About Catholic Relief Services: Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) supporting relief and development work in over 100 countries around the world. CRS carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. CRS’ Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations, serving people on the basis of need, regardless of creed, ethnicity or nationality. CRS works through local church and non-church partners to implement its programs. CRS has worked in Uganda since 1965, initially providing emergency assistance to Sudanese refugees living in the north. Over the years, CRS has expanded its programming to also address development needs in western, central, and eastern Uganda. CRS’ projects in Uganda currently include agriculture, health, microfinance, peacebuilding, and youth. CRS Uganda implements its programs through partnerships with local organizations, including the Catholic Church, other faith-based organizations and community entities for maximum impact and sustainability. CRS Uganda employs around 190 staff and has its main office in Kampala, with sub-offices in Moroto, Yumbe, and Hoima.
Background: CRS is a sub-recipient on the Advancing Evidence for the Global Implementation of Spatial Repellents (AEGIS) project, led by the University of Notre Dame (UND) in the United States. In Uganda, CRS is responsible for leading an operational research study that will compare the protective efficacy of a novel vector control, known as a passive emanating spatial repellent, between two program delivery mechanisms. The study will be conducted in northern Uganda’s Bidibidi Refugee Settlement.
Job Summary: The Social Scientist will provide day-to-day leadership for AEGIS social science research activities in Uganda aimed at understanding factors that could affect spatial repellent implementation and use.
Job Roles and Responsibilities:
• Supervise social science data collection team, comprised of Assistant Research Officers
• Plan and execute community entry activities in consultation with AEGIS Program Manager II.
• Maintain regular communication and coordinate with Social Science study principal investigators at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (JHSPH)
• Lead development of and training for study Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and ensure adherence to SOPs by all members of the study team, in line with the study protocol and in collaboration with JHSPH
• Lead planning and implementation of data collection
• In collaboration with the Data Manager and JHSPH partners, monitor study data to ensure the quality and completeness of the data submitted
• Review transcripts and provide feedback on data quality to social science data collection team on an ongoing basis • Facilitate weekly debriefing meetings with social science data collection team to identify emergent themes and opportunities to build on previous research findings
• Implement capacity-building efforts to increase and expand the skills of the social science study team
• Participate in planning meetings and scheduled conference calls with the study team and study partners
• Participate in social science data analysis and dissemination, including manuscript and report writing in collaboration with JHSPH and other study partners
Typical Background, Experience & Requirements:
Education and Experience:
• A Ph.D. in Social Science (Public Health, Sociology, Social Anthropology, etc) or related field with application to infectious disease research preferred. Ongoing PhD candidates or Masters level researchers with significant experience may be considered • A proven research record extending to study design, data collection, analysis, and peer-reviewed outputs, required • Strong qualitative research training and experience, required • Proficiency in qualitative data management and analysis software, required • High proficiency with Microsoft applications (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), required • Experience in application of quantitative and mixed methods research, preferred • Experience in team leadership, planning, mentoring, and managing performance of researchers of various levels, required • Experience managing financial resources, required • Strong supervisory and management skills, required • Willingness to reside near field study sites, required • Experience with malaria vector control research, preferred. Desirable attributes: • Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and a focus on quality of work • Ability to prioritize work, take initiative and work with minimal direction • Ability to manage multiple methods and study sites concurrently • Ability to manage schedules, meet deadlines, and communicate challenges/delays in a timely manner • Adaptability to changes in work duties, responsibilities, and requirements • Ability to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with ability to make sound judgment and decisions and offer innovative solutions • Strong relations management abilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally. Strategic in how you approach each relationship. • Good presentation and facilitation skills • Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented
Travel Required: Approximately 20-25% travel outside of Yumbe to Kampala or partner organizations’ offices
Key Working Relationships:
Supervisory: 3 Social Science Officers Internal: In Yumbe: Head of Office, MEAL Manager, Yumbe program and operations team. In Kampala: AEGIS Program Manager, Sr. Program Manager for Emergencies, Head of Programs, Country Representative. In Region/HQ: CRS AEGIS Chief of Party, Senior Technical Advisors, Regional Technical Advisors External: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, University of Notre Dame, Local Research Partner
Agency-Wide Competencies (for all CRS staff) These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results. • Integrity • Continuous Improvement & Innovation • Builds Relationships • Develops Talent • Strategic Mindset • Accountability & Stewardship
DISCLAIMER CLAUSE: This job description is not an exhaustive list of skills, effort, duties and responsibilities associated with the position. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation By applying to this job, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Further, I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviors related to the above safeguarding-related topics.
CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer
NOTE: To apply, please follow these instructions exactly otherwise your application will NOT be considered:
• Email a cover letter and CV only to [email protected] by June 3rd , 2022 at 5:00pm. • Large files and/or scans of documents will lead to rejection of your application, in the subject line of the email, copy and paste – PROGRAMMANAGERSOCIALSCIENCE only • All applications that do not contain this exact subject line will be rejected and not read ONLY SELECTED CANDIDATES THAT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS WILL BE NOTIFIED. EOE/M/F/D/V
