Advisor, Research

Position Title: Advisor, Research

Level: TBD 

Reports to: Research and KM lead

Required number: One

Based in: Addis Ababa

Vacancy type: Internal/External

Duration of contract: Indefinite based on performance and availability of funds. 

Remuneration: As per organization pay scale plus other PSI/Ethiopia staff benefits. 

Vacancy posted on: August 9, 2024

Application Deadline: August 22, 2024

Who we are?

We’re Population Services International (PSI), the world’s leading non?profit social marketing organization. We work to make it easier for people in the developing world to lead healthier lives and plan the families they desire by marketing affordable products and services that range from mosquito nets to contraceptives to HIV testing. We are a $560m enterprise based in Washington, DC, operating in the private and public sectors in more than 65 countries.

Join us!

There are over 9,000 “PSI’ers” around the world. It’s a diverse group of entrepreneurs and professionals with an unusually wide range of backgrounds - from the medical industry to the music business - all with unique skills we bring to the job. 

PSI/Ethiopia wants to reimagine healthcare, put the consumer at the center, and whenever possible, bring quality care to the front door.  We achieve health impact in Ethiopia by working with both government and private partners and harvesting technology innovation to bring quality care closer to communities, schools, and homes.   We empower consumers by including them in the design of healthcare solutions, offering them more healthcare choices, and helping them to have a voice in influencing national priorities.  We work with all market actors in the health system to understand their needs, designing and delivering solutions so that market systems can sustainably serve consumers for the long term, helping to support the Government of Ethiopia in achieving Universal Health Coverage. 

Job Summary

PSI Ethiopia is seeking a dynamic Research advisor to ensure proper evidence generation and dissemination, collaboration, learning and adaptation of program learning. The role will involve working with program and operation staff, incorporating project metrics, and designing research protocol, dissemination program learning.

Key responsibilities:

The Research Advisor plays a vital role in guiding and overseeing’s/E learning and research activity. S/he will provide expert advice, direction, and support to ensure the successful implementation and execution of various research activities, including assisting in the formulation of research questions, preparing study protocols, seeking ethical clearance,  conducting quality  assurance, analyzing  data,  interpreting results,  and supporting  the  writing and dissemination of study findings. The advisor collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to develop research strategies, prioritize, and operationalize the Activity’s research agendas, and generate valuable insights to contribute to the advancement of healthcare practices and policies. The specific duties to be carried out by the successful candidate are listed below:

Capacity building: Facilitate capacity building on implementation science /implementation research.

• Build the capacity of staff on evidence generation and use.

• Advise on appropriate research methodologies, data collection techniques, and sampling strategies.

• Provide   critical  expertise   on   evaluation  methodology,   including   sampling  procedures,   survey methodologies, quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, and gender-sensitive methodology, framing assessment concepts, analyses, and reports.

• Assist technical and MEL staff in selecting and implementing suitable statistical analysis methods to interpret research findings.

• Provide guidance and support to researchers/MEL and program team throughout the Activity lifecycle.

• Foster a collaborative and inclusive research environment. 

  Evidence generation and dissemination: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify research needs and opportunities to develop concept notes and proposal and disseminate program learning.

• Conduct literature reviews and produce synthesized evidence (systematic reviews and meta-analysis).

• Ensure the quality of data collection, prepare analysis plan, and conduct analysis.

• Publish  research results  together  with other  researchers,  program teams,  partner,  and beyond,  in international peer-reviewed journals and other similar publications.

• Supporting other teams in disseminating findings through publications, conference presentations, and other channels.

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the research work package with respect to its scientific profile, budget submission and allocation, data storage and management, and process monitoring, personnel planning, and implementation of administrative policies.

• Ensuring that research activities adhere to ethical guidelines and regulations and seek ethical clearance from

• PSI and local Institutional Review Board (IRB).

• Develops sound ToR in consultation with the project team and stakeholders for the consultant bidding process and lead the technical evaluation of the selection process.

• Review research contracts, agreements, and  proposals to  ensure that they align  with the goals and objectives of the research project.

• Propose and maintain a functional workflow between data collectors, supervisors, guides and translators.

• Process logistical and human resource clearances for ad-hoc hires as well coordinate logistical plans for team members of respective projects.

  Partnership: Represent PSI, and create and maintain strategic partnerships and networks on program research

• Promote, strengthen and develop scientific partnerships with relevant institutions at all levels; maintain and further develop existing cooperation with government agencies, gender research networks, universities and external partners, including visiting fellows.

• Collaborate with technical advisor; monitoring and Evaluation team and regional area leads to deliver high-impact results.

• Work closely with the university research partners to implement joint activities and transfer of skills.

• Engaging in different Technical Working Groups at the Ministry of health to further develop collaboration and partnership for synergetic results.

• Work with partners, country team and headquarters team to document project achievements for communications materials such as annual reports, brochures, and website updates.

Others: Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Advanced  degree  in public  health,  statistics, epidemiology,  social  science or  development  studies, economics and any related field focusing on public health, health systems, RMNCH, HIV/NCD and WASH with at least 6 years of experience, and 8 years at bachelor level.

• At least 5 of experience conducting intensive research in Ethiopia, both qualitative and quantitative as well as project impact evaluation

• Demonstrated experience in conducting research projects, including knowledge of research design, data collection methods, and statistical analysis techniques.

• Strong oral and written communication skills, including demonstrated high-quality report writing and presentations.

• Excellent networking skills and knowledge of Ethiopian health system and WASH field.

• Quantitative  and  analytical skills,  including  experience with  mining,  analysis, interpretation,  and presentation of data.

• Knowledge and experience with Market research or market behavior research. 

• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities to assist researchers in designing effective study designs and data analysis plans.

• A strong record of publications in peer-reviewed journals, indicating sustained research activity.

• Experience publishing a variety of research outputs, including original research articles, review articles, book chapters, and conference papers.

• Ability to coordinate various tasks, work independently and manage work plan.

• Experience in working with mobile health (mHealth) tools such as ODK, Survey CTO is an added advantage.

• Experience with SPSS, STATA, R or other quantitative data analysis software as well as qualitative data processing software such as MAXQDA, Dedoose, RQDA, NVivo, or AtlasTi.

• Ability to work in a team and recognize the unique contribution of group members. Seeks and incorporates the ideas of others as appropriate.

ESSENTIAL SOFT SKILLS

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• Fluency in English and other local languages while the ability to speak the local languages of areas supported by PSI projects would be an added value.

• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to introduce lead changes in process and programs through learning and training.

• Experience in technical writing, publication, developing technical brief, and editing.

• Ability to balance competing demands effectively with an ability to prioritize and pivot as needed.

How To Apply

Are you intrigued? Apply!

By following our 3 steps application process:

1. Fill out the mandatory application form using the following link: Online Application Form. It will only take 5 to 10 minutes.

2. Send your CV and application letter to recruitment@psiet.org clearly mark “Application for Advisor, Research position” in the subject line.

3. Check your email and make sure you receive an automatic response acknowledging receipt of your CV. If you don’t receive the automatic response, check again your subject line and if needed, re-submit your CV and application letter with the correct subject.

Application deadline is August 22, 2024. We’ll call or e-mail you back if there is a good fit on both sides.

PSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability.