Research Advisor - East, Central and Southern Africa and South Asia Programmes

Organization: Sightsavers
Closing date: 05 May 2016

Job Purpose (the overall purpose and function of the job):

To support research and other evidence-generating activities within Sightsavers’ programmes in health, education and social inclusion in East, Central and Southern Africa (ECSA) and South Asia. Our current research portfolio includes a wide range of quantitative and qualitative studies, including prevalence surveys, behaviour studies, operational and system research and impact evaluations. We are looking for an experienced researcher with a strong interest in health and disability research and a broad range of expertise using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The post holder will work with our global Research team and our programmes in ECSA and South Asia and will support a range of research, dissemination and capacity building activities.

Principal Accountabilities (specific activities and end results):

· Work with the Sightsavers Research team and country offices to identify research questions pertinent to our programmes and to integrate operational research within our ongoing projects;

· Collate country specific information and evidence to underpin our new programmes and funding applications;

· Contribute to the development of study protocols and research tools; and submit ethics applications;

· Liaise with in-country academic partners and/or consultants and supervise all aspects of the fieldwork;

· Contribute to data collection; data analysis; reporting and dissemination of findings through peer-reviewed publications and presentations;

· Discuss research findings with programme managers and implementation partners and ensure that the implications of research are well understood and used in future programmes and advocacy;

· Contribute to organisational capacity building in the area of research skills and knowledge.

Jobholder Entry Requirements - *the essential knowledge, skills and behaviours required*

Knowledge (Education & Related Experience):

· Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline;

· Postgraduate degree in public health, epidemiology, statistics; sociology; research methods or related discipline;

· Good knowledge of different research paradigms and methods, including both quantitative and qualitative approaches;

· Good working knowledge of bibliographic databases and literature review processes;

· Demonstrable experience of conducting and managing research in the areas of health and/or disability;

· Experience of developing research protocols and tools;

· Experience of collecting quantitative and qualitative data and fieldwork supervision;

· Good knowledge and experience of research in ECSA and/ or South Asia;

· Experience of working in partnership with academic institutions;

· Experience of writing literature reviews, research grant applications, research reports and peer-reviewed publications;

· Understanding of research governance and ethical principles particularly in relation to research with children and vulnerable people.

Skills (Special Training or Competence):

· Excellent analytical skills;

· Ability to plan, design, undertake and supervise research projects;

· Ability to collect data using both quantitative and qualitative techniques;

· Good data analysis skills using software packages, eg. STATA, SPSS, NVIVO

· Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English;

· Ability to motivate and work within multidisciplinary and multicultural teams;

· Ability to work under pressure;

· Able to travel for up to 16 weeks a year (national and international)

Core Behaviours:

· Communicating & Influencing

· Team Working

· Planning & Organising

· Change & Improvement

· Decision Making

· Delivery and Implementation

Location: Any country within East, Central and South Africa or South Asia with a Sightsavers office -http://www.sightsavers.org/about-us/where-we-work/)

How to apply:

To apply, and for further details about the role, please download an application pack fromhttp://www.sightsavers.net/vacancies

Please download our application form and return the completed application form and equal opportunities form as two separate documents to jobs@sightsavers.org