Desired job title
Research AssociateProgramme Associate (Research)Secondary School Teacher (Full-time)Location preference
On-siteRemoteHybridLocation: Edinburgh, Scotland
Open to relocation: Yes
Open to work
Marfia Alam
Dhaka,Bangladesh
Work preference
Summary
Experienced researcher skilled in quantitative and qualitative methods, including experimental research and data analysis with SPSS and STATA. Conducts literature reviews and thematic analyses while managing databases effectively. Utilises Microsoft Office and collaboration tools to enhance communication. Committed to advancing research methodologies for impactful insights in the field.
Overview
6
6
years of post-secondary education
7
7
years of professional experience
Work history
Research Associate
Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD)
Dhaka
01.2022 - 07.2023
- Contributed to literature reviews, analytical frameworks, research design, primary data collection, data analysis, and evidence-based policy recommendations across multiple European Union-funded research projects
- Successfully supported the implementation of a four-component project encompassing research, social audits, policymaker engagement, and pre- and post-budget analyses
- Co-authored project reports, policy briefs, working papers, books, and book chapters, including three chapters in COVID-19 and Bangladesh (Routledge)
- Drafted strategic resource materials and policy briefs to facilitate engagement with senior policymakers, development partners, and other stakeholders
- Contributed to research proposal development and the Independent Review of Bangladesh Development (IRBD) for Fiscal Year 2023
- Designed research instruments, conducted qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, and synthesized findings into technical reports and policy outputs
- Presented research findings to internal and external stakeholders and collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure timely delivery of high-quality research outputs
Programme Associate (Research)
Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD)
Dhaka
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Conducted literature reviews, developed analytical frameworks, performed data analysis, and formulated evidence-based recommendations for research supported by the Embassy of Switzerland
- Drafted research reports, policy briefs, and scholarly publications to communicate findings to policymakers and other stakeholders
- Conducted Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and prepared resource materials for KIIs, Expert Group Meetings (EGMs), and the Independent Review of Bangladesh Development (IRBD)
- Contributed to the analysis of the Government of Bangladesh's Fiscal Year 2022 budget, identifying key public finance trends and informing IRBD policy analysis
Secondary School Teacher (Full-time)
Mastermind English Medium School
Dhaka
02.2016 - 12.2018
- Delivering class lectures daily
- Preparing monthly lesson plans and question papers
- Reviewed classwork, exam scripts, and quiz papers to assess student understanding and progress
- Provided academic and emotional support to enhance student well-being and engagement
- Coordinated communication with colleagues through emails and meetings to foster collaboration
- Working as coordinator for annual school programmes
- Attending workshops at different times for institutional development
Education
Master of Public Health -
City St George’s, University of London
London, England, United Kingdom 01.2024 - 01.2025
Master of Science - Economics
University of Greenwich
England, United Kingdom 01.2019 - 01.2020
Bachelor of Science - Economics
United International University
Dhaka, Bangladesh 01.2011 - 01.2015
Skills
- Quantitative research methods
- Qualitative research techniques
- Experimental research (randomised controlled trial)
- Regression and data analysis
- SPSS and STATA for data analysis
- Literature review, systematic review
- Thematic analysis, narrative synthesis
- Data management skills
- Database research skills
- Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
- Data interpretation
- Collaborative communication
- Critical thinking
- Team synergy
- Resilience under stress
- Ethical compliance
- Google Classroom, Zoom, Skype, etc
Language Skills
English: Proficient in reading, writing, speaking, and listening
Bengali: Proficient in reading, writing, speaking, and listening
Hindi: Communicative in listening and speaking
References
- Mehmet, Ugur, Professor, m.ugur@gre.ac.uk, University of Greenwich, UK, School of Accounting, Finance and Economics
- Mustafizur, Rahman, Professor, mustafiz@cpd.org.bd, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), Dhaka, Bangladesh, Distinguished Fellow
Voluntary Research
The Effect of Mental Health Problems on Economic Output: A Panel Data Analysis (Using Secondary Data)
Research and Publications
- CPD - EU Project: Working Paper (Co – Author) Bhattacharya, D., Khan, T. I., Alam, M., Khaled, S. and Kabir, I. State and Scope of Property Taxation in Bangladesh. Dhaka, Bangladesh: Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) (Forthcoming)
- CPD - EU-Oxfam Project: Book (Co – Author) Rahman, M., Khan, T. I., Kamal, M., Alam, M., Hossain, M. S. and Sabbih, M.A. (2021). Coping with COVID-19 in Bangladesh: Assessment of Relief Delivery. Dhaka, Bangladesh: Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) (https://cpd.org.bd/publication/coping-with-covid-19-in-bangladesh/)
- Rahman, M., Khan, T. I., Kamal, M., Nawar, N., Alam, M. and Hossain, M. S. (2021). COVID-19 and Employment Related Adjustments: Findings from Household Survey in Bangladesh. Dhaka, Bangladesh: Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) (https://cpd.org.bd/publication/covid-19-and-employment-related-adjustments-findings-from-household-survey-in-bangladesh/)
- Policy Brief (Co – Author) Rahman, M., Khan, T. I., Kamal, M. and Alam, M. (2021). Income and Employment Situation in COVID Times: How the People are Coping? Dhaka, Bangladesh: Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) (https://cpd.org.bd/publication/income-and-employment-situation-in-covid-times/)
- Rahman, M., Khan, T. I., Kamal, M., Alam, M. (2021). Effective Delivery of Social Protection in Bangladesh: Twelve Takeaways from Experiences during COVID Times. Dhaka, Bangladesh: Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) (https://cpd.org.bd/publication/effective-delivery-of-social-protection-in-bangladesh/)
- Book Chapter (Co – Author) Rahman, M., Khan, T. I., Kamal, M., Nawar, N., Alam, M. and Hossain, M.S. Household-level Adjustments in the Labour Market. In COVID-19 and Bangladesh: Inclusion, Disaggregation, and Transition. Oxfordshire, England, UK: Routledge (https://www.taylorfrancis.com/reader/read-online/27b2c65c-886e-4cbf-9457-92ea533f3989/book/epub?context=ubx)
- Rahman, M., Khan, T. I., Kamal, M., Alam, M., Hossain, M. S. and Sabbih, M.A. Raising Delivery Effectiveness of Support Measures for Disadvantaged Households. In COVID-19 and Bangladesh: Inclusion, Disaggregation, and Transition. Oxfordshire, England, UK: Routledge (https://www.taylorfrancis.com/reader/read-online/27b2c65c-886e-4cbf-9457-92ea533f3989/book/epub?context=ubx)
- Bhattacharya, D., Khan T. I., Alam, M. and Rabbi, M.H. Public Policy Responses and Options. In COVID-19 and Bangladesh: Inclusion, Disaggregation, and Transition. Oxfordshire, England, UK: Routledge (https://www.taylorfrancis.com/reader/read-online/27b2c65c-886e-4cbf-9457-92ea533f3989/book/epub?context=ubx)
- CPD - Swiss Embassy Project: Book (Co - Author) Bhattacharya, D., Khan T. I., Kamal, M., Altaf, N. M. and Alam, M. (2022). Data for Policymaking in the Pandemic Period: The Bangladesh Experience. Dhaka, Bangladesh: Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) (https://cpd.org.bd/publication/data-for-policymaking-in-the-pandemic-period/)
- Book Chapter (Co - Author) Bhattacharya, D., Khan T. I., Kamal, M., Alam, M. and Altaf, N.M. Data Initiatives for Evidence-based Policymaking. In COVID-19 and Bangladesh: Inclusion, Disaggregation, and Transition. Oxfordshire, England, UK: Routledge (https://www.taylorfrancis.com/reader/read-online/27b2c65c-886e-4cbf-9457-92ea533f3989/book/epub?context=ubx)
- CPD - European Commission Project: Book Chapter (Co - Author) Bhattacharya, D., Khan T. I. Altaf, N. M. and Alam, M. Exploring Development Effectiveness of Primary Education Sector in Bangladesh. In Effective Development Cooperation in the Global South: Reframing the Debate with New Evidence. Oxfordshire, England, UK: Routledge (https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003063344)
Affiliations
- Cooking, travelling, food, people, nature
Accomplishments
- Co-authored policy briefs, book chapters, books, and working papers produced under European Union-funded research projects, including publications released by Routledge.
- Promoted to Research Associate at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) after one year in recognition of strong research performance and contributions to policy research.
- Recognized as one of the most responsible, dedicated, and high-performing team members at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) for consistently delivering high-quality research outputs and project contributions.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Master of Public Health -
City St George’s, University of London
01.2024 - 01.2025
Research Associate
Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD)
01.2022 - 07.2023
Programme Associate (Research)
Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD)
01.2021 - 01.2022
Master of Science - Economics
University of Greenwich
01.2019 - 01.2020
Secondary School Teacher (Full-time)
Mastermind English Medium School
02.2016 - 12.2018
Bachelor of Science - Economics
United International University
01.2011 - 01.2015