Sr. Implementation Research Advisor

Job Description

COMPANY SUMMARY

EngenderHealth envisions a gender-equal world where all people achieve their sexual and reproductive health and rights. We believe this is essential for ensuring all people can achieve their potential. To achieve this vision, we implement high-quality, gender equitable programs that advance sexual and reproductive health and rights.

BACKGROUND

EngenderHealth envisions a gender-equal world where all people achieve their sexual and reproductive health and rights. We believe this is essential for ensuring all people can achieve their full potentials. To achieve this vision, we implement high-quality, gender-equitable programs that advance sexual and reproductive health and rights. The five-year (January 2024-December 2028) USAID/Ethiopia Lowland Health Activity (LHA) works to reduce maternal and infant mortality in Ethiopia by focusing on reproductive, maternal, newborn, child health, and nutrition. The goal of the LHA project is to improve health and nutrition outcomes in the pastoral areas by increasing access, quality, and utilization of health and nutrition services. LHA is implemented by EngenderHealth in partnership with international organizations, JSI Research and Training Institute (JSI), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hills Carolina Population Center (UNC-CPC) and local organizations consisting of Pastoralist Concern, Ethiopian Muslims Relief & Development Association and Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association (EWLA). Geographically, the Activity will cover 35 selected pastoralist woredas of Afar, Somali, South Omo Zone in South Ethiopia, and Borana Zone in Oromia regions.

JOB SUMMARY

In close collaboration with monitoring, evaluation and research team, the Senior Implementation Research Advisor serves as a member of LHA’s Learning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (LME) team and leads tasks in areas including conducting implementation research by identifying and defining research questions including cost effectiveness analysis, synthesis of learning information, developing strategic information action plans in collaboration with program team, the Knowledge Management and Collaborative, Learning and Adaptation (CLA) Advisor, the MER Advisor, and the Communications Advisor/Specialist; convening staff to review lessons and results from monitoring and analytic activities, and work with government stakeholders and partners to identify data needs and share lessons related to the achievement of program objectives. Specific tasks may include: identifying and testing innovative solutions/approaches related to LHAs Theory of Change or Results Framework; fill critical gaps to the achievement of project objectives and; ensure learning is disseminated, understood, and applied in program development. The position holder will report to the LHA Learning, Monitoring and Evaluation (LME) Director and will work closely with project technical and management staff to ensure the integration of strategic information across programmatic activities.

ESSENTIAL FUCNTIONS

• Together with the LME team develop and implement the comprehensive plan for M&E, research, evidence generation, learning, and adaptation in line with LHA’s Detailed Implementation Plan.
• Ensure LME evidence is used for management decision making and continuous performance improvement and or adaptive programming.
• Take a lead role on the Evidence generation aspect of the Activity and ensure evidence is used for program improvement and new program positioning.
• Develop strategy for learning and knowledge management in alignment with LHA’s Strategic Information approach.
• Be responsible for initiatives, processes, strategies, and systems that sustain and enhance the storage, assessment, sharing, refinement, and creation of knowledge in LHA.
• Ensure that a learning culture is fostered within LHA and Evidence and Learning is an integral part of routine programming and staff engagement/development
• Serve as a key link between the LME and Program teams to ensure that Evidence and Learning is promoted as a key tool in project management and designing of implementation approaches.
• Ensure high quality and systematic synthetization, dissemination (internal and external) and maintenance of research, studies, and evaluation outcomes: evidence and lessons learnt.
• Ensure that learning is accessed and used as an integral part of program implementation including specifically assisting projects/programs with learning  components.
• Coordinate, collaborate and oversee best practice consolidation with all primary outcomes or thematic areas, ensure that the knowledgebase is configured appropriately for optimum accessibility and widely adopted use.
• Produce case studies, best practices; success stories, and lessons learned for internal and external use in line with the Strategic Information plan of the project.
• Assist LHA Regional teams in complying with procedures and systems related to LME and documentation of project learning.
• Support the development of technical briefs to build evidence-based policy and practice to improve RMNCH.
• Provide capacity building training for project staff and RHBs/ZHDs about evidence generation, learning, documentation, and knowledge management.
• Assist LHA staff and RHBs to disseminate results to the wider community by producing working papers, conference presentations, peer-reviewed journal submissions, etc.
• Work closely with the project’s Knowledge Management and CLA Advisor and the Communications Specialist in implementing the strategic information plan (defining learning or research questions, evidence generation, dissemination, and use).
• Responsible for implementing EngenderHealth’s Code of Conduct and adhering to EngenderHealth’s polices on fraud management.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

•  At least a master’s degree in public health, Health Systems Research, Knowledge Management, demography, or related social sciences
• A minimum of 11 years of demonstrated applied skills in evidence/research, learning or knowledge management and communications/documentation and use of data for strengthening project performances.
• Extensive experience in implementation research, documentation or communications, evidence generation, learning, and adaptation in health systems with a special focus on RMNCH and Nutrition ESSENTIAL SOFT SKILLS
• Committed to EngenderHealth’s core organizational values of reflection, inclusion, integrity, respect, and transformation.
• Clear understanding of the Ethiopian health systems, national priorities, and health equity gaps between agrarian and lowlands or pastoralist communities.
• Good knowledge of the complexities of health systems and services, the challenges in undertaking research, and getting good quality data from the health system (facilities and communities)
• Experience in collaborating with the MOH, RHB, ZHD, and Woreda Health Office to implement strategies to improve data use.
• Strong technical knowledge and experience in designing and managing studies and evaluations
• Experience in successfully designing and managing studies (baseline surveys, formative assessments, ethnographic studies, cost-effectiveness analysis, knowledge management systems, an awareness of learning methodologies, and experience in leading research undertakings
• Demonstrated commitment to creating a learning culture.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills including presentation skills and the capacity to effectively work with multiple stakeholders within and outside Ethiopia.
• Ability to present complex information in a succinct and compelling manner, and to use innovative forms of communication.
• Demonstrable ability to write programmatic performance reports, research reports, or technical materials.
• A well-published researcher mainly focusing on implementation science.
• Experience working with NGOs is also highly desirable.
• Demonstrable teamwork and understanding while able to act responsibly, proactively, and independently.

PREFERRED SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND FUNCTIONS

• Computer literacy, including the demonstrated use of statistical software (SPSS, STATA, R, ArcGIS, word processing, database, and graphical software).
• Experience with the application of qualitative methods of data collection and analysis is desirable (experience in using ATLAS Ti, MAXQDA, Open Code, or any other relevant qualitative data coding and analysis software).
• Speaking and writing fluency in English and Amharic; plus, additional local language/s
• Preferably have experience with data visualization techniques using Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person(s) assigned to this job. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities as needed and assigned.

EngenderHealth provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, creed, ancestry, citizenship, religion, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, political belief, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a victim of domestic violence, marital status, disability or any other protected characteristic or status under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

EngenderHealth complies with applicable federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in the United States in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

EngenderHealth is committed to safeguarding all people, particularly children, vulnerable adults, and beneficiaries of assistance from any harm that may be caused due to contact with EngenderHealth. This includes harm arising from the conduct of staff, associates, and partners, and the design and implementation of programs and activities.