INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE OF WASTE PICKERS

The International Alliance of Waste Pickers is a union of waste picker organizations representing more than 460,000 workers across 34 countries
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Research Coordinator at the IAWP

by

October 21, 2025

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Background 

The International Alliance of Waste Pickers (IAWP) is a global union federation of waste pickers and committed to advancing the rights and strengthening organizing of waste pickers, who play a vital role in managing waste, and contributing to recycling and other aspects of sustainable development. IAWP currently has over 50 affiliates in  35 countries worldwide. 

IAWP is interested in hiring a Research Coordinator to commission and coordinate various studies/research projects concerning waste pickers’ rights and livelihoods. 

Duties and Responsibilities of the Research Coordinator

The Research Coordinator will oversee research projects from start to finish, overseeing selection and hiring of researchers for specific research projects, managing budget, timelines, copy-editing and designing of research outcomes and final publications. . Key duties include working with the hired researchers, supervising their research projects, giving feedback on the research plan, methodology, and outcomes. 

The position combines coordination, analytical, and facilitation skills to strengthen participatory and policy-relevant knowledge generation:

1. Strategic Research Planning

  • Expand IAWP’s roster of researchers, especially those in the global south and from disadvantaged backgrounds 
  • Develop and implement IAWP’s research agenda aligned with the Alliance’s strategic priorities (e.g., Just Transition, gender and social protection, Extended Producer Responsibility, childcare, circular economy and on themes such as waste pickers contribution in reducing carbon emissions, and plastic pollution).
  • Identify emerging research needs in consultation with the office bearers, executive council members, regional coordinators, program team, subcommittees, and affiliates.
  • Maintain a database of ongoing and completed research, reports, and datasets relevant to waste pickers, and ensure their confidentiality if the research is conducted for internal purposes, and publication if the research is to be shared publicly. 

2. Coordination and Partnership Management

  • Coordinate research activities across IAWP’s five regions (Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America & Caribbean, and North America), ensuring coherence and representation of diverse contexts.
  • Facilitate collaborations with partner organizations, academic institutions, and allies. 
  • Oversee hiring, contracting and supervision of researchers or consultants, ensuring adherence to participatory and ethical research standards.

3. Knowledge Production and Dissemination

  • Supervise or lead, or co-author reports, policy briefs, case studies, and thematic papers that advance IAWP’s objectives.
  • Ensure research findings are translated into accessible formats and languages for affiliates and policy audiences by working with the communications team, including organizing webinars, or where possible physical events for affiliates and partners to present findings of research. 
  • Curate data, research reports, and stories for communication, advocacy campaigns, worker education, and global processes (e.g., UN Plastics Treaty, ILO, COP and other relevant forums), whenever requested. 

4. Policy Advocacy, and Worker Education Support

  • When requested, provide evidence and analysis to support IAWP’s policy positions, statements, and submissions.
  • Track global trends in waste management, labour rights, and environmental justice to inform strategic advocacy and worker education.
  • Collaborate with the Advocacy, Worker Education, and Communications Subcommittees to align messaging with research evidence.

5. Administrative Responsibilities

  • Ensure research outcomes feed into IAWP’s strategic planning and reporting
  • Support fundraising efforts through research concept notes, budgets and donor reports. 

Educational Qualifications and Essential Skills and Qualities

The ideal candidate should have at least a Master’s Degree in Social Sciences, Development, or Labor Studies with a thesis/dissertation as part of the Master’s coursework, with 5 years of total work experience. OR

The candidates who have just completed their PhD in the Social Sciences, Development, or Labor Studies are welcome to apply as well. 

In case of a candidate with a Master’s Degress, Previous experience in research, or research coordination will be preferred, along with any publication either in reputed journals, or research outcomes published by relevant think tanks, trade unionsThe Research Coordinator is expected to have the following skills to conduct the role effectively and efficiently. 

1. Research and Analytical Skills

  • Strong ability to design, implement, and coordinate a combination of qualitative, quantitative, or spatial research across multiple countries and contexts.
  • Proven skills in data collection, analysis, either qualitative, spatial or quantitative. 
  • Familiarity with participatory research methodologies and worker-centered, or community-based approaches.
  • Understanding of themes such as informal economy, labor rights, and social protection

2. Coordination and Project Management

  • Project planning and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple research activities and partners across IAWP’s five regions.
  • Basic Competence in budgeting, contracting, and reporting on research projects.
  • Strong ability to set timelines, monitor progress, and ensure deliverables are completed with accuracy and quality.

3. Communication and Knowledge Translation

Skills in writing research summaries, policy briefs, and reports, and presenting findings in webinars or international forums.

Experience in multi-language and cross-cultural communication, with sensitivity to linguistic and cultural diversity.

4. Partnership and Collaboration Skills

  • Proven experience in collaborating with academic institutions, NGOs, and grassroots movements, either during the PhD or Master’s Research, and or during the work tenure in a similar position. 
  • Ability to facilitate participatory processes that value waste pickers’ knowledge and ensure their leadership in research design and dissemination.
  • Comfort working in a remote, networked, multi-time zone environment, with colleagues hailing from a variety of value systems and contexts, and availability for international travel whenever requested. 

5. Digital and Technical Skills

  • Proficiency in research and data management tools (e.g., Excel, qualitative, or spatial analysis tools, or softwares).
  • Capacity to manage online collaboration platforms (Google Workspace, Zoom, WhatsApp)
  • Basic understanding of data visualization, infographics, or digital storytelling tools.

6. Linguistic Skills

  • Strong written and spoken English required; knowledge of any other languages spoken or used by IAWP affiliates is highly desirable given IAWP’s multilingual context.

7. Values and Personal Attributes

  • Commitment to social and environmental justice, gender equality, and the rights of informal economy workers.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with grassroots leaders, many of whom may not have formal education but possess deep experiential knowledge.

Application Procedure – Research Coordinator (IAWP)

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents by 31st October 2025 to kabir@wastepickersinternational.org, and ashwini@wastepickersinternational.org with the subject line: “Application – Research Coordinator, IAWP.” 

Interviews are to be expected by the end of the 1st week of November. 

Required Documents

  1. Cover Letter (maximum 2 pages) – outlining your motivation for applying, relevant experience, and how your skills align with the IAWP’s mission and the responsibilities of the Research Coordinator.
  2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) – including educational background, work experience, languages spoken, and contact details of two professional references.
  3. 2 Writing Samples or Research Output – such as a research report, policy brief, or publication in an academic journal that demonstrates your analytical and communication skills.

Selection Process

  • Candidates will be shortlisted based on their application by Human Resource Management Coordinator, and other relevant personnel. 
  • Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a first-round virtual interview with the IAWP Office Bearers and existing personnel. 

Commitment to Inclusion & Diversity

IAWP is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from gender-diverse persons, different abled, waste picker leaders, and individuals from the Global South, especially from the countries or regions underrepresented in the existing IAWP staff with experience in grassroots research or informal economy worker organizing.

Time Commitment & Salary Scale: 

This is a part-time opportunity from 10 days a month, with 7.5 hours a day. Remuneration for 10 days a month is in the range of USD 900-1200 per month, and will be based on previous salary scale and is inclusive of any social protection or communication expenses, and includes a probation period of 3 months. 

The contract will start as soon as the position is filled and the selected candidate is available, and will extend up to 31st March 2027, with the possibility of extension subject to mutual agreement.

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