Research & Policy Coordinator

Health Poverty Action / Health Limited

Job Description

Job Title: Research & Policy Coordinator
Location: HPA Country Office, Addis Ababa, with frequent travel to Oromia and Amhara Regions
Reporting to: Program Coordinator
Contract Duration: 6 Months (with a possibility of Extension)

Position Summary:

Health Poverty Action (HPA) is implementing a health project focused on the deployment and integration of Measles Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) into Ethiopia’s health system. The project aims to enhance early measles detection, improve surveillance quality, and generate policy evidence for national integration of RDTs into the integrated disease surveillance and response (IDSR) system.

Under the direction of the Program Coordinator, the Research & Policy Coordinator will lead the design, coordination, and documentation of all research activities, policy dialogue, and evidence-generation components of the project. This includes facilitating stakeholder engagement with the Ministry of Health (MOH), World Health Organization (WHO), Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA), Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Agency (EPSA) and regional health bureaus, managing study protocols, supervising data collection processes, and supporting national technical working groups in drafting policy briefs, guidelines, and frameworks for RDT deployment and regulatory approval.

The coordinator will ensure the scientific integrity of all data and outputs, produce policy-relevant reports, and support high-level advocacy and dissemination processes.

Beyond this specific project, the Research & Policy Coordinator will also contribute to other ongoing and future research, policy, and evidence-generation initiatives led by the HPA Country Office. This will ensure that the role supports broader institutional learning, policy engagement, and research coordination efforts across projects.

Major Roles and Responsibilities

1. Research Design and Implementation

• Lead the development of research protocols, ethical submissions, and data collection tools related to RDT deployment and integration.
• Coordinate baseline, midline, and assessment studies (including supply chain, feasibility, and field performance assessments).
• Supervise and mentor regional data collection teams, ensuring compliance with research standards and timelines.
• Collaborate with EPHI and regional health bureaus to ensure harmonized data reporting, entry, and verification.
• Support data analysis, interpretation, and synthesis for evidence-based recommendations.
• Maintain a database of all research findings, lessons learned, and innovations generated by the project.

2. Policy Analysis and Engagement

• Coordinate policy reviews and facilitate national workshops on regulatory frameworks, guidelines development, and integration into the IDSR system.
• Draft and edit technical documents, including policy briefs, national guidelines, and integration frameworks, in collaboration with MoH and WHO technical teams.
• Support EFDA and other agencies in establishing prequalification and regulatory approval pathways for RDTs.
• Lead the establishment and coordination of the National RDT Technical Working Group and ensure outputs are well documented and shared.
• Support the planning and facilitation of national and regional policy dialogues to secure consensus and political commitment.

3. Documentation, Knowledge Management, and Reporting

• Ensure systematic documentation of research processes, field findings, and policy engagement outcomes.
• Produce quarterly and annual technical reports summarize achievements, challenges, and recommendations.
• Develop manuscripts, case studies, and presentations for publication and conferences.
• Support visibility and dissemination of research results through policy events, conferences, and stakeholder meetings.
• Contribute to donor and partner reporting as required.

4. Coordination and Partnership Management

• Serve as the focal point for engagement with national and regional partners (MoH, EPHI, WHO, EFDA, EPSA, and others).
• Coordinate with internal HPA staff (Finance, MEAL, Logistics) to ensure timely and compliant implementation of activities.
• Represent HPA in relevant technical and policy forums, ensuring the project’s visibility and alignment with national strategies.
• Facilitate effective communication and knowledge sharing across project teams and partners.

Language Skills

• Proficient in spoken and written English

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Salary: Monthly gross salary range of USD 1200-1485 based on the candidate’s competency and experience.

Hours: Full time.

Holidays: 14 days per year pro-rata.

PF: Up to a maximum of 4% of gross salary (and subject to a minimum contribution of 3%).

Location: HPA Country Office, Addis Ababa- with travels to field sites regularly

Competencies

Educational Requirements

• Master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Policy, Global Health, or other related disciplines.
• Additional training in Research Methods, Publication, Monitoring & Evaluation, or Health Systems Policy is an asset.

Preferred Experience & Skills

• Minimum of 8 years for MSc in public health research, program management, or policy coordination roles.
• Proven track record in health research coordination, policy development, or surveillance system strengthening, preferably in national level institutions, and INGO settings.
• Strong understanding of research ethics, national health data systems, and policy advocacy.
• Excellent analytical, report writing, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate multi-stakeholder technical working groups.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, data analysis tools (Excel, SPSS, or equivalent), and document editing.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with government and partners.