Program Officer Job in Kenya

Job Title: Program Officer I
 
Job Summary: The Population Council is seeking an experienced researcher to serve as a Program Officer in a multi - country DFID research initiative. 

The programme aims to produce a global evidence base on the most effective and cost-effective approaches to ending female genital mutilation / cutting (FGM/C) to inform policy and programming.
 
This position is a local hire position. 

Candidates must be Kenyan nationals.
 

Key Responsibilities
  • Contribute to the analysis and report writing for multiple research projects with an initial focus on conducting a systematic review of literature on FGM/C interventions and studies in Somali. 
  • Contribute to study proposal preparation, review and submission for ethical approval, training and supervising research assistants and ensuring that research is conducted according to ethical and quality standards. 
  • Serve as a focal field person for the Somali-based projects overseeing all research field activities, including liaison with UNJP focal persons, as well as other national stakeholders working in FGM/C. 
  • Contacting potential partners to introduce and explain study objectives and protocol, and to arrange interviews, either in person or by telephone. 
  • Monitor and supervise fieldwork, travelling to various sites within a specified geographical area, as appropriate to ensure field interviews are conducted in accordance with specified protocol and procedures. 
  • Review all service statistics for completeness and accuracy; 
  • Maintain close communication with the PI to ensure program goals are being met, and that partner project challenges are promptly addressed. 
  • Liaise with the Council’s data management unit to analyze data and provide feedback to all the groups. 
  • Together with UNJP develop a dissemination strategy for the end products to engage policymakers in the research process and promote the utilization of evidence generated. 
  • Participate in disseminating and communicating the programme’s results through presentations, preparation of monthly progress reports, and technical reports. 
  • Undertake other programmatic and technical responsibilities, as assigned.
Qualifications, Knowledge, Experience
  • Advanced degree in social sciences, public health, demography, epidemiology, or related field with minimum 5 years international experience in project management, health research; 
  • Strong quantitative and qualitative research training and experience required; 
  • Broad knowledge and experience of working in FGM/C, women’s and girls’ empowerment, reproductive health, and in Somalia context required;
  • Creative thinker able to manage complex activities involving coordination with multiple partner institutions and staff; to identify opportunities and design high-quality research that has an impact; and to motivate and support a group of national programs to produce high quality research products; 
  • Management experience and skill; 
  • Willingness and ability to travel within Somalia and the region; 
  • Demonstrable writing and communication skills; 
  • Ability to work effectively on multiple tasks in parallel under minimum supervision; 
  • Excellent communication skills, with fluency in written and spoken English. 
  • Knowledge of Somali language a plus.
Interested candidates should send their resume and cover letter to: jobsfgc1-nairobi@popcouncil.org.
 
Applications must be received by December 28, 2015. 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 


Population Council is an equal opportunity employer.