Research Officer (Health) – International Organization for Migration (IOM) Job in Kenya

IOM has a proactive recruitment policy to increase the representation of nationals of non-represented member states.
Qualified applicants from the following countries will be favorably considered: Armenia, Bahamas, Belize, Benin, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Gabon, Gambia, Guatemala, Guinea, Jamaica, Libya, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malta, Mauritania, Mongolia, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Paraguay, Slovenia, Somalia, Tanzania, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Yemen
Closing date: 06 Aug 2010
Location: Kenya – Nairobi
Classification: Official, Grade UG*
Type of Appointment: Special, six months with possibility of extension
Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible
Reference Code: SVN 2010/26 (O) – INT
General Functions:

Under the overall supervision of the Migration Health Assessment Coordinator for Africa and the Middle-East and direct supervision of the Health Programme Officer responsible for regional coordination, the successful candidate will be responsible for coordination, project management, resource mobilization, technical backstopping, and reporting upon the research and information sharing component of the “Partnership on Health and Mobility in East and Southern Africa (PHAMESA)” programme in East Africa, in close consultation with relevant partners and field
offices.
Types of research will include qualitative and quantitative studies such as community based assessments; service access mapping; health profiling; Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance (IBBS) studies; “Hot Spot” mapping; and surveillance and other epidemiological data research.
In particular, he/she will:
1.    Design, manage, and disseminate new and ongoing research activities, including management of consultants and subcontracted research organizations, in line with national and regional priorities.
2.    Provide substantial support in the development of IOM research strategies, guidelines, and ethical review structures at the regional and global levels.
3.    Provide ongoing technical support to IOM and partner research activities in East Africa, including methodology development, advice on data analysis, report writing, and delivering presentations to internal and external stakeholders. Provide similar support to governments, as requested.
4.    Provide guidance to Migration Health colleagues in the region on devising research that can be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals, including advice on structuring studies such as to engage institutional review boards, academic institutions, and relevant governmental entities. Facilitate communication and coordination among MHD staff in East Africa, and with colleagues in other regions, for sharing of research concepts, protocols, results, and lessons learned.
5.    Initiate and develop abstracts for presentation of research in national, regional, and global conferences; actively encourage and support MHD colleagues in East Africa to do the same.
6.    Develop and maintain engagement in relevant forums of governments, regional economic communities (RECs), and UN agencies, including participation in monitoring and evaluation working groups.
7.    Promote the adaptation of national health surveillance systems to identify the health needs and outcomes of migrants.
8.    Strengthen the research communities’ capacity to study migration health issues, including acting as supervisor and provide guidance to students (Masters and PhD) who are accepted into the team for completion of theses on aspects of migration health.
9.    Support collaboration and development of institutional memoranda of understanding between IOM and academic / research institutions at the country, regional, and global levels related to internships, research, and thesis work.
10.  Support and promote the integration of migration and mobility concerns in (public) health courses and health/HIV concerns in migration courses.
11.  Establish and maintain a resource library on migration health using EndNote software.
12.  Liaise with colleagues, including MHD Public Information officer, for the promotion of IOM’s research activities in East Africa, including in press releases, quarterly reporting, website content, and for finalization of research reports.
13.  Integrate research into monitoring and evaluation of projects and programmes to ensure effective impact of activities and improved health outcomes.
14.  Draft periodic reports to donors on research projects.
15.  Undertake duty travels, as necessary.
16.  Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Desirable Qualifications:
Education and Experience
  • Masters in Public Health, Epidemiology, or related science required; PhD would be advantageous;
  • four years working experience in applied research required;
  • experience in design, analysis, dissemination, and management of quantitative and qualitative behavioural research including reproductive and sexual health and HIV/AIDS;
  • experience in study design or management for most-at-risk populations (MARPs) an asset (i.e. respondent driven sampling, time location sampling, etc.);
  • experience in leading the publication of articles in peer-reviewed journals desired;
  • experience in developing research training materials and toolkits;
  • experience in liaising with national and international institutions, including RECs.
Competencies
  • Excellent writing, communication, and negotiation skills; ability to prepare clear and concise reports;
  • strong analytical and creative thinking skills;
  • effective resource management skills, familiarity with financial and business administration;
  • knowledge of a statistical analysis programmes (e.g. SPSS or STATA) and the ability to conduct multivariate analysis desired personal commitment, flexibility, efficiency and drive for results;
  • ability to make effective decisions under time pressure;
  • demonstrated gender awareness and gender sensitivity; ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds;
  • ability to supervise and direct staff;
  • high level of computer literacy;
  • familiarity with migration health and social drivers of health and HIV in Africa a distinct asset;
  • familiarity with standard word processing, spreadsheet, database, publishing, internet research, and e-mail communication;
  • management of multiple studies and teams in different countries desirable.
Languages: Thorough knowledge of English. Working knowledge of Swahili an advantage.
Note: *UG = Ungraded/ Special all inclusive (USD 5,700/ month)
How to apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via PRISM, IOM e-Recruitment system, by August 06, 2010 at the latest, referring to this advertisement.
For further information, please refer to: http://www.iom.int/jahia/Jahia/pid/165
In order for an application to be considered valid, IOM only accepts online profiles duly filled in and submitted with a cover letter not more than one page specifying the motivation for applications.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. You can track the progress of your application in your personal application page in the IOM e-recruitment system.

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