Senior Health Specialist - Implementation Research, PHC-HSS (P5) - Re-Advertisement at UNICEF

How can you make a difference?

Under the overall direction of the Sr. Health Advisor, PHC-HSS unit the incumbent is responsible for coordination, planning, management, and evaluation of implementation research to produce data and evidence to influence policy towards achievement of the health-related SDGs focused on strengthening Primary Health Care. Support the Sr Health Advisor in development and implementation of creative strategies so that data and evidence obtained from these studies and from international literature is successfully disseminated to field staff and policy decisions can be informed by the best possible evidence.

Technical guidance for specific implementation research projects.

• Provides leadership and guidance for specific implementation research projects, including the elaboration of research plans and protocols, and monitoring the quality of the studies and their application within policies and programmes. Responsible for development and overall management of research projects at the international, regional, and country levels. Guide’s development of methodologies and new approaches for improving research projects. Develops and participates in research workshops and consultations at regional and country levels to exchange knowledge, ideas, and approaches. Coordinates preparations for funding proposals related to implementation research, monitors the overall planning and disbursement of implementation research funds, and monitors utilization of funds. Prepares and submits timely progress/status reports for management, board, donors, budget reviews, programme monitoring and evaluation, annual reports, etc.

Development and operationalization of implementation research strategy

• Supports Senior Manager and acts as focal point to guide development and operationalization of UNICEF implementation research strategy to produce evidence and influence policy towards achievement of health-related SDGs, with a focus on implementation strategies and community-based approaches for maternal and child survival activities. With input from various units and sections within Health, WASH, Nutrition, Child Protection, Social Policy programmes as well as regional counterparts, identifies priority strategic implementation research projects of interest to fill the gaps and improve implementation strategies and community-based interventions aimed at reducing child mortality. Supports Senior Manager in fundraising for implementation research and in leading key partnerships with other global institutions leading on implementation research.
• Makes decisions on implementation research projects, capacity, and international collaborations. These decisions will affect the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the programme policy and evidence. Recommendations are made regarding policy and the implementation of UNICEF’s health programmes and data worldwide. Recommendations include contributions to policy development, programme design and other technical and organisational advice. Recommendations are also made on programme/project activity feasibility and implementation, linkages with other aspects of UNICEF intervention, reprogramming and rescheduling of activities, and external technical assistance and requirements. These recommendations impact directly on the effectiveness of UNICEF’s programmes and the image of the organization.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Public Health, epidemiology, infectious disease, maternal and child health, health promotion or any other related field and a Medical Degree (MD).
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in health research design and execution, including management of research projects is required
• Experience in data management, analysis, and dissemination. Expertise and experience in child survival programme management is a definite asset.
• Proven record as evidenced by published research as the main author in peer reviewed journals in the field of implementation research and data in relevant topics (at least 10 publications) is required.
• Knowledge of academic institutions, international health organizations and partners in implementation research is a definite asset.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.