About this role:

The Strategic Information (SI) Unit at Management Sciences for Health (MSH) is launching a new Research and Data Use team that is tasked with building organizational capacity to ensure robust research methods are prioritized, that research and studies outcomes are used to improve project performance and building our presence in the peer-reviewed literature. This will include ensuring that research activities are supported to:

Support projects to develop research protocols that include the research questions, hypotheses, study design, sample size, data collection, management, and analysis plans, data collection tools, research ethics considerations, consent forms, dissemination plan, and work plan/timeline. Data use is prioritized at multiple levels, including but not limited to: with the MOH and partners, and at regional and district levels. Research partners are thoroughly vetted and managed by individuals with research expertise. Develop abstracts and publications that tracked in an organizational research compendium.

The RDU Lead will work under the direction and supervision of a Strategic Information Technical Director and in partnership with the Leads for Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL), and Data and Digital Health (DDH). The RDU Lead will develop and implement the RDU strategy as part of the SI one, being coherent with MSH 7-year Strategic Plan. Additionally, the RDU Lead will support projects in their research activities using a client-centered approach, serving MSH projects so they design and implement state-of-the-art research methods and activities. Findings from research activities will be shared within and across projects to further data use.

What are the main responsibilities?

RDU Team Leadership - 35%

• Develop and implement RDU strategy
• Collaborate and participate SI thought partnership with MEL and DDH leads
• Hire and manage staff
• Contribute to organizational initiatives involving research and data use

RDU Project Support - 50%

• Provide expertise in research and ensure quality assurance at all key stages of MSH research activities, especially supporting projects in the development and review of protocols
• Supervise local research agencies
• Contribute and mentor on the development of research reports, technical briefs, peer publications, and abstracts
• Lead capacity building sessions on selected research topics (e.g., protocol development, writing publications, writing abstracts
• Develop SOPs and tools to enhance data use for decisionmaking at region and district levels

Organizational Initiatives - 15%

• Oversee the development of an MSH research compendium
• Contribute to research ethics policies, reviews, and processes, closely collaborating with MSH Scientific Committee
• May be asked to contribute to other SI initiatives based on interest and experience.

QUALIFICATIONS

What do you need to apply?

MSH employs people of passion, we seek those individuals who dream of a better world. We look for professionals who combine experience, local knowledge, and an understanding of international best practices.

Specific requirements for this role are:

Education and Experience:

Required: Master's or Doctoral degree in relevant field of study (e.g., epidemiology, biostatistics, demography)

Required: The RDU lead brings 10+ years of advanced and demonstrated experience in each of the following areas:

• Research methods and analytics, including quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Use of multiple analytic software packages, such as SPSS, STATA, or R for quantitative data and Nvivo, Atlas.ti, or Dedoose, for qualitive data.
• Teaching, training, and/or capacity strengthening for research methods, analytics, and publications.
• Developing instructional guidance documents for research protocol development and research methods.
• Managing a research team in a matrixed organization, including coaching and mentoring staff at all levels, in a teleworking environment.
• Leading business development opportunities related to research.
• Collaborating and managing research partners.
• Publications in peer review journals and in international conferences.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong analytical and organizational skills demonstrated by ability to work both independently and within a team.

• Excellent writing and communications skills including organizing, scanning, summarizing and presenting information.
• Familiarity with USAID indicators and metrics in specific content areas.
• Full proficiency in English.
• Proficiency in French is a strong asset.
• Knowledge of US Government and non-USG funded programs, regulations, and requirements.
• Direct overseas project work experience.
• Relevant experience in project operations, management, and business development.
  

Competencies:

• Effective collaboration with professional colleagues from multiple units and within diverse socio-cultural contexts.
• Flexibility and openness in responding to changing work priorities and environments. Ability to work under tight deadlines.
• Competence in assessing priorities and solving problems using innovative, evidence-based solutions.
• Highly detail-oriented, meticulous, and consistent in the execution of work.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.

• Proactively identify areas that require support and propose constructive solutions.
• Enjoys learning and teaching. A team player and a self-starter who can use their own initiative to identify useful work.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with professional colleagues from multiple units and within various socio-cultural contexts.
• Demonstrated experience leading and collaborating with staff in a matrixed organization.
• Demonstrated competence to assess priorities and solve problems using innovative, evidence-based solutions.

Physical Demands:

• Keyboard use, pulling drawers, lifting papers <10 lbs.
• Travel requirements: up to 20%.

MSH considers multiple job-related factors when determining an offer, including but not limited to, business and organizational needs, candidate qualifications, internal equity, location, and internal budget.

Salary is just one of many aspects of our total rewards package; at MSH, our goal is to provide you with a comprehensive set of competitive benefits that includes a substantial vacation, sick and holiday policies, training and development programs, competitive insurance coverage for health, vision, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability, 401k plan, Flexible Spending Account, among others.

MSH is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, religion, creed, citizenship, national origin, age, veteran status, or disability unrelated to job requirements. MSH will take affirmative action to ensure that qualified applicants are employed and that employees are treated without regard to their race, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran and disability status. In compliance with U.S. Department of Labor Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Section 4212 of the Vietnam Era Readjustment Assistance Act, MSH has developed and maintains an affirmative action program and plan.

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