Research & Design Lead at Child Fund International

KRCS is seeking a qualified person for the position of Research & Design Lead for an anticipated 5-year USAID Food For Peace (FFP) Development Food Security Activities (DFSA) in Kenya. The project focuses on sustainably reducing levels of acute malnutrition in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), in Isiolo, Marsabit, Samburu and Turkana counties. The project will be implemented in two phases, from October 2019 to September 2025; (1) Phase 1 will focus on researching, testing approaches and collaboratively designing a context-sensitive, multi-sectoral activity to sustainably reduce acute malnutrition; and (2) Phase 2 will focus on activity implementation and system and institutional strengthening to manage nutrition interventions. KRCS will be putting in an application in response to the FFP DFSA request for applications in collaboration with other consortium partners.

Reporting to: Chief Of Party

Overall Purpose:

Under the supervision of the Chief of Party, The Research and Design Lead, will provide technical leadership to formative research activities, refinement of the Theory of Change, and development of a locally adapted programmatic approach to reducing acute malnutrition. S/he will be responsible for ensuring the appropriateness and rigor of research methods, overseeing data collection and analysis, and ensuring research results are useful and applicable for making program design decisions

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide technical leadership to formative research activities, refinement of the ToC, and development of a locally adapted programmatic approach to reducing acute malnutrition
• Responsible for ensuring the appropriateness and rigor of research methods, overseeing data collection and analysis, and ensuring research results are useful and applicable for making program design decisions, particularly to inform the Phase 2 transition plan
• Ensure (1) that Phase 1 research and pilot findings are incorporated into sound programmatic design
• Ensure that program quality standards and rigor are adhered to
• Coordination and collaboration with research staff, the Technical Steering Committee, and other GoK and USAID stakeholders and partners
• The Research and Design Lead will work closely with the CLA and M&E Leads to ensure intentional learning and knowledge application throughout all phases of this activity

DESIRED COMPETENCIES

• Should have an in-depth understanding of applicable research methods and project design
• Proven leadership skills managing projects of a similar size and scope in developing countries
• Strong management and interpersonal skills and excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• Strong mentoring and facilitation skills
• Ability to network and communicate with a wide range of stakeholders ï‚· Experience working in low resource environments.
• Demonstrated experience in adaptive management and learning techniques is highly encouraged
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence and interface with senior members of the business/Society
• Self-motivation and strong team spirit
• Ability to effectively handle and manage interpersonal conflict.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A PHD or master’s degree in relevant field – nutrition, food security
• Technical expertise in a relevant field and minimum of 5 years of field experience in research, design, and evaluation is desired