Local Research Focal

Position Name : Local Research Focal (1 positions)

Location : Semarang

Position Type : Short-term Consultant

Employment Type      : Project-bound, Output-based, High-Mobility Fieldwork, and Onsite

Reports To : Project Manager

1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

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 RESPONSIBILITY

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. 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.
• 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, People with Disabilities, and other marginalized groups are encouraged to apply

Equal Opportunity Statement
: QED Research Consulting has a long-standing policy of Equal Opportunity in employment. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, skin-colour, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status. At any time, if you require special accommodation during the application process, please contact Support Unit at

5. FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIP

In this position, the Local Research Focal 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 CONDITIONS

• 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. APPLICATION PROCEDURES

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.
• Contact information (email and phone number) of three professional references.

Please submit all documents to and CC to and no later than November 10
th
, 2025, with the email subject: Local Research Focal_Semarang_SS4C_Your Name. Example:
Local Research Focal_Semarang_SS4C_Ahmad Azhari