Research Assistant Services for the Women in Social Commerce Research in Bangladesh (CGAP)

Young Consultants (YC) provided local research assistant services to Dalberg Design – US LLC, the prime contractor for the Women in Social Commerce research undertaken in partnership with the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP) in Bangladesh. The assignment aimed to support the Dalberg research team in conducting field research to understand women’s participation in social commerce, with a focus on recruiting suitable research participants, facilitating individual and small group research sessions, and providing local language-to-English translation during field activities.

YC, under the leadership of Mr. M. Zakir Hossain, Chief Executive, deployed research assistant(s) to support the Dalberg research team in participant recruitment, research scheduling, fieldwork logistics, stakeholder liaison, and data synthesis. The services included identifying and screening participants from selected communities, coordinating research sessions in Dhaka and recommending an additional semi-urban or rural research location, facilitating communication with local leaders, and ensuring effective coordination throughout the research process.

Scope of Services Provided
1. Participant Recruitment and Selection
Identified and recruited 15–20 participants from designated communities in accordance with the sampling criteria established by the Dalberg research team. Coordinated the review and selection of candidates with Dalberg, arranged participant incentives or compensation, and obtained verbal and written consent before the commencement of research sessions. Explained the purpose and general scope of the research activities to participants.

2. Research Scheduling and Logistical Coordination
Scheduled and confirmed individual interviews and small group research sessions in consultation with the Dalberg team. Coordinated session locations, activities, and participant availability, and liaised with local leaders to explain the research project and its partnership with CGAP. Facilitated transportation arrangements, including vehicles and drivers for research days, and assisted in obtaining an invitation letter to support the research team’s Bangladesh visa arrangements.

3. Field Research Support and Translation
Accompanied the Dalberg research team during research sessions conducted from 2 to 13 March 2020. Provided interpretation and translation from the local language into English to facilitate communication between researchers and participants, supporting the effective collection of qualitative research information during individual and small group interviews.

4. Research Location Assessment and Local Liaison
Recommended a suitable semi-urban or rural research location in addition to Dhaka, taking into consideration the research requirements and participant recruitment criteria. Advised on local arrangements and facilitated coordination with community representatives and other relevant stakeholders to support the smooth implementation of field research activities.

5. Data Synthesis and Research Team Collaboration
Participated in data synthesis activities in collaboration with the Dalberg research team. Supported the review and interpretation of field research inputs by facilitating communication, providing contextual clarification where required, and contributing local insights relevant to the research process.

Key Deliverables
Recruitment, screening, confirmation, and scheduling of 15–20 research participants for individual and small group interviews, subject to Dalberg’s approval.
Coordination of research sessions, targeting approximately 2–3 interviews per day during the participant preparation period.
Field research assistance and local language-to-English translation throughout the research sessions conducted from 2–13 March 2020.
Recommendation of a suitable semi-urban or rural research location in addition to Dhaka.
Logistical support, including transportation arrangements, community liaison, and coordination of research activities.
Participation in data synthesis and collaboration with the Dalberg research team.
Assignment Details
Assignment Name: Women in Social Commerce Research Assistant, Bangladesh (CGAP Women in Social Commerce)

Client: Dalberg Design – US LLC (Prime Contractor), under a Time and Materials contract

Research Partner: Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP)

Country: Bangladesh

Project Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh, with a recommended additional semi-urban or rural research location

Approximate Contract Value: US$8,937.50, inclusive of VAT and taxes; travel and transportation expenses reimbursed at cost

Duration: Approximately 3.7 months

Start Date: February 2020

Completion Date: May 2020

Assignment Period: 7 February – 30 May 2020

Total Staff-Months: Not specified in the contract; the assignment was implemented on a Time and Materials basis

Professional Staff-Months Provided by Associated Consultants: N/A

Associated Consultants: Not applicable

Senior Professional Staff Involved
M. Zakir Hossain — Chief Executive, Young Consultants; oversight and coordination of research assistant services.
Research Assistant(s), Young Consultants — Participant recruitment, interview scheduling, field research support, local language-to-English translation, logistical coordination, community liaison, and data synthesis support.