Are you a well-connected professional in the vocational education sector looking to drive impactful research?
QED Research Consulting is seeking six dedicated Local Research Focals to join our team for a short-term consultancy in Bandung, Semarang, Surabaya, Denpasar, Mataram, and Makassar.
As a key liaison for the VET Services Market Assessment, a crucial study for the Swiss Skills for Competitiveness (SS4C) program, you will connect our research team with vital local stakeholders. Your role will be essential in coordinating data collection and ensuring the smooth execution of this high-impact project aimed at strengthening Indonesia's vocational education ecosystem.
Please note: A strong, wide-ranging, and established network with the senior management of local VET institutions (Politeknik, Akademi Komunitas, SMK) and relevant government bodies (Dinas Pendidikan, TKDV) in your city is a mandatory and non-negotiable prerequisite for this role.
At QED, we strongly encourage women, people with disabilities, and individuals from other marginalized groups to apply for this position.
Please send your Cover Letter (detailing your VET network in your target city), CV, salary expectations, and contact information for three professional references to recruitment@ops.qedrconsulting.com and CC to keziagratia@act.qedrconsulting.com and ekaseseli@act.qedrconsulting.com by October 15th, 2025.
Use the email subject: Local Research Focal_Your City_SS4C_Your Name (e.g., Local Research Focal_Surabaya_SS4C_Budi Santoso).
Tentang pekerjaan ini
Position Name : Local Research Focal (6 positions)
Location : Bandung, Semarang, Surabaya, Denpasar, Mataram, and Makassar
Position Type : Short-term Consultant
Employment Type : Project-bound, Output-based, High-Mobility Fieldwork, and Onsite
Reports To : Project Manager
1. Background of Company and Project
QED Research Consulting is a consulting firm focused on providing in-depth data and analysis to support the strategic decision-making of our clients in the public and private sectors. Established in 2013, we have done multisector projects across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
The development of Indonesia's workforce often faces a challenge: a significant mismatch of technical and soft skills between graduates of vocational schools and the actual needs of the industry. To address this, the Swiss Skills for Competitiveness (SS4C) program, supported by the Government of Switzerland, is currently defining its strategy for its next phase (Phase 2, 2024–2027). This strategy shifts focus from direct support to VET institutions to strengthening the ecosystem of Supporting Function (SF) and Enabling Environment (EE) System Actors (e.g., industry associations, local governments, and private service providers) to make the Dual Vocational Education and Training (dVET) system more sustainable and market-driven.
To support this critical transition, QED Research Consulting has been engaged as the research partner to conduct a comprehensive VET Services Market Assessment. This research is vital for identifying the capacity building, advisory, and training needs of VET schools, analysing the market size, and providing recommendations for developing and promoting these services
2. Purpose of The Position
Local Research Focal (LRF) will serve as the primary, high-level coordinator and liaison for the VET Services Market Assessment across the six target regions. The LRF will ensure the essential connection between the QED research team and key VET and government stakeholders is secured, guaranteeing the timely submission of quantitative data and the smooth execution of qualitative interviews.
3. Roles and Responsibilities
The Local Research Focal (LRF) will report to the Project Manager and be responsible for the effective coordination and liaison of all field research activities within their designated local area. Specific responsibilities include:
Quantitative Data Assurance and Submission:
Act as the primary liaison between QED and the leadership/stakeholders of local VET institutions (SMK, Politeknik/Akademi Komunitas) in their region.
Take proactive steps (follow-up calls, emails, personal outreach) to ensure selected VET Institution (Politeknik, Akademi Komunitas, dan SMK) Directors and relevant stakeholders complete and submit the quantitative questionnaire/form as instructed.
Monitor data submission rates for respective region and actively follow up with institutional representatives to achieve the target number of completed submissions.
Qualitative Informant Matchmaking and Scheduling:
Leverage their existing local professional networks to identify, verify, and secure suitable key informants for the qualitative in-depth interviews (KIIs) in their area.
Connect (matchmake) the QED directly with the selected local key informants and high-level stakeholders, facilitating the introduction and securing commitment for the interview.
Manage the final interview schedule and confirm appointments for all qualitative KIIs in the respective region.
Local Stakeholder Access and Engagement:
Facilitate high-level access to strategic system actors, including but not limited to the District/Provincial Office of Education (Dinas Pendidikan Kota/Provinsi) and relevant local VET coordinating bodies (Tim Koordinasi Daerah Vokasi/TKDV).
Provide local context and logistical support to ensure smooth and efficient travel, data collection, and relationship management for the QED team within the designated region.
Reporting and Quality Control:
Submit regular progress reports on respondent onboarding and data submission rates to the QED Project Manager.
Ensure all liaison activities adhere to the ethical standards and confidentiality protocols of QED Research Consulting.
4. Key Selection Criteria
Possesses a strong, wide-ranging, and established network with the senior management or directors of local VET institutions (Politeknik, Akademi Komunitas, and SMK) in the target region of application. This is a mandatory and non-negotiable prerequisite.
The professional network is expected to facilitate high-level access to strategic system actors, including the District/Provincial Office of Education (Dinas Pendidikan Kota/Provinsi) and relevant local VET coordinating bodies (TKDV). This is a mandatory and non-negotiable prerequisite.
Holds a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in any field of study.
Possesses relevant professional experience in project coordination, liaison, or field research management, preferably in multi-location projects.
Demonstrates knowledge of the local Vocational Education and Training (VET) system within the respective region, including the operational roles of SMK, Akademi Komunitas, and Politeknik.
Possesses excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Has fluency in Bahasa Indonesia and professional working proficiency in English (written and spoken).
Attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
Possess functional motorcycle and an active driving license (SIM C).
Possess a functional personal laptop and cell-phone.
Savvy in Ms. Office (Ms Word and Ms Excel, in particular).
Currently based-in respective city (Bandung, Semarang, Surabaya, Denpasar, Mataram, or Makassar).
Comply to Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) Policy.
Willing to work on a project-basis that requires high mobility within the designated city and be flexible to adapt to fieldwork conditions and travel schedules as required by the project timeline
Women, other marginalized groups, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Equal Opportunity Statement: QED has a strong policy, and has been in effect since the beginning, on Equal Opportunity in employment. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status. Should you need special accommodation or support during the application process, please contact the Business Support Unit at support@ops.qedrconsulting.com.
5. Functional Relationships
This position will:
Report directly to the Project Manager.
Collaborate closely with the Data and Technical team.
Interact with stakeholders including local Politeknik, Akademi Komunitas, and SMK Senior Management/Directors
6. Working Condition
This position is Project-bound, Output-Based, and requires high mobility within and surrounding the designated city.
The work will involve interaction with high-level education stakeholders in professional settings.
The LRF is expected to be flexible and adapt to fieldwork conditions and travel schedules as required by the project timeline
Maintaining the dignity, image and credibility of the company as best as possible.
Adhere to company policies and code of conduct – including the security and confidentiality policies.
7. How to Apply
To apply for this position, please submit the following documents:
A Cover Letter detailing your experience in VET stakeholder engagement and your specific network strength within one target city you are applying for.
Your latest Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Salary expectations for 1 project.
Contact information (email and phone number) of three professional references.
Please submit all documents to recruitment@ops.qedrconsulting.com and CC to keziagratia@act.qedrconsulting.com and ekaseseli@act.qedrconsulting.com no later than October 15th, 2025, with the email subject: Local Research Focal_Your City_SS4C_Your Name. Example: Local Research Focal_Bandung_SS4C_Ahmad Azhari