Maternal and Newborn Health Internship

About the Firm

JaRco Consulting PLC is an international development consulting firm based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with sub-offices in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. JaRco offers high-quality qualitative and quantitative research services technical support to leading international donors and partner agencies with the overarching mission of ensuring that programs aimed at improving the lives of the most vulnerable groups around the world are of the highest quality and meet the needs of the beneficiaries for whom they are planned.

JaRco provides targeted technical assistance to multilateral and bilateral donor agencies, NGOs, governments, universities, and think-tanks in the areas of monitoring and evaluation, health and nutrition, health systems strengthening, food security and livelihoods, institutional development, environment, and gender. JaRco’s primary areas of technical expertise include: large-scale baseline/endline surveys; data validation; project assessments and midterm/final evaluations through qualitative and quantitative research methods; designing M&E systems for integrated and sector-specific projects; training and capacity building; and strategic planning. For more information please visit www.jarrco.info.

The IDEAS (Informed Decisions for Actions to improve maternal and newborn health) project aims to improve the evidence base for future maternal and newborn health programmes, ultimately to improve the survival and health of mothers and newborn babies. IDEAS is funded between 2010 and 2015 by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. For more information please visit http://ideas.lshtm.ac.uk/

The work involved for this internship will be closely linked with the Ministry of Health, key national stakeholders and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. The intern for this position will also have the organizational experience of working at JaRco with a focus on activities related to the IDEAS project (which is implemented in partnership with JaRco Consulting).

Employment Type: Full time; Paid
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Duration: Six months (with possibility of extension)
Reporting to: IDEAS Ethiopia Country Coordinator/JaRco Director
Position Summary: The Intern will offer general support to the IDEAS Country Coordinator in the design, development, and implementation of quantitative and qualitative studies and evaluations.

Main responsibilities will include: developing research instruments, providing logistical support and preparing materials for workshops, meetings, and field work activities, liaising with partners (government and key national stakeholders), supporting data analysis, writing project reports, and participating in field site visits where appropriate. These responsibilities will require close communication and collaboration with IDEAS and JaRco staff.

Main Duties and Activities

The intern will assist the IDEAS Country Coordinator in project implementation:

• Designing and finalizing quantitative and qualitative research tools (e.g. household questionnaires, interview guides);
• Preparing for and coordinating workshops, trainings, and field work activities (workshop agendas, logistical arrangements, implementation schedules)
• When appropriate, conducting field visits and participating in field work activities to support data collection, identifying adjustments as needed, assessing project implementation, and other activities as required;
• Preparing notes and other outputs for meetings, workshops, field work activities, et cetera;
• Writing and editing research reports;
• Assisting in literature searches and guided reviews on selected topics
• Willingness to contribute to the broader activities of JaRco Consulting as required.

Required Credentials and Competencies:

Required:

• Bachelor’s or higher degree in public health, epidemiology, development studies or a related field;
• Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods;
• Exceptional writing and editing skills in English;
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and work independently as well as part of a fast-paced team;
• Fluency in written and spoken English;
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Powerpoint, et cetera);
• Highly motivated, flexible, self-sufficient worker, able to take on tasks with basic direction and minimal supervision; and
• Strong desire to learn about international health issues.

Desired:

• Experience in project planning and implementation;
• Experience in report-writing;
• Experience living in a developing country;
• Development-related work experience in NGOs, research institutes, donor agencies, and/or consulting firms; and
• Experience using STATA, SAS, or other data analysis software.

Compensation

• The Intern will be provided with a monthly stipend to cover all living expenses and one round-trip ticket to Addis Ababa. JaRco will also assist with visa and work permit application.

How to apply:

If you are interested and fulfill the minimum requirements, please apply by sending the following information atinternship@jarrco.info:

• Application letter
• Resume
• Academic essay: 2 pages describing how academic goals, qualifications, and career aspirations relate to the internship in international development/M&E
• Unofficial academic transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
• 2 Letters of recommendation from professors or teachers or previous employer; if preferred, a reference can be e-mail

JaRco Consulting PLC is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse team of highly committed and motivated staff. JaRco provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons regardless of race, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or marital status.