, digital scams and other relevant themes where assigned.
Contribute to research for DVB's governance and risk intelligence initiatives, including DVB Insight, and other research-based projects where required.
Assist with research design, source mapping, data collection, information verification and the preparation of analytical products.
Collaborate with DVB's Research and Analysis Team, newsroom, data personnel, project managers and other colleagues to share relevant findings and avoid unnecessary duplication of research.
Undertake other research assignments consistent with the position, the researcher's competence and DVB's organisational priorities.

E. Data Collection, Analysis and Open-Source Research

Collect, clean, organise and maintain qualitative and quantitative information relevant to assigned research projects.
Use appropriate methods to identify patterns, trends and relationships in research materials and datasets.
Apply open-source research methods to locate, assess, document and verify publicly available information.
Support the preparation of datasets, charts, tables, maps, visualisations and other research products where appropriate.
Maintain documentation of sources, definitions, research methods, assumptions and limitations.
Use digital research tools and AI-assisted tools responsibly, with appropriate human verification and attention to confidentiality and information security.
Collaborate with data analysts and technical colleagues when research requires specialised data processing, visualisation or analytical support.

F. Research Quality, Verification and Protection Sensitivity

Apply systematic source assessment, triangulation and fact-checking procedures.
Evaluate the credibility, limitations and potential biases of sources and datasets.
Ensure that research outputs clearly distinguish evidence, analysis, uncertainty and information gaps.
Handle sensitive information responsibly and follow DVB's applicable confidentiality, safeguarding and information-security procedures.
Avoid collecting or disclosing unnecessary personal or sensitive information that could expose sources, civilians or communities to harm.
Refer technical safety questions to qualified specialists and avoid making technical recommendations outside the researcher's competence.

G. Documentation, Reporting and Knowledge Sharing

Prepare research briefs, background papers, analytical notes, datasets and other outputs required by the EWER campaign and other assigned projects.
Maintain organised research records and ensure that supporting evidence is appropriately documented and accessible to authorised colleagues.
Provide regular updates on research progress, outstanding tasks, emerging findings and potential challenges.
Contribute to project documentation, internal briefings, learning activities and reporting as required.
Support the identification of research gaps and opportunities to improve DVB's research methods, information products and analytical capacity.

5. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education

A bachelor's degree in social sciences, development studies, political science, international relations, economics, journalism, public policy, humanitarian studies or a related discipline.
A postgraduate qualification or relevant professional training is an advantage.
Candidates with a different academic background may be considered if they demonstrate strong relevant research experience and analytical competence.

Professional Experience

Demonstrated experience in research, analysis, information gathering, monitoring, journalism or a related field.
Experience conducting desk research, assessing sources, verifying information and synthesising findings.
Ability to prepare clear, evidence-based written outputs, including research briefs, background notes or analytical summaries.
Experience working with complex information and identifying relevant patterns, trends and information gaps.
Ability to manage multiple assignments and collaborate with colleagues across different professional teams.
Experience in more than one of the following areas is desirable:
- Humanitarian affairs, civilian protection or emergency preparedness.
- Conflict analysis and monitoring.
- Political economy, governance or risk analysis.
- Open-source research and digital investigation.
- Data collection, data analysis or visualisation.
- Journalism, media research or public-interest investigations.
- Research on digital scams, illicit economies or other relevant Myanmar-related issues.

Technical and Language Skills

Strong research methodology, analytical thinking and information-synthesis skills.
Good written and spoken Burmese and working proficiency in English.
Familiarity with online research tools, digital information sources and collaborative working platforms.
Competence in Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets or similar tools; familiarity with data visualisation or analytical tools is an advantage.
Ability to organise research materials systematically and meet agreed deadlines.

6. CORE COMPETENCIES

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

Research integrity: Commitment to accuracy, credible sourcing and evidence-based analysis.
Analytical thinking: Ability to assess competing information, identify patterns and draw well-supported conclusions.
Critical thinking: Ability to question assumptions and recognise gaps and limitations in available evidence.
Clear communication: Ability to communicate complex findings in accessible, structured language.
Adaptability: Ability to work across the EWER campaign and other research assignments as priorities evolve.
Organisation: Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with researchers, journalists, technical specialists and production teams.
Confidentiality and protection sensitivity: Ability to handle sensitive information responsibly.
Initiative: Willingness to identify information gaps, suggest research approaches and improve working methods.

7. REPORTING AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The Programme Researcher will report to the designated supervisor within DVB's management and research structure, with day-to-day priorities coordinated with the EWER Project Lead.

The position will work closely with the EWER project's technical specialists, M&E Reporter and production team, as well as DVB's Research and Analysis Team, newsroom, data personnel and other relevant project teams.

The researcher will prioritise the EWER campaign's agreed research deliverables while undertaking additional research assignments through coordinated work planning. Cross-project assignments must be managed in a way that preserves the agreed EWER deliverables and complies with applicable project-budget and funding requirements.

8. CONTRACT DURATION AND WORKING ARRANGEMENTS

This is a full-time, fixed-term staff position planned for seven months, from November 2026 to May 2027.

The position is project-based, with the EWER campaign as its primary responsibility. The researcher may also contribute to other DVB research activities according to agreed work plans, organisational priorities and applicable funding arrangements.

Any extension beyond May 2027 would require separate approval and confirmation of funding. The appointment does not guarantee an extension.

9. HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit:

An updated CV outlining relevant education, research experience and skills.
A cover letter explaining their suitability for the position, including experience relevant to EWER, humanitarian or civilian safety research, conflict analysis or other research areas described in this announcement.
A relevant writing or research sample, if available. Applicants should only submit material they are authorised to disclose and should remove sensitive or confidential information where necessary.

Please send applications to [email protected] with the email subject line:

Application — Programme Researcher, EWER Project

Application deadline: 29 October 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. DVB may request additional information or work samples during the recruitment process.

10. FUNDING AND RECRUITMENT NOTICE

This position is proposed under a project that is subject to funding availability and approval. Recruitment, appointment and commencement of employment will be conditional upon confirmation of the necessary project funding.

DVB reserves the right to amend the recruitment timeline, modify the position requirements, suspend or withdraw the vacancy, or decide not to proceed with an appointment where necessary for operational, organisational or funding-related reasons.

Issuing this vacancy announcement or receiving applications does not constitute a commitment by DVB to appoint a candidate. Any appointment will be subject to funding confirmation, internal approval and completion of the applicable employment procedures.

DVB is committed to fair and inclusive recruitment and encourages applications from qualified candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.