Jobs at eHealth Systems Africa

Summary: The Research & Evaluation (R&E) Department is a new department within eHealth Systems Africa (EHA) with the objective of conducting EHA-driven research studies and providing research consulting services for local & international partners such as advising study design methodology, sampling protocols, survey development, data collection & data management/analysis. The R&E department also conducts internal assessments & evaluations of EHA projects to monitor progress and measure impact in line with overall organizational goals.

The Research Coordinator manages a variety of activities related to the implementation, documentation, and analysis of an internal or external research project. S/he serves as the principal administrative liaison for research studies conducted by eHealth Africa including financial management, in coordination with the Research Manager. The Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that pre-established scope of work, study protocols, and regulatory requirements are followed. S/he will also provide timely updates to internal stakeholders. The Research Coordinator reports directly to the Research Manager and will work with data analysts to support data collection, management, and analysis

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Other duties may be assigned.

• Plans, coordinates, and participates in the implementation of research study protocol, and the development of operating policies and procedures. Performs qualitative and/or quantitative research, analysis, and report development to enable strategic decision-making at all research phases. Assists in the determination of guidelines for the collection of data and/or administration of research studies.
• Monitors the progress of research activities; develops and maintains records of research activities, and prepares periodic and ad hoc reports, as required by Department Manager & Research Manager, funding agencies, and/or regulatory bodies.—
• Evaluates and interprets collected data as appropriate; prepare oral presentations or written reports and analyses setting forth progress, trends and appropriate recommendations or conclusions.
• Coordinates the day-to-day activities of any technical support staff specifically engaged in the carrying out of research protocols, as appropriate to the position; may perform aspects of research protocol, as required, in accordance with specified program objectives. 
• Develops a timeframe for carrying out a research project and work plans for field staff, and checks this timeline often in order to ensure the project remains on schedule.
• Ensures the smooth and efficient day-to-day operation of research and data collection activities; acts as the primary administrative point of contact for internal research staff and as the principle operational liaison for other research organizations, funding agencies and regulating bodies.
• Assists with the development of forms, questionnaires and the application of research techniques; assists in writing procedures manuals for data collection and coding. Reviews journals, abstracts and scientific literature to keep abreast of new developments and to obtain information regarding previous studies to aid in the planning of new studies.
• Collaborates with data analysts to ensure accurate and timely research data collection, documentation, and reporting. Writes and distributes interim reports and maintains computer databases of individual studies.
• Performs any other duties assigned by management.
• May frequently travel between company worksites.
• Presents a professional demeanor at all times.  Approaches others in a tactful manner.  Reacts well under pressure.  Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position.  Accepts responsibility for own actions.  Follows through on commitments.
• Is consistently at work and on time.
• Participates in and promotes a positive, supportive, cooperative team environment.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings, training classes and supervision.
• Adheres to Policies and Procedures. Ensures compliance with laws and regulations
• Adheres to eHealth Africa Code of Conduct as well as ethical standards of the field.

Qualifications:  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required to successfully perform this job.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from college or university in a science/social science program, including coursework on research methods, statistics, etc. (ex. Biology, Public Health, Sociology, Economics, etc.) and 2 years of work experience; OR master’s degree in Economics, Statistics, Health Sciences, Health Communication, Business, or related field is preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years prior experience in research and data analytics, preferably within healthcare, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Must have knowledge of global health literature, or an interest in learning about the field; prior experience in Sub-Saharan Africa, and knowledge of eHealth/mHealth or Information Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) literature preferred.
• Significant and advanced research experience will substitute for the Master’s degree.
• Ability to work with multiple areas within organization to get business objectives, Research and data requirements etc.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and deliver within tight timelines while being flexible in adapting to new roles.
• Ability to perform analysis with little/no direction, proactively identify potential issues in the data and conduct research to determine the best course of action to correct the data.

Certifications and Licenses

• Statistical analysis certification is preferred
• First Aid and Health & Safety qualifications desirable

Computer Skills

• Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office Suite, (including Excel) is required
• Proficiency working within specialized statistical analysis software such as SPSS, STATA, or 'R', or qualitative software such as ATLAS.ti or  is preferred

Language Ability

• English is the spoken and written language.
• Ability to read, analyze, proof and edit documents, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, or government regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, employees and the general public.

Math Ability

• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to interpret data that is not well defined or documented and develop recommendations based on findings.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

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Summary: The Research & Evaluation (R&E) Department is a new department within eHealth Systems Africa (EHA) with the objective of conducting EHA-driven research studies and providing research consulting services for local & international partners such as advising study design methodology, sampling protocols, survey development, data collection & data management/analysis. The R&E department also conducts internal assessments & evaluations of EHA projects to monitor progress and measure impact in line with overall organizational goals.

The Research Manager 1 will be responsible for managing a portfolio of up to 3-4 separate research projects. These projects will include both research and project implementation components. Research Manager will work closely with the Research & Evaluation Department Manager to ensure effective support is provided to projects and that projects are working within the relevant EHA policies and procedures. RM 1 is a member of the Research & Evaluation Department’s project management team, thus they play a senior role driving the growth of the Research & Evaluation department. Depending on the number of research studies in his/her portfolio, RM 1 will manage several Research Coordinators & Data Analysts.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned.

• Ensures project adherence in the field to general research design, sample selection, data management and analysis, and overall project management; develop and oversee implementation of standard operating procedures (SOP), process documentation, and other tracking systems
• Keeps Research & Evaluation Department Manager appraised of all developments on the projects within portfolio and serve as a link between research project staff and EHA senior management; collaborate effectively with partner staff under different programs
• Oversees collection, management & analysis of quantitative & qualitative data across projects in RM I portfolio; serve as point-of-contact for data management and analysis support for project staff
• Tracks project progress, deliverables, timelines; ensure that project deliverables are submitted to donors and partners on time 
• Oversees project financial management including creation and monitoring of project budgets, and ensure smooth integration of projects in EHA financial systems
• Directly supervises project research staff (Research Coordinators & Data Analysts) and help with staff transitions, including on-boarding of new research staff and supporting “institutional memory” of project activities
• Performs literature reviews and synthesizes (oral, verbal) research results to provide context for research studies.
• Works with Department Manager, Research & Evaluation to develop research proposals and obtain research funding for department
• Supports dissemination of results via presentations and reports to academic & non-academic audiences
• Leads trainings on data management and general project management for new/incoming project research staff
• Attends meetings with local government officials and partners to ensure success of both project specific and key EHA programmatic activities
• Communicates effectively (via email, telephone, and in-person) with clients and team members regarding projects & proposals
• Some travel may be required

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. 
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising staff performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. 
• Supervises assigned Research & Evaluation staff including Research Coordinators & Data Analysts.

Qualifications: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to successfully perform this job.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from college or university in a science/social science program, including coursework on research methods, statistics, etc. (ex. Biology, Public Health, Sociology, Economics, etc.) Minimum 4 years of experience in managing research projects and/or supervising data collection. Master’s degree preferred, and will substitute for years of experience.
• Strong leadership skills that include the ability to build effective project teams; ability to motivate others, delegation, timely/quality decision-making. Exemplary skills with leading and managing multi-disciplinary teams, as well as mentoring other team members in a research setting.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, organizational skills and great attention to detail. Must be able to work as a leader and member of a team and possess good problem solving skills.
• Must possess the ability to organize, instruct and supervise staff while promoting group effort and achievement. Must have the ability to manage conflicts and resolve problems effectively.
• Good learning ability. Action oriented and resilient in a fast-paced environment.

Certifications and Licenses

• PMI Certification is preferred.
• First Aid and Health & Safety qualifications desirable.

Computer Skills

• Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Windows/Mac and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proficiency working with specialized statistical software such as Excel, STATA, SAS, R, EpiInfo, SPSS, etc.

Language Ability

• English is the spoken and written language. 
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, or government regulations. 
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, employees and the general public.

Math Ability

• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations. 
• Advanced knowledge of statistics and familiarity with basic statistical software packages.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists

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