Senior Research Officer at Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)

Main Purpose

• The MSF Mombasa Project is conducting a longitudinal mixed methods research study, which aims to generate new knowledge on population health while supporting project operations. The study is participatory in nature and involves collaboration with diverse partners, including marginalized groups. The purpose of the Senior Research Officer is to lead and support operational research activities, including the collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of qualitative and quantitative data. This role will primarily take leadership over the study’s qualitative components and, as needed, lend support to its quantitative components. The role will provide support to the study’s participatory activities, namely strat-egies to ensure inclusion and collaboration with communities of adolescents, young people, and key populations.

Accountabilities:

• Lead the collection of qualitative and quantitative data as indicated by the study protocol and study need.
• Design qualitative and quantitative data collection tools and, through testing, ensure their rigour and reliability.
• Propose, design, and implement analysis plans using operational research data to support project activities or otherwise advance health equity for target populations.
• Lead and support the preperation of scientific abstracts and publications
• Prepare reports to disseminate study results to diverse audiences, including project and mission leadership.
• Disseminate study results to scientific audiences within and beyond MSF
• Ensure the highest ethical standards in compliance with MSF protocols and procedures
• Support all study recruitment and data collection activities including, as needed, to manage the work of research assistants, research officers, and/or volunteer peer educators
• Lead and take ownership over the qualitative arm of the study, including to manage the collection, quality assurance, storage, and analysis of the study’s qualitative data.
• Support collection and analysis of quantitave data
• Lead and support community engagement, including but limited to patient satisfaction surveys, focus group discussions, feedback and planning meetings, and results dissemination activities
• Support the principal investigator and the larger investigator group
• Undertake critical review of any study data and documentation in or translated to Swahili
• Provide support as required for the project’s overall operational activities

Requirements

Education

• University degree in social sciences, development, public health, or some other related field
• Some training in qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Experience

• Previous work experience in relation to qualitative research methods is essential
• Previous experience collaborating or working with key populations is essential
• Knowledge of data management software (e.g., NVivo, R) is essential
• Experience with MSF or any other organization in public health is highly recommended