IRC recruits 01 Nutrition Research Coordinator

IRC conducts nutrition programs in several health regions and districts in Mali. Since 2018, in the district of Nara, in consultation with ECHO, UNICEF and the Nutrition Division, IRC has implemented an operational pilot for the care of severely and moderately acute malnourished children with a simplified approach. This approach is innovative and aims to extend the coverage of the care program through 3 components:

1. The management of acute malnutrition at the level of health facilities with a simplified / combined protocol for SAM and MAM and an optimized RUTF dosage,

2. the management of acute malnutrition at the community level by community health workers (CHWs) with a simplified / combined protocol for SAM and MAM and an optimized dosage,

3. screening for malnutrition by all women of childbearing age (family MUAC approach).

The preliminary results of this approach are very promising and while the final and complete results are yet to be awaited, it is possible that other regions are interested in piloting this approach as well. At the same time, in order to reinforce the preliminary results of this operational pilot and through a private foundation, IRC has committed to conduct three studies that will generate key operational evidence to improve the effectiveness of the current program and address the gaps in evidence to refine global directions and policies in the future.

These 3 studies will focus on:

1. The cost: to answer the question of “How much does it cost to take care of malnourished children treated with the simplified protocol?” “, A study on the cost of simplified treatment is planned by estimating the cost per child treated, as well as the cost per child cured and taking into account the cost represented by the time that health workers spend to administer the treatment and the time that caregivers spend to access treatment.

2. PB Famille: in order to better adapt the approach of screening for malnutrition by the communities using the MUAC tape, an in-depth investigation of the barriers to optimal use is planned, which will inform the adaptation of the approach and a potential construction of new tools or a new approach.

3. Relapses: in order to document the occurrence of relapses among children who have received treatment for acute malnutrition with the simplified protocol, an observational study is planned which seeks to regularly monitor the nutritional status of the children after their recovery.

The role of the Nutrition Research Coordinator will be to support all research project initiatives around the simplified protocol and other nutrition research projects in Mali by leading the design, implementation and capitalization of these projects.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Regional Coordinator of Nutrition Research Projects of IRC and the Deputy Director of Programs of IRC Mali and in close collaboration with the Nutrition and Health Coordinator of IRC Mali, the Nutrition Research Coordinator will be technically responsible and guarantor of the relevance and quality of studies carried out by IRC in Mali in the field of nutrition.

This person will coordinate the development of research protocols and the implementation of projects in the field; the development of data collection and program implementation tools as well as tools for project monitoring and evaluation; documentation of the process and monitoring of deliverables by the consultants; the technical supervision of the personnel in charge of the implementation of the research activities.

This person will perform data analyzes, assist in the interpretation of results and ensure the coordination and production of dissemination material and the organization and execution of dissemination at national level.

This person will provide technical assistance to research teams in the field; continuous monitoring of the quality of implementation and data collection.

Specific Responsibilities:

Coordination of research projects:

– Participate in strategic discussions to define research ideas and set up research projects;

– Take the lead in writing new projects (narrative, budget, appendices) to be presented to new donors;

– Coordinate the writing of nutrition research protocols at country level;

– Represent IRC Mali’s nutrition research with the various partners (academics, technicians, authorities);

– Develop tools for implementing research projects and monitoring and collecting data;

– Validate research protocols for consultancy work;

– Supervise the collection, entry and analysis of data as needed;

– Develop data analysis plans for research projects;

– Write, submit and manage ethics approval requests at national and international level;

– Be the first person in charge for the follow-up of the implementation of the various activities planned in the various Grants of the research portfolio as well as for the budgetary consumption, for the preparation of the purchase requests according to the purchase plan previously planned on the project, for the organization and the success of the missions.

Technical capacity building

– Ensure continuous technical supervision of research teams;

– Provide technical support to the teams of consultants in charge of conducting field studies;

Monitoring and evaluation of studies

– Ensure that the research program teams conduct quality data collection in accordance with research protocols by providing technical advice and support in the field;

– Improve the quality of monitoring of the operational pilot by optimizing the use of collected data;

– Synthesize research data;

– Work with program teams for data analysis;

– Write reports and other internal / external products for monitoring the implementation and dissemination of research project results as well as any other type of report requested by the various donors (narrative, budget monitoring and appendices);

– Validate the consultants’ reports concerning the research;

– Be the lead in the event of a request for modification of the project from donors, both from a narrative and financial point of view.

Qualifications

– Represent IRC in the various meetings assigned by supervisors;

– Work with the Headquarters Research and Innovation project team;

– Collaborate with stakeholders and consultants engaged in research projects;

– Work with the communication team on documentation if necessary to be provided as part of external communication activities and be the focal point for field communication activities.

Qualifications and experiences:

– Professional Diploma in Health / Nutrition (BAC + 3 level with 5 years of experience or BAC + 5 level with 3 years of experience or BAC + 8 level)

– Minimum 3 years of research experience in the field of health / nutrition, preferably on operational research projects in the field

– Minimum 3 years of professional experience in NGOs, in particular in the management of community-based acute malnutrition (PCIMA)

– Previous experience in supervising and supporting field teams

– Demonstrated competence in writing research articles (add references to CV)

– Ability to write clear and concise reports, while respecting fixed deadlines;

– Ability to work independently while being an active member of the country team

– Computer skills required: Windows environment, Microsoft Office package, statistical software (STATA, R, SAS, SPSS); knowledge of Commcare is an asset

– Ability to work in unstable security environments;

– Fluency in French and English is essential.

SECURITY / HOUSING SITUATION

This is an unaccompanied position based in Bamako, Mali. IRC will be able to live in comfortable and secure individual accommodation. The current security situation in Mali and Burkina Faso is unpredictable and complex, but all possible measures are being taken by the IRC to ensure the safety of staff.

Professional standards

IRC staff should adhere to the values and principles set out in IRC Way – Global Standards for Professional Conduct. It is about integrity, service and responsibility. In accordance with these values, the IRC manages and enforces policies for the protection of beneficiaries against exploitation and abuse, the protection of children, the fight against harassment in the workplace, fiscal integrity and the fight against retaliation.

How to apply

https://rescue.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/11488?c=rescue