We are seeking an experienced individual for the role of Research and Learning Advisor. The research and learning advisor will lead the development and implementation of the project (s) research and learning plan. S/he will coordinate research and learning activities, including study design, protocol development, regulatory approvals, data collection and analysis, knowledge management and research utilization. Additionally, s/he will ensure compliance to ethical guidelines and institutional policies, and provide strategic guidance throughout the research and learning process, including capacity building to various project team members. S/he will collaborate closely with project staff, implementing partners and external stakeholders to drive the achievement of high-quality research and learning outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the research and learning plans, ensuring all deliverables are met
• Support the development of relevant study protocols, data collection tools, informed consent forms, and SOPs, ensuring scientific rigor and methodological soundness
• Coordinate regulatory submissions and obtain ethical and other relevant approvals for study protocols
• Ensure compliance to ethical guidelines, regulatory requirements, data protection measures and institutional policies in all research activities
• Develop annual work plans and budgets, and coordinate the implementation of research, monitoring and learning activities from scoping, through to implementation and dissemination, ensuring adherence to scope, timelines, and budget
• Provide technical oversight in the implementation of research and learning activities, with a particular focus on quality and fidelity to research processes and study SOPs
• Recruit, train and supervise research staff and relevant consultants to ensure quality research and learning deliverables
• Work closely with the data management team to design and implement a rigorous data quality assurance process to yield timely and high-quality program and research data
• Develop and maintain excellent relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful implementation of research and learning activities
• Lead and/or support the execution of research activities; this includes being a principal investigator (PI) to some of the studies and supporting other PIs in execution of the research studies
• Coordinate and link with different technical teams both locally, at partner level and with Jhpiego HQ to provide technical leadership on research and program learning elements
• Author and co-author abstracts, presentations and manuscripts for conferences and scientific journals
• Support donor reporting and take lead in reporting research and program learning activities in periodic reports to the donor
• Lead the production of high-quality dissemination products to effectively communicate project learnings to diverse audiences. This includes evidence briefs, technical briefs, policy briefs, case studies, presentations, posters, and other relevant formats
• Engage with relevant stakeholders and represent the project in appropriate stakeholder forums
• Support the ongoing gathering of knowledge and learning derived from program implementation, including lessons learned, best practices, how-to information, and information on reach and impact
• Develop a knowledge management plan and guide its implementation to ensure effective audience reach, uptake and application of knowledge products

Required Qualification

• Masters degree in public health, health informatics or related field
• At least 8 years of relevant experience in program evaluation, implementation science, research and learning, 3 of which are in an equivalent role or function
• Demonstrated experience in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies
• Excellent publication record in peer-reviewed journals
• Knowledge and experience in research ethics, regulatory requirements, and data protection principles
• Proven track record in implementing and managing complex research projects
• Experience in implementation of field public health programs
• Familiarity with international donor policies and administrative procedures related to research and learning
• Knowledge of reproductive, maternal and child health (RMNCH) is an added advantage
• Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative data analysis softwares and data visualization tools is an added advantage
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills
• Strong change management, results oriented and decision making skills
• Demonstrated leadership skills and strong experience building and managing teams
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities, with strong attention to detail
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced research setting
• Team player, self-motivated and ability to operate in a cross-cultural environment requiring flexibility
• Excellent time management skills, able to work independently and meet tight deadlines
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office suite