Research Coordinator - Nutrition

Requisition ID:  req40037

Job Title:  Research Coordinator - Nutrition

Sector:  Program Administration

Employment Category:  Fixed Term

Employment Type:  Full-Time

Open to Expatriates:  No

Location:  Nairobi, Kenya

Job Description

The International Rescue Committee(IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises and helps peoplesurvive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the behest of AlbertEinstein, IRC provides lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugeesforced to flee wars or disasters. IRC today works in more than 40 countries and22 cities across the United States, restoring safety, dignity and hope tomillions of people uprooted and struggling to survive.

Job Objective:

IRC conducts nutrition research inseveral contexts focusing on the development and testing of solutions to expandthe coverage of acute malnutrition screening and treatment. The researchportfolio includes both detailed clinical trials as well as operationalresearch projects.

Since 2015, IRC Kenya has beenengaged in research to detail the efficacy, effectiveness, cost and feasibilityof simplified protocols to treat acute malnutrition. After an initialrandomized controlled trial (RCT) implemented in Nairobi in 2017-2018, two operationalpilots have taken place testing the simplified protocol in routine contexts,one in a refugee setting and another in a routine Ministry of Healthimplementation setting. These pilots have produced promising results on theefficiency and cost-advantage of the simplified protocol.

Several new study ideas arecurrently being explored in Kenya. Potential new topics include 1) alternativeRUTF 2) micronutrient status and long-term outcomes of malnourished children 3)admission criteria and 4) CHW treatment.

The role of the ResearchCoordinator - Nutrition will be to lead all nutrition research projectinitiatives in Kenya by leading the design, adaptation, preparation, implementation,and capitalization of these projects.

Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of theSenior Nutrition Researcher of IRC and the Deputy Director of Programs of IRCKenya and in close collaboration with the Nutrition and Health Coordinators ofIRC Kenya, the Research Coordinator - Nutrition will be technically responsiblefor the relevance and quality of studies carried out by IRC in Kenya in thefield of nutrition.

They will coordinate thedevelopment of research protocols and the implementation of projects in thefield; the development of data collection and program implementation tools aswell as tools for project monitoring and evaluation; documentation of theprocess and monitoring of deliverables by the consultants; the technicalsupervision of the personnel in charge of the implementation of the researchactivities.

He / She will coordinate dataanalysis with the Health and Nutrition Coordinators, assist in theinterpretation of results and ensure the coordination of disseminationmaterials and execution of dissemination at national level.

He / She will provide technical assistanceto research teams in the field; continuous monitoring of the quality ofimplementation and data collection.

Specific Responsibilities :

Design and Set Up Studies :

Lead internal (IRC Nutritionsector) and local (Kenya) strategic discussions to define key researchquestions and ideas for increasing coverage of treatment in Kenya and lead inwriting new projects for funding purposes (narrative, budget, appendices). Ensure alignment of researchprojects with local priorities and lead the development of study protocolsanswering key research questions identified for the Kenyan context. Participate in internaldiscussions for priority areas of investment in research for growing coverageglobally and engage with local and international partners and consultants oncollaborations for research projects. Revise and adapt study protocolsto fit the operational context in Kenya and lead all aspects of the developmentof standard operating procedures for all studies. Coordinate the engagement andcontracting of external partners for research in Kenya and coordinate thewriting of nutrition research protocols with local partners at country level. Develop tools for implementingresearch projects, monitoring, and collecting data and validate researchprotocols for consultancy work and by external partners. Write, submit, and handle ethicsapproval requests at national and international levels.

Oversee Quality Implementation of Studies :

Plan, recruit, on-board andsupervise research teams in charge of implementing the studies in the field andensure sufficient training of all research staff before starting any researchactivities. Lead all aspects of theimplementation of the various activities planned of the research portfolioincluding via preparing and leading IRCs internal project cycle meetings,monitor and if necessary, adapt the budgetary consumption of the researchgrants. Be responsible for the developmentand regular updates and adaptations of the purchase plan for each project andcoordinate the preparation and follow-up on the purchase requests according tothe purchase plans. Ensure regular supervision offield activities including via field visits to observe the quality ofimplementation and data collection according to research protocols and standardoperating procedures. Ensure continuous technicalsupervision of and support to research teams and provide technical support tothe teams of consultants in charge of conducting field studies. Be the lead in writing reports andother internal / external products for monitoring the implementation ofresearch project results as well as any other type of report requested by thevarious donors (narrative, budget monitoring and appendices). Be the lead in the event of arequest for modification of the project from donors, both from a narrative andfinancial point of view. Work with Data Science teams fordata capture, monitoring and analysis.

Produce and Disseminate Evidence :

Develop data analysis plans forresearch projects and engage with external experts to advice the analysis andinterpretation of findings. Lead and support the write up ofpeer reviewed manuscripts in collaboration with internal and external partnersand coordinate peer review article submissions and revision processes. Synthesize research data andfindings for internal and external purposes and validate consultants' reportsconcerning the research. Work with the communication teamon documentation to be provided as part of external communication activitiesand be the focal point for field communication activities. Represent IRC Kenya’s nutritionresearch with the various partners (academics, technicians, authorities). Coordinate closelywith MoH and national partners on research uptake and dissemination.

Qualifications
Professional degree in Health /Nutrition (Masters with minimum 6 years of experience or PhD with minimum 4years of experience); Additional qualifications in biostatistics is desired. Minimum 4 years of researchexperience in the field of health / nutrition, preferably on research projectsimplemented in the field in a low income context. Professional experience in NGOs,in particular in the management of community-based acute malnutrition (CMAM). Experience in running surveys andqualitative research, data collection and analysis, including experience withat least two survey programming languages. Previous experience in supervisingand supporting field research teams; Demonstrated competence in writingresearch articles (add references to CV). Ability to write clear and concisereports, while respecting fixed time limits. Good presentation skills to driveengagement with local partners. Ability to work independentlywhile being an active member of the country team and the global research team. Digital literacy required: Windowsenvironment, Microsoft Office package, statistical software (STATA and R);knowledge of Commcare is an asset. Ability to work in and travel tounstable security environments. Fluency in English is needed,French is an asset.

Standards of ProfessionalConduct : IRC staff should adhere to the values and principles set out inIRC Way - Global Standards for Professional Conduct. It is about integrity,service and responsibility. In accordance with these values, the IRC managesand enforces policies for the protection of beneficiaries against exploitationand abuse, the protection of children, the fight against harassment in theworkplace, fiscal integrity and the fight against retaliation.

Gender Equality : IRC iscommitted to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offerbenefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in ourworkforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols andother encouraging benefits and allowance.

Kenyan nationals are encouragedto apply. International allowances are not available for this position. Salaryand employee benefits are compliant to the Kenyan NGO Sector.

IRC is an Equal OpportunityEmployer and considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard torace, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, maritalstatus, veteran status or disability.

Disclaimer:

Please take note thatInternational Rescue Committee (IRC) does not ask for any fees in connectionwith its recruitment processes.

IRC leading the wayfrom harm to home.