Research Assistant Support Services for the Study of Nutrition Improvement through a Multifaceted Approach (JICA)

Young Consultants (YC) provided research assistant support services to Kaihatsu Management Consulting, Inc. (KMC), which was contracted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to conduct the Study of Nutrition Improvement through a Multifaceted Approach in Bangladesh. The assignment aimed to support the study team in gathering information and coordinating interviews with relevant government agencies, development partners, and non-governmental organizations to understand nutrition-related policies, programmes, and institutional arrangements in Bangladesh.

YC deployed research assistant(s) to support the KMC study team, led by Mr. Yukio Ikeda, and coordinated interviews with key stakeholders, including government ministries, the National Nutrition Council, the National Nutrition Service, development partners, and NGOs. The services covered pre-study preparation, field research support, interview documentation, logistical coordination, and post-study follow-up activities.

Scope of Services Provided
1. Pre-Study Preparation and Interview Coordination

Coordinated appointments with identified interviewees, including Alive & Thrive Bangladesh, CARE Bangladesh, and USAID Bangladesh. Distributed questionnaires prepared by the study team and provided additional scheduling and logistical support for interviews with relevant government ministries and nutrition-related institutions.

2. Field Study and Interview Support

Supported the study team during stakeholder interviews by taking notes, coordinating arrangements, and facilitating access to interviewees. Participated in in-person interviews where office visits were permitted and supported online interviews where physical visits were restricted.

3. Stakeholder Liaison and Logistical Coordination

Maintained communication with interviewees and relevant institutions to facilitate the smooth implementation of the research activities and ensure coordination between stakeholders and the KMC study team.

4. Post-Study Follow-Up

Carried out follow-up assignments and additional coordination activities as requested by the study team during the post-study period.

5. Work Documentation and Confidentiality

Maintained work records in coordination with the study team and research assistants to support invoicing and assignment monitoring. Ensured the confidentiality of the client’s internal information and acknowledged the client’s ownership of the work produced under the assignment.

Key Deliverables
Coordinated interview schedules and stakeholder appointments.
Questionnaires distributed to relevant interviewees.
Research assistance, interview note-taking, and logistical support during fieldwork.
Support for in-person and online stakeholder interviews.
Post-study follow-up activities as requested by the study team.
Work records and documentation supporting assignment monitoring and invoicing.
Assignment Details
Assignment Name: Research Assistant Support Services for the Study of Nutrition Improvement through a Multifaceted Approach (JICA)

Client: Kaihatsu Management Consulting, Inc. (KMC), contracted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

Country: Bangladesh

Project Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh

Approximate Contract Value: US$340 per day per assistant with interviewee visits; US$300 per day per assistant without visits, inclusive of telecommunications and transportation

Duration: Approximately 1 month

Start Date: July 2021

Completion Date: August 2021

Expected Working Days per Research Assistant: 12–13 days, including pre-study, field study, and post-study activities as required

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

Associated Consultants: Not applicable

Senior Professional Staff Involved
M. Zakir Hossain — Chief Executive, Young Consultants
Research Assistant(s), Young Consultants — Research support, stakeholder coordination, interview assistance, and logistical support
Mr. Yukio Ikeda — Team Leader, KMC study team