Research Officer at Concern Worldwide

Programme Management and Development:

• Guiding the development of the research work plans in coordination with the project teams.
• Liaising with the local and county level with CHMT, Marsabit County Officials and Health Facility Management Teams to enhance coordination and collaboration in project implementation and sustainability.
• Provide technical assistance in the implementation of ICCM/ CMAM research, linking it with existing health and nutrition interventions in Marsabit County.
• Timeline and financial tracking to ensure timely and effective deliverables of research agenda
• Participate in quarterly strategy review and planning meetings with the Project research team consisting of the Principal and Co-Principal Investigators, HQ Technical Backstop, Research Partners and the Health and Nutrition Coordinator

Implementation of Operations Research

• Contribute to the overall operation research design development
• Contribute to the design of data collection tools, including surveys and qualitative interviews
• Ensure ethical standards are upheld throughout research project
• Oversee data collection, data analysis and data synthesis, and ensure the use of effective data tools by all project staff and partners
• Support the policy advocacy on the adoption of ICCM/CMAM services by CHPs at the community level.
• Based on data, suggest additional analyses and highlight interesting findings
• Document the research process as an integral part of the operations research
• Assist in the completion and submission of Donor reports
• Support supply chain management

Representation and Dissemination

• Draft technical documents based on the research findings for submission to the health and nutrition programme coordinator and HQ Technical Backstop as needed
• Contribute to research dissemination through involvement in technical working groups, global networks, conferences, and with other key stakeholders
• At the County and national level, work with Project Research team to lobby for the adoption of key project and research findings into current practice.
• Represent Concern in County and National level technical meetings and any other forums as necessary.

Training/Mentoring

• In partnership with the program team, contribute to capacity building of MoH and partner agency staff members.
• Assist in the planning and coordination of trainings associated with the intervention of study

Monitoring and Reporting

• Monitoring the progress against objectives outlined in the program plans.
• Preparing high quality written reports for Concern and donors (monthly, quarterly and annual) and others as required.
• Ensure project performance is tracked and quality standards adhered to.
• Conduct frequent field visits for monitoring to ensure effective research and programme implementation.
• Coordinate regular project monitoring and supervision in liaison with the SCHMTs and project MEAL focal person to ensure quality project implementation according to agreed standards.
• Coordinate with the health records and information officers to ensure the data submitted by facilities is complete by regular quality checks to ensure completeness of the records of the children in the study.

Other Duties

• Adhere to and promote the standards outlined in the Concern Code of Conduct and associated policies to their team, beneficiaries, and be committed to providing a safe working environment
• Participating and contributing towards Concern’s emergency response, as and when necessary
• Comply with Concern’s health, safety and security guidelines during emergencies
• Take all possible measure to meet Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS)
• Any other duties as assigned by the Line Manager

Person Specification

Minimum Education, Qualifications & Experience Required:

• BSc in Nursing, Nutrition or related field
• At least three (3) years’ experience in Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition programming with experience of public health or nutrition or research methods, and/or operations research.
• At least two- years demonstrated work experience in research related positions or projects and/or programmes.
• Proven track record of collecting and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data.
• It is highly desirable that candidates will be able to demonstrate experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Experience and knowledge of MOH systems, particularly at County and sub county level
• Child health and nutrition, specifically the diagnosis of undernutrition
• Behaviour change strategies