This position can be fully remote in all US IRC locations.
The IRC’s Airbel Impact Lab designs, tests, and scales life-changing, cost-effective solutions for people affected by conflict and disaster. By applying deep technical expertise and field experience with a range of skills from the behavioral sciences, human-centered design, research, and multi-disciplinary problem-solving in humanitarian contexts, we work to develop breakthrough solutions that combine creativity and precision, flexibility and expertise, and a desire to think afresh with the experience and reputation of a large-scale implementing organization.
IRC conducts nutrition research in several contexts including Mali, Somalia, Kenya and Central African Republic. These projects are focused on the development and testing of solutions to expand the coverage of acute malnutrition screening and treatment. The research portfolio includes both rigorous clinical trials as well as operational research projects.
We are seeking an experienced researcher to support field-based implementation and operational research studies across our Nutrition portfolio, and play a meaningful role in helping us drive forward our research agenda. The Nutrition Researcher will be technically responsible for the production of evidence – including crafting analysis plans, performing analyses and writing up peer-review manuscripts – as well as contributing to the development and set up of new studies.
Major Responsibilities
Evidence Production
- Draft analysis plans for answering priority research questions with the existing data in collaboration with scientific advisors and the IRC nutrition research team.
- Perform data analysis using Stata or R according to validated analysis plans.
- Prepare clear analysis files with step-by-step explanations and interpretation of output.
- Lead and contribute to the write up manuscripts for peer-reviewed and practitioner journals, including the submission and revision of manuscripts in collaboration with co-authors.
- Identify and connect with internal and external experts for guidance and collaboration on different evidence pieces.
- Archive final analysis files and de-identified data internally as well as externally on suitable platforms.
New Project Development
- Lead the conceptualization, design and development of new research projects, including writing study protocols, drafting analysis plans, developing and validating tools for monitoring and collecting data.
- Lead ethical approval processes for new studies, including, writing, submitting and managing ethics approval requests at national and international levels.
- Participate in strategic discussions to define priority research questions and ideas.
- Advise on the data collection, monitoring and study implementation for selected projects.
- Provide hands-on support to the set up and roll out of studies and surveys via visits to the field and collaborating with local partners and field teams.
Study Implementation and Field Team Support
- Provide training in data collection and monitoring to research teams, and partner with data management and analysis teams to prepare data.
- Oversee and advise on data collection from studies.
- Contribute to guidance for effective monitoring of research studies.
- Participate in on-site supervisions of ongoing studies and provide trainings via regular field visits.
- Work with our communications team on documentation and materials for external communication activities, and be the focal point for field communication activities.
Job Requirements
Education and Experience
- Masters/PhD in Public Health, Nutrition or related field.
- A minimum 6 years (if master’s level) or 4 years (if PhD level) of experience in research project design, implementation and production of evidence in the field of health/nutrition.
- Experience in working in fragile and development settings.
- Experience in community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) would be an advantage.
Demonstrated Skills and Competencies
- Strong data analysis skills including in data manipulation in statistical software (STATA or R), statistics, sampling and epidemiology.
- Demonstrated competency in writing quantitative research articles (please add references to your submitted CV).
- Competency in qualitative research is a plus.
- Good coordination and communication skills to collaborate with scientific advisors in the development of protocols and write up of peer-review manuscripts.
- Ability to take decisions and advance in situations with potentially diverging opinions.
- Good IT skills required (Windows environment, Microsoft Office package, statistical software (STATA or R)).
- Working knowledge of survey software (CommCare preferred).
- Ability to work independently while being an active member of the research team.
- Experience working in unstable security environments.
- Committed to upholding diversity, equality and inclusion principles.
Language skills: Fluency in English, both written and oral, is required. Working proficiency in French highly desirable.
Working environment: Standard office work environment. Ability to travel up to 30% is required. Must be willing to travel to IRC country offices and field sites, sometimes in very difficult conditions.
The IRC is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement:
In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires new hires to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for any in-office or hybrid positions. All IRC US offices require full vaccination to attend any in-office functions (e.g., meetings, trainings).
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity:
IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
US Benefits:
We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days (depending on role and tenure), medical insurance starting at $145 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus a 3-7% base IRC contribution (3 year vesting), disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.
Compensation:
Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.
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