Research Intern with SmartGov (Emerging researchers program)

About SmartGov:

Because governments need to better connect with their citizens, improve access to public services, and respond to social development, SmartGov was created to upgrade systems of governance to meet the needs and ambitions of citizens today. We curate highly contextualized solutions for the public sector and citizens to be able to communicate, resolve issues, and progress together. SmartGov is about greater efficiency, community leadership, mobile working and continuous improvement through innovation. It is about using technology to facilitate and support better planning and decision-making, improving democratic processes and transforming the ways public services are delivered. SmartGov is an impact-oriented organization that integrates action research, strategy and technology to allow state institutions to be smart, inclusive and effective,, in order to upgrade governance systems across different branches of the public sector contributing to social development needs and SDGs 11 and 16. We leverage social science and tech research for our partners to reach their governance goals.

To learn more: smartgov.tech

About the program:

Skilled interns will collaborate on designing and implementing many features of this exciting new initiative, from high-level analytical work to on-the-ground application and engagement with municipal members and citizens.

Accepted applicants begin work on August 10th, and end their internship on the 9th of November, 2020. Interns work primarily on a task-based approach, with priority for delivery more than “clocking-in hours”. However, they should expect to work for up to 3 days per week, assuming 6-hour shifts. They work and report to the Chief Operations Officer and each other collaboratively. All interns are expected to work with a high level of rigor and professionalism in order to close on all work streams and facilitate communication, creativity, and delivery on requests. They will be guided and further trained on all key functions. 

Key functions

• Literature review

  o Compilation and analysis of key literature in relevant fields

• Data collection

  o Survey design and administration

  o Facilitation and note taking in focus groups and interviews

  o Collection of documentation relevant for analysis

• Data management

  o Secure, organized storage of all data

  o Recording and transcription of all interviews and focus groups

• Data analysis

  o Quantitative analysis of survey input (skill in R software highly encouraged)

  o Qualitative thematic analysis of transcripts (skill in using NVivo is a plus)

• Report writeup

  o Compilation of research findings into a thorough, communicable and practical report

• Public communication of findings

  o Creation of simple public communication material for the findings (visual, written, video, etc.)