VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Researcher — Political Economy, Conflict Analysis and Data Science

Organisation	Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB)
Position	Researcher — Political Economy, Conflict Analysis and Data Science
Employment Type	Fixed-term staff position
Contract Duration	12 months, with possibility of extension subject to funding availability, organisational needs and performance
Duty Station	Chiang Mai, Thailand
Application Deadline	29 October 2026
Application Email	[email protected]

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 and analytical capacity to support evidence-based journalism, digital information products, governance and risk analysis, and public-interest initiatives. This includes the development of DVB Insight, a governance and risk intelligence platform, as well as research and public information activities under the DVB Scam Awareness Initiative.

To support these efforts, DVB is seeking a Researcher with strong analytical skills, sound research methodology and the ability to work across multiple projects and thematic areas.

2. Position Overview

The Researcher will conduct and support research, data analysis, monitoring and the production of evidence-based analytical outputs across DVB's projects and programmes.

This is a cross-project position, not a role dedicated to a single project. The successful candidate will contribute to political economy analysis, conflict analysis, governance and risk research, data science, dashboard development, scam-related research and other research assignments undertaken by DVB.

A key area of responsibility will be supporting the development and implementation of DVB Insight, including its governance and risk intelligence dashboard, data management, analytical methodology and research products. The Researcher will also contribute to the DVB Scam Awareness Initiative through research on scam-related trends, networks, methods and their broader political, economic and social implications.

The role requires a combination of qualitative and quantitative research skills, analytical judgement, data literacy and the ability to communicate complex findings clearly to different audiences, including journalists, researchers, project teams and external stakeholders.

3. Key Responsibilities

A. Political Economy, Governance and Risk Analysis

• Conduct political economy research examining power relations, governance structures, economic interests, resource extraction, illicit economies and other factors influencing Myanmar's political and economic landscape.
• Analyse the relationships between political actors, armed groups, businesses, institutions and other relevant stakeholders.
• Identify and assess emerging governance, political, economic and operational risks relevant to DVB's research priorities.
• Examine the political economy of conflict, including the role of natural resources, trade, territorial control, sanctions and informal or illicit economic activities where relevant.
• Develop analytical frameworks, research questions and indicators to support systematic monitoring and comparative analysis.
• Produce research notes, analytical briefs, reports and other outputs based on verified evidence.

B. Conflict Analysis and Monitoring

• Monitor and analyse developments in Myanmar's conflict environment, including territorial control, armed actors, conflict dynamics, security incidents and relevant political developments.
• Collect, organise and assess information from credible open sources, local reporting, datasets and other relevant sources.
• Identify patterns, changes and emerging trends in conflict dynamics and assess their potential implications.
• Maintain structured records and datasets to support longitudinal analysis and evidence-based reporting.
• Apply appropriate source verification, triangulation and confidence assessment methods, clearly distinguishing confirmed information from allegations, estimates and analytical interpretation.
• Support the preparation of conflict-monitoring updates, research briefs, visualisations and other analytical products.

C. Data Science, Data Analysis and Visualisation

• Collect, clean, structure, analyse and maintain quantitative and qualitative datasets relevant to DVB's research activities.
• Develop and apply appropriate data analysis methods to identify patterns, relationships, trends and anomalies.
• Support the design and maintenance of dashboards, interactive visualisations, maps and other data-driven information products.
• Contribute to data modelling, indicator development, data classification and analytical workflows.
• Use appropriate statistical, computational and data-management techniques to improve the quality, efficiency and reproducibility of research.
• Apply relevant tools for data analysis and visualisation, such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, Tableau or Power BI, and programming languages such as Python or R, depending on the task.
• Document data sources, definitions, assumptions, limitations and methodologies to support transparency and consistency.
• Collaborate with technical staff or contractors on dashboard functionality, data integration and improvements to research tools.

D. DVB Insight: Governance and Risk Intelligence Platform

• Support research and analytical work for DVB Insight, including its governance, political economy, territorial control and risk intelligence components.
• Identify, collect, verify and structure relevant information for inclusion in the platform's datasets and analytical products.
• Contribute to the development of research methodologies, data taxonomies, indicators and verification protocols.
• Support the development, testing and refinement of the DVB Insight dashboard, working with data analysts, technical contractors and other relevant team members.
• Prepare regular intelligence briefings and thematic analytical products based on available evidence.
• Help ensure that information presented through the platform is accurate, traceable, consistently classified and appropriately contextualised.
• Contribute to user-oriented research products that translate complex information into accessible and actionable insights for relevant audiences.
• Support the continuous improvement of the platform based on research findings, data quality assessments and feedback from users or stakeholders.

E. DVB Scam Awareness Initiative

• Conduct research on scam-related activities affecting Myanmar communities, including online scams, fraudulent recruitment, trafficking-linked scam operations and other relevant forms of digital and organised criminal activity.
• Analyse the economic, political and conflict-related factors that enable scam operations, where supported by available evidence.
• Research relevant actors, networks, locations, recruitment methods, financial flows and operational patterns, subject to appropriate verification and safety considerations.
• Support the collection, verification and analysis of open-source information and other lawfully obtained material.
• Contribute research and evidence to analytical briefs, investigations, documentaries, explainers, podcasts and other public-interest content.
• Work with journalists, editors and project colleagues to ensure that research findings are accurate, clearly presented and appropriately qualified.
• Help identify emerging scam trends and information gaps that could inform future research and public awareness activities.
• Apply appropriate confidentiality, source-protection, data-security and do-no-harm practices, particularly when research involves vulnerable individuals or sensitive information.

F. Research Design, Methodology and Quality Assurance

• Develop research questions, research plans, methodologies and analytical frameworks for different projects and assignments.
• Select appropriate qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods and data-driven approaches according to the research objectives.
• Conduct desk research, literature reviews, source mapping, data collection, interviews or other research activities where appropriate and authorised.
• Apply systematic source verification, triangulation, fact-checking and quality-control procedures.
• Assess the credibility, limitations and potential biases of sources and datasets.
• Maintain clear documentation of research methods, analytical assumptions, limitations and findings.
• Ensure that research outputs are evidence-based, logically structured and suitable for their intended audiences.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of internal research standards, templates, protocols and working procedures.

G. Open-Source Research and Digital Investigation

• Use open-source intelligence (OSINT) methods to identify, collect, organise and verify publicly available information relevant to research assignments.
• Analyse publicly available documents, websites, social media content, datasets, maps, imagery and other digital sources, where relevant.
• Support geospatial analysis and the interpretation of satellite imagery or other location-based information when required and when appropriate tools and expertise are available.
• Maintain source records, evidence logs and documentation that enable findings to be checked and reproduced.
• Use digital research and AI-assisted tools responsibly, with appropriate human verification, source checking and attention to data protection.
• Follow organisational protocols for information security, sensitive data, source protection and safe handling of research materials.

H. Research Products, Reporting and Knowledge Sharing

• Prepare research briefs, analytical reports, intelligence updates, background papers, datasets, charts, maps and other research outputs.
• Translate complex findings into clear, concise and accessible language without compromising analytical accuracy.
• Present evidence, conclusions, assumptions and limitations in a transparent and structured manner.
• Support the development of research-based content for DVB's newsroom, digital platforms, public information activities and other programmes.
• Contribute to internal briefings, research discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions.
• Maintain organised research records and ensure that outputs and supporting documentation are stored appropriately.

I. Cross-Project Coordination and Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with DVB's Research and Analysis Team, newsroom, data and technical personnel, project managers and other relevant colleagues.
• Provide research support to different DVB projects according to agreed priorities and work plans.
• Coordinate research activities and share relevant findings across projects where appropriate, while respecting confidentiality and project-specific requirements.
• Manage multiple assignments and deadlines effectively, communicating progress, challenges and resource requirements to the relevant supervisor.
• Contribute to project planning, monitoring, reporting and the development of new research initiatives.
• Undertake other research-related responsibilities consistent with the position and DVB's organisational priorities.

4. Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• A bachelor's degree in Political Science, International Relations, Economics, Development Studies, Statistics, Data Science, Social Sciences, Public Policy or a related discipline.
• A master's degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification in a relevant field is an advantage.

Candidates with a different academic background may be considered if they demonstrate strong relevant research experience and technical competence.

Professional Experience

• Demonstrated experience in research, analysis, data management, monitoring or a related field.
• Experience conducting qualitative and/or quantitative research, including source assessment, data collection, analysis and presentation of findings.
• Demonstrated ability to work with complex information and produce clear, evidence-based analytical outputs.
• Experience analysing political, economic, governance, conflict, security or social issues.
• Experience working with datasets and applying systematic methods to organise, analyse and interpret information.
• Ability to manage multiple research assignments and work collaboratively across teams.

Experience in more than one of the following areas is highly desirable:

• Political economy and governance analysis.
• Conflict analysis and monitoring.
• Data science, statistics or quantitative research.
• Dashboard development, data visualisation or geospatial analysis.
• Open-source intelligence and digital investigations.
• Illicit economies, organised crime, online scams or trafficking-linked scam operations.
• Journalism, media research, human rights research or public-interest investigations.

5. Technical Skills

The successful candidate should demonstrate relevant competence in several of the following areas:

• Research methodology: Qualitative and quantitative research design, desk research, source verification, triangulation and analytical writing.
• Data analysis: Data cleaning, management, interpretation, statistical analysis and structured documentation.
• Data visualisation: Experience with Tableau, Power BI or comparable tools.
• Programming and analytical tools: Familiarity with Python, R, SQL or other relevant tools is an advantage.
• Geospatial analysis: Familiarity with GIS, mapping tools or satellite-image analysis is desirable.
• Open-source research: Ability to identify, evaluate and document information from public and digital sources.
• Digital tools: Ability to use relevant research databases, collaboration tools and AI-assisted research tools responsibly.

Candidates are not expected to be experts in every tool listed. DVB is particularly interested in applicants who demonstrate strong research judgement, analytical ability and a willingness to learn and apply appropriate methods and technologies.

6. Core Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Analytical thinking: Ability to identify patterns, assess competing explanations and draw well-supported conclusions.
• Research integrity: Commitment to accuracy, impartiality, evidence-based analysis and transparent treatment of uncertainty.
• Critical thinking: Ability to question assumptions, evaluate source credibility and recognise gaps or limitations in available information.
• Data literacy: Ability to work systematically with structured and unstructured information.
• Clear communication: Ability to explain complex findings in concise, accessible and well-organised written outputs.
• Planning and organisation: Ability to manage competing priorities and meet agreed deadlines.
• Collaboration: Ability to work constructively with colleagues from different professional and technical backgrounds.
• Adaptability: Willingness to work across multiple projects and respond to changing research priorities.
• Confidentiality and security awareness: Ability to handle sensitive information responsibly and follow relevant organisational procedures.
• Initiative: Ability to identify research opportunities, information gaps and practical ways to improve research processes.

7. Desirable Qualifications and Experience

The following would be an advantage:

• Knowledge of Myanmar's political, economic, social and conflict context.
• Experience working with Myanmar-related organisations, media, civil society, research institutions or international development programmes.
• Understanding of territorial control, armed actors, governance structures, natural resource economies or illicit financial activities in Myanmar.
• Experience researching digital scams, fraudulent recruitment, organised crime or trafficking-linked operations.
• Experience contributing to dashboards, digital platforms, research databases or interactive data products.
• Experience with GIS, satellite imagery, geospatial datasets or digital verification.
• Familiarity with research ethics, safeguarding, source protection and responsible handling of sensitive information.
• Strong Burmese and English language skills. Additional relevant languages are an advantage.

8. Reporting and Working Relationships

The Researcher will report to the designated supervisor within DVB's management and research structure, as determined by the organisation.

The position will work closely with the Research and Analysis Team and relevant colleagues involved in DVB Insight, data analysis, newsroom research, the DVB Scam Awareness Initiative and other DVB projects.

As a cross-project staff member, the Researcher may receive assignments from different project teams through agreed work-planning and supervisory arrangements. Priorities, deliverables and deadlines will be coordinated with the relevant supervisor to ensure an appropriate balance of workload and project requirements.

9. How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

1. A current CV outlining relevant education, professional experience, research skills and technical competencies.
2. A cover letter explaining their suitability for the position and experience relevant to political economy analysis, conflict analysis, data science or other areas described in this announcement.
3. Optional work samples, such as research reports, analytical briefs, data visualisations, dashboards, publications or other relevant outputs. Applicants should only share material they are authorised to disclose and should remove sensitive or confidential information where necessary.

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

Application – Researcher, Political Economy, Conflict Analysis and Data Science

Application deadline: 29 October 2026

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

10. Funding and Recruitment Notice

Please note:

This recruitment process is subject to DVB's organisational requirements and confirmation of the resources available to support the position.

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 internal approval and the completion of the applicable employment procedures.