ICAP Tanzania Senior Research Advisor , Kagera

POSITION SUMMARY:

The program seeks to recruit a Senior Research Advisor to technically support the implementation of the Combination Prevention Program and evaluation in Bukoba Municipal District, Kagera, Tanzania. Working together with the in-country research and evaluation unit, clinical and technical program staff, as well as the ICAP New York-based Strategic Information Unit, the Senior Research Advisor will provide technical and scientific input to all aspects of the Combination Prevention project, including data analysis and dissemination of results. The Senior Research Advisor will be involved in oversight and technical support of all activities related to the implementation and internal monitoring of the Combination Prevention (CP) program and evaluation.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Overall:

• Provide oversight and technical support of all activities related to the implementation and internal monitoring of the Combination Prevention (CP) program and evaluation.
• Support the CP planning and documentation with emphasis on developing evaluation SOPs, but also including active coordination & participation in development of program SOPs.
• Oversee all revisions to the evaluation tools (survey questionnaires, SI tools) and consents; develop supervision and reporting systems and tools related to data collection.
• Learn the selected electronic data entry software and oversee its successful use for data collection during the baseline and follow-up survey rounds.
• Support the development of quality assurance and study monitoring systems.
• Participate in hiring and training of research unit staff including project/site coordinators, interviewers, and data entry clerks and ensure their integration into existing in-country teams.
• Ensure training of evaluation staff is complete, timely and of high quality, contributing to training modules and curricula as appropriate to training needs.
• Support the monitoring and timely reporting of progress, ensuring that CP activities (program and evaluation) are moving according to agreed-upon timelines.
• Monitor the CP program and evaluation budget and expenditures.
• Contribute to efforts that ensure all Columbia University, local IRB and CDC project determination approvals are obtained and maintained.
• Represent ICAP in meetings with Government of Tanzania counterparts, donors, partners and other stakeholders.
• Participate in the development of analysis plans, and as appropriate, conduct analyses and draft abstracts, presentations and publications.
• Liaise with ICAP HQ research and Strategic Information teams on research-related matters.

Build the Capacity of Research Team Members Based in Kagera Region:

• Provide technical support and mentoring to CP project staff, in particular the Study Coordinator, Assistant Coordinator and M&E data management staff so that the program and evaluation components are implemented in accordance with the protocol, standard operating procedures, good clinical practice, and ethical/regulatory requirements.
• Support additional study activities ongoing within the Kagera research unit with regard to study monitoring, reporting, and support to research unit staff.

EDUCATION:

• MD, PhD, Ed. D, or professional equivalent.

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum two (2) years of experience working with facility or community based research or program evaluations in a manager/coordinator's capacity;
• Good knowledge and experience in the field of HIV/AIDS epidemiology;
• Demonstrated knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies;
• Excellent oral/written communication, interpersonal, organizational and computer skills;
• Significant working experience in supervising junior researchers.

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Doctorate in epidemiology, demography, social science or a related discipline; OR an MPH with significant analytic training preferred;
• Good experience in, or knowledge of electronic data collection, programming for data management and statistical programming skills (SAS, STATA) desired;
• Experience living and working in Africa preferred;
• Knowledge of Kiswahili an advantage; or willingness to study and practice Kiswahili;
• Interest in making at least a 2-year commitment to the position.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires some travel to remote areas of Tanzania and internationally (approximately 25%).

Note: This is a local hire position and the successful candidate will be an employee of ICAP-Tanzania and subject to the local terms and conditions of employment which includes a competitive salary and benefits package.

How to apply:

To apply for this position, please send a Cover Letter and CV with “Senior Research Advisor – TZ” in the subject line to icap-jobs-tanzania@columbia.edu.