Research Specialist at Malaria Consortium

Job purpose

The Research Specialist will manage and coordinate the research methodology and field activities, ensuring the quality and accuracy of data collection and analysis for the PSMA project.

Scope of work

The post holder will oversee the methodology for field research, ensuring that all aspects of data collection adhere to the study’s protocol. This role includes managing the execution of fieldwork, overseeing data collection, ensuring data integrity, and coordinating data analysis. S/he will also be responsible for training and supervising field staff and ensuring that all field activities are carried out efficiently and effectively.

Key working relationships

This position will report to the PSMA Project Manager. The Research Specialist collaborates closely with Database Administrator and Field Supervisors to streamline field activities and data collection efforts. The role also involves coordination with innovation to align research methodologies with the project's design and implementation strategies. Additionally, s/he engages with key stakeholders such as NMEP, SMEPs, and private sector partners.

Key accountabilities

Research contributions (70%)

• Coordinate day-to-day technical preparations and implementation of research activities for the PSMA project.
• Initiate the implementation of research activities as articulated in the project work plan.
• Provide technical inputs in development of all research protocol for the PSMA project and lead submission of protocol for ethical approval.
• Support the recruitment, training, deployment, and monitoring of data collectors throughout the project life.
• Support statistical analysis of research data and contribute to technical report writing.
• Support the PSMA Project Manager to write quarterly and annual progress reports for the project for donors and other audiences as required.
• Support the field work team to ensure project is rolled out in strict adherence to agreed standards and protocols.
• Develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate an overarching research uptake (RU) strategy for the PSMA  project, which will support uptake of evidence and learning from the research. This should be done in consultation with the PI and CoPI for the project.
• Provide technical support to research activity implementation and outputs as well as quality assure research data collection and management processes.

Monitoring, Evaluation Accountability and Learning (25%)

• Contribute to the development and implementation of organizational approaches and tools

for monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL)

• Lead the development of a monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning plan for the project which will include:
• Support, and as appropriate lead, the documentation of research findings and lessons learnt from the project, including production of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals, learning briefs, learning papers and general documentation (e.g. narrative reports, infographics).
• Support the dissemination of lessons learned to national and global audiences through conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and technical reports.
• Carry out quarterly project performance assessments and prepare progress reports as required.
• Participate in MC technical team’s cross learning forums.

External Representation (5%)

• Participate in national technical working groups and NMEP’s sub-committee meetings as relevant.
• Participate in technical discussions and strategic planning meetings of the project technical team.
• Represent the project in external meetings as agreed with PSMA Project Manager or SCTC.

Person specification

Qualifications and experience:

Essential

• Master’s in Public Health (MPH) or Epidemiology, statistics or a related research discipline.
• Extensive experience in a research role with an excellent understanding of quantitative research approaches
• Experience in research management.
• Experience in design of operational and/or implementation research.
• Demonstrated experience in survey design, survey implementation, analysis, and report-writing.

Desirable

• Experience in working effectively with government and non-government partners.
• Demonstrable first-hand experience publishing scientific work in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience in research involving the private sector, preferably on malaria commodities.

Work-based skills:

Essential

• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively on a team, particularly with Ministries of Health, NMEP, and/or other government sectors and partners.
• Knowledge of malaria prevention and control in endemic settings
• Excellent understanding of good research practice
• Excellent command of English with exceptional writing and communication skills and the ability to present information in clear, concise, and compelling ways.
• Results-oriented attitude to work.
• Able to travel to project location for up to one week at a time to oversee surveys or other data collection activities.
• Excellent skills in in MS Office and statistical software package.

Desirable

• Excellent skills in developing a range of outputs for communicating research – in print, electronic and face-to-face formats.
• Data-driven decision-making mentality
• Excellent understanding of practices in relation to research integrity.