FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in Health, Education, Nutrition, Environment, Economic Development, Civil Society, Gender, Youth, Research and Technology, creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today's interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 60 countries, all 50 U.S. states and all U.S. territories. We are currently seeking qualified candidates to fill the position below:
Background:
The USAID Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Partnerships for Learning and Sustainability Project (USAID/WASHPaLS) is a five-year task order (2016-2020) funded by the Bureau for Global Health that supports the Agency’s goal of reducing morbidity and mortality in children under five. The project identifies and addresses research gaps for achieving sustainability, scale, and impact of evidence-based environmental health and WASH interventions.
One such gap exists regarding the effectiveness of measures to protect infants and young children (IYC) from exposure to the under-emphasized sources and pathways of pathogen exposure via geophagy (eating dirt) and direct ingestion of human and animal excreta through exploratory mouthing behaviors. incorporating play yard but with little evidence of their effectiveness. WASHPaLS has reached agreements to carry-out a research to document if a protective play space product (playmat and playpen) and accompanying behavioral intervention significantly reduces IYC exposure. The Research Associate will serve as Field Coordinator and Investigator in this study.
Job Summary:
Candidate will work with senior WASHPaLS Project staff to implement, manage, and conduct a four-phase, mixed method research activity. Responsible for managing all components of data collection in the field, from sampling through analysis with contributions to report writing and dissemination. Makes detailed evaluations, observations, analyzes data and interprets results using qualitative/quantitative methods and statistics. Investigates, creates and develops new methods and technologies for project advancement. Serves as primary in-country representative and liaison with government officials, USAID, community, and develop partners.
Accountabilities:
· Oversees and manages the implementation of four-phase research study, including sampling, recruitment, observing field protocol, data entry, coding and statistical analysis.
· Assures timely completion of research activities by overseeing the logistics and administration of study activities.
· Reviews research protocol and provides input based on deep knowledge of in-country context, procedures and logistics.
· Ensures compliance with government regulations when writing and reviewing protocols, analysis plans, reports, and manuscripts.
· Assists with key federal and regional government liaison and permissions as required.
· Assists in obtaining in-country ethical review (expedited or full) of all research phases.
· Develops training materials and conducts training for study implementation based on company policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and best practice.
· Recruits and trains all cadre of data collection personnel, coders, analysts (with technical assistance from WASHPaLS technical team).
· Provides input with questionnaire development, analysis, study design, and material management.
· Manages translation of key study documents, including research instruments, standards of practice (SOPs), consent forms, etc.
· Plans, organizes, and manages resources/processes for successful completion of study goals.
· Manages and oversees budget for phases of the research project.
· Develops, reviews, and maintains key study documents to ensure adequate resource and
reference documentation.
· Serves as the liaison with internal and external partners to ensure effective collaboration efforts.
· Oversees planning of meetings, site visits, and drafting necessary documents.
· Oversees the preparation of data monitoring plans, protocols, final reports and/or publications.
· Directs the work of others and provides leadership and training on research projects.
Applied Knowledge & Skills:
· Comprehensive knowledge of theories, concepts, and practices for conducting rigorous, mixed method scientific research studies following both USG and Ethiopian government regulations.
· Strong knowledge of software programs used to perform data analysis, including quantitative and qualitative data. Knowledge of ODK, CS-Pro, STATA and qualitative data analysis software such as NVivo highly desired.
· Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Amharic required.
· Ability to motivate, influence, and collaborate with others.
· Familiarity with WASH, child health and development issues a plus.
Problem Solving & Impact:
· Works on complex problems that require analysis or interpretation of various factors.
· Exercises independent judgment in determining methods and techniques to accomplish results.
Education: **
Master’s Degree or its International Equivalent in Health, Behavioral, Life/Social Sciences, Environmental Health, International Development, Statistics or Research Methods.
Experience: **
· (Minimum of 10) years of research or evaluation experience with project management, research methodology, implementation, analysis and reporting.
· Project or technical leadership experience required.
Typical Physical Demands:
· Typical office environment. Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time; ability to lift 5-50 lbs.
· Willingness to travel to remote field sites out of the capital city.
Technology to be Used:
· Personal Computer, Microsoft Office (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), e-mail, telephone, printer, calculator, copier, cell phones, PDAs and other hand-held devices.
Travel Requirements:
· 60% or more.
· Frequent weekend travel may be required while field data collection underway.
** Or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience sufficient to successfully perform the key responsibilities of the job.
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