Job Opportunity at University Research Co. (URC): Sr. Implementation Research Advisor

Job Id: 1712

# of Openings: 1

Position: Senior Implementation Research Advisor

Hours: Regular/Full-time

Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Salary: Commensurate with required experience and qualifications

Reports to: Director of Monitoring Evaluation and Learning

University Research Co., LLC (URC)

URC is a global company dedicated to improving the quality of health care, social services, and health education worldwide. With a non-profit affiliate, the Center for Human Services (CHS), URC manages projects in over 45 countries, including the United States.

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Established in 1965, URC offers a range of technical assistance to strengthen health and social systems and service quality by empowering communities and health workers to identify and scale up locally appropriate solutions to critical problems. Internationally, we expand access to and improve the quality of services addressing maternal, newborn, and child health; infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria; reproductive health and family planning; food and nutrition; and vulnerable children and families. In the US, we focus on improving communication related to issues like substance abuse, with a particular focus on reaching underserved populations.

URC's mission is to provide innovative, evidence-based solutions to health and social challenges worldwide. Please join us in carrying out our mission ( http://www.urc-chs.com/).

Activity Overview:

The anticipated USAID/Tanzania Comprehensive Client-Centered Health Program for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (C3HP-RMNCAH) activity will increase demand for and use of quality integrated RMNCAH services in target regions, particularly women of reproductive age, youth and children, by improving access to quality RMNCAH services in both facilities and the surrounding communities, promoting positive health-seeking behaviors among Tanzania's population, and enhancing the overall policy environment for RMNCAH service delivery.

Roles and Responsibilities:

URC is currently seeking a full-time Senior Implementation Research Advisor who will coordinate, manage and provide technical and strategic leadership for the research agenda and activities within the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) plan for real time learning and adapting. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Support the process of identifying strategic priorities and opportunities for RMNCAH-supported activities along with implementation of the annual work plan.
Lead the implementation research strategy for community-facility linkages, respectful maternity care, and possible serious bacterial infection (PSBI) including support to study design, data collection and analysis of mixed methods research activities.

Oversee and coordinate (across partners) implementation research activities underway on the ground in Tanzania.

Provide timely and adequate technical support and strategic oversight to activities to research partners contributing to the implementation research portfolio.
Support the development of SOPs, research tools, and facilitate the ethical review and approval processes for research projects.
Develop or direct the development of innovative and creative technical solutions to research problems, questions, and issues using or extending state-of-the-art methods.
Support the development of timely research reports and assist in the dissemination of results to diverse audiences in order, to build knowledge for C3HP-RMNCAH and wider field.
Represent and present on scientific findings and experience of the C3HP-RMNCAH funded research programs to various stakeholders.
Develop products for translating research findings for implementation purposes for both peer reviewed journals, policy briefs, tools, and other final products as appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications:

Required Experience & Qualifications

Doctoral degree in social sciences, public health or a related field and 5-7 years of experience supporting mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative) research OR MPH in public health or related discipline with 10 years of experience in interdisciplinary health services, operations, and/or implementation research;
Experience with health services/implementation research and evaluation methodologies, program design, and implementation;
Strong technical expertise in the area of reproductive, maternal and child health;
Deep understanding of the context of Tanzania as it relates to reproductive, maternal and child health and related areas;
Ability to work effectively in cross-cultural environments with partners and other collaborators;
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to guide complex projects in challenging environments;

Ability to interpret strategy, to analyze, develop and present work and to monitor and evaluate implementation of programs;
Strong interpersonal communication and excellent oral communication skills;
Excellent writing and editing skills in English and Kiswahili with strong attention to detail;
Ability to work effectively with a broad range of partners and in a team environment.

Desired Experience & Qualifications

Experience working and living in Tanzania
Considerable experience with USAID-funded health programs

Please note:

Only candidates who are eligible to work in Tanzania for an indefinite period without a need for sponsorship will be considered for this position.

This position is contingent upon securing award.

How To Apply:

For immediate consideration, please visit URC's Career Opportunities page at www.urc-chs.com/career-opportunities.

You must upload your CV/Résumé and your Cover Letter where indicated. Also, please complete your application form and attach a completed USAID Form 1420 Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet as well.

Due to the large number of inquiries we receive, only candidates who have met the required experience & qualifications for this position will be contacted. No phone calls please. However, since we are active around the world in the field of public health, we may wish to retain your CV in our database for other/future opportunities, unless you direct us otherwise. Thank you very much for your interest.