Programme Officer (Ebola Social Sciences Research-(Roving) -P-2, Eastern DRC TA -(3 months)

Job Number: 525981 | Vacancy Link

Locations: Africa: Congo, Dem. Rep

Work Type : Temporary Appointment

Purpose of the job:

The Programme Officer reports to the Research Manager (Level 4) for guidance and general supervision. The research assistant works with local research team(s) to collect and compile data and analyse qualitative and quantitative data from multiple sources.

The aim of the social sciences- formative research team is to work closely with existing programmes and the Ebola response through the commissions to conduct research which will result in clearly identified opportunities for improving quality and accountability of the Ebola response.

The UNICEF social sciences research team works together with the UNICEF programme teams to provide concrete recommendations for programme adaptation based in research results. The team also works together with an integrated Analysis Cell: Social Sciences (under the Ministry of Health and together with WHO, CDC, ICRC other NGO partners). The team use epidemiological data, context analysis, programme implementations among other aspects to both inform research agenda; while equally providing commissions and the Analysis Cell with social sciences analysis to influence the overall response approach.

The mobile (flying) Social Sciences two-person team is expected to provide rapid social sciences research support in new outbreak areas (including hiring, training and coaching local social scientist), support gaps for field teams and facilitate cross-location learning.

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1. Rapid social sciences research: deploy to new and existing locations to conduct mixed methods research analysis (meta-synthesis) of qualitative and quantitative data;

2. Identify local social sciences capacity and hire, train and coach local social sciences teams;

3. Ensure social sciences research results are shared across multiple for a in real time to facilitate use of recommendations;

4. Identify recurrent themes and results across locations and conduct meta-synthesis analyses and write reports making links and recommendations;

5. Identify opportunities for cross-learning in social sciences within both research and programme teams;

6. Actively participate in various coordination meetings, representation the Social Sciences Analysis Cell;

7. Ensure knowledge management and data sharing

Duties/tasks

1. Rapid social sciences research: deploy to new and existing locations to conduct mixed methods research analysis (meta-synthesis) of qualitative and quantitative data

Deploy to new outbreak locations (including remote areas) and identify rapid social sciences research analysis needs (social-epidemiology, context, behavioral etc) together with the MoH, UNICEF, WHO and implementing partners on the ground;

Follow SOPs for Social Sciences research (sign-off and validation procedures under MoH)

Use qualitative and quantitative research tools to conduct data collection

Analyse and triangulate data (coordinate with teams for existing data)

Support the continued the situation analysis from various sources. Provide timely, comprehensive and current data to inform response interventions

Work with field teams to support their capacity in data analysis;

Write comprehensive technical reports and guidance notes needed/ based on outcomes

2. Identify local social sciences capacity and hire, train and coach local social sciences teams

At field locations, identify local social sciences capacity

Hire local teams, and develop capacity building plan

Train and coach on data collection tools and methods as well as analysis

Set up regular data analysis and validation sessions;

Develop capacity building strategies and opportunities that can be used across various field locations (based on context and team needs)

3. Ensure social sciences research results are shared across multiple for a in real time to facilitate use of recommendations

At sub-coordination level, ensure two-way sharing of formative research is both being led by and contributing to the direction of programmes

Participate in coordination and commission meetings, to present and follow on information sharing (and presentations/ research results follow up);

Create spaces for internal UNICEF reflection and adaptation for programme approaches at coordination level;

4. Identify recurrent themes and results across locations and conduct meta-synthesis analyses and write reports making links and recommendations

Following field visits, review and highlight recurring themes and analyses

Develop and conduct meta-synthesis and meta-analysis to support in a greater understanding of themes and trends across locations and time;

Develop short briefing notes following analysis to be shared with response (including key recommendations)

5. Identify opportunities for cross-learning in social sciences within both research and programme teams

Identify opportunities to share across field teams (both within social sciences and across UNICEF programmes);

Be pro-active and, when possible, develop short papers, presentations and trainings to support this learning

6. Actively participate in various coordination meetings, representation the Social Sciences Analysis Cell

Attend all commission and sub-coordination meetings to represent the social sciences analysis cell (inter-agency)

Participate in Analysis Cell (Social Sciences and Epi) when present in field locations;

Coordinate and share across various meetings

7. Ensure knowledge management and data sharing

Contribute to existing Social Sciences online drive;

Ensure all data tools, analysis, presentations and reports are provided online

Recruitment Qualifications

Education:

A Master’s degree with SOCIAL SCIENCES RESEARCH experience is required: public health, epidemiology, anthropology or another relevant technical field.

* A first university degree with additional 2 years work experience may be considered in-lieu of an Advanced university degree;

Additional relevant post-graduate courses that complement/supplement social sciences research in health is an asset.

Work experience:

HUMANITARIAN: At least 5 years social sciences research experience, working in humanitarian and development context (with UN-Govt-INGO) is required.

Experience working in public health emergencies is required

Experience working in health research in humanitarian or development programmes is required.

Language requirements:

Fluency in French and good command of English required.

Knowledge of another official UN language or local language of the duty station is considered as an asset.

*Remarks

* The successful candidate for this emergency recruitment MUST be available to commence work within 31 days of receiving an offer.

* Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

* Employment is conditional upon receipt of medical clearance, any clearance required, the grant of a visa, and completion of any other pre-employment criteria that UNICEF may establish. Candidates may not be further considered or offers of employment may be withdrawn if these conditions are unlikely to be met before the date for commencement of service.

Closing Date Wed Sep 04 2019 23:55:00 GMT+0100 (Afr. centrale Ouest)

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