Operation Research Officer at Management Sciences For Health - MSH

Job ID: 13-10176
Grade: H
Project/Program: A577 - PMI-S
Reports To: Senior M&E Technical Advisor

Overview

• The Operations Research Officer position is to mainstream research scientific tenacity in selected malaria project interventions so as to generate solid evidence for influencing decision-making at the community and health facility service-delivery points, project, partners and State and National Government levels..

Specific Responsibilities

• With support from the Senior M & E Advisor, Project Director and staff, lead development of project strategy for the conduct of operations research that avails models of malaria control that is effective and sustainable.
• Work with and guide the NMEP M & E team to identify, prioritize and select malaria operational research areas and topics;
• Support the NMEP to develop operational research concept notes (protocols and questionnaires) exploring research questions identified by NMEP and PMI using approved PMI OR concept note format and share with the PMI for review;
• Work closely with the PMI-S team and the NMEP to design and implement more elaborate studies that will strategically provide the project with the necessary evidence to demonstrate successful interventions and best practices within the communities MSH works in and the facilities we support.
• Support project staff in the analysis, preparation and submission of journal and conference abstracts and papers that contribute to the body of knowledge in malaria management and health systems strengthening.
• The Operations Research Specialist will be responsible for conducting and coordinating base-line, midterm, end-line surveys and rapid situation analysis and assessments of project interventions and monitor routine data collection to ensure high quality data of the project;
• Participate in authoring operation research reports, briefing notes, policy papers, and other materials as required;
• Take responsibility for regularly digging into the M&E data and flagging weaknesses and issues that require program attention.
• Develop and coordinate dissemination of operation research findings and follow-up activities, including providing substantive advice on the future direction of the program;
• Take responsibility for presenting research findings in a manner that attracts attention and action by policymakers and stakeholders at the community, health facilities, and state, national and international levels.
• Working with the PMI project team, develop any abstract or publication from the OR results and findings for presentation at conferences and seminars;
• Carry out any other duties as may be assigned by supervisor

Qualifications and Experience

• An advanced Degree in Epidemiology, Health Systems Research, Advanced Statistics or Social Sciences is a must.
• The candidate must be proficient in descriptive, inferential, and advanced statistical methods.
• A minimum of 3 years mid-level experience in conducting operations research and use of data to inform decision-making, planning, resource allocation, and other strategic initiatives in large internationally funded health programs is mandatory
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working in malaria programs in Nigeria
• Familiarity with USAID reporting systems highly desirable, particularly for malaria control  
• Experience in managing research involving multiple stakeholders and building capacity of others to undertake operations research will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrable experience in program management, health systems strengthening and malaria programming.
• Excellent communications skills, including writing and oral presentation skills.
• Must be hard working and skilled in taking on multiple task at the same time while marinating the highest quality achievable;
• Good analytical, presentation and reporting skills
• Excellent inter-personal, multi-cultural and team building skills
• Strong quantitative data analysis skills using statistical applications (SPSS, STATA, Epi-Info)
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to foresee problems and initiate appropriate action
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and fluency in English
• Excellent organizational skills