Job Purpose
The Director of Research and Strategic Information (RSI), is a senior leadership position in LVCT Health, acting as a member of the Core Management Team. The RSI Director is responsible for leading LVCT Health’s research and learning strategy under the Research Division and the Strategic Information (SI) Division (The SI Division includes Monitoring and evaluation, health management information system, and data management). The RSI Director provides oversight for all research and evaluation design efforts; oversees the execution and quality of research studies and has responsibility for expanding LVCT’s research and evaluation portfolio. S/he will play an active role in the development of learning products and the communication and use of research results internally and externally to inform national and international policy and practice.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Strategy (20%)
Keeping abreast of national and international developments in the specific areas and informing LVCT Health Research and SI programs appropriately.
Contacting and establishing relationships with external influencers and forming and maintaining strategic partnerships for research for growth and visibility
Work closely with senior managers to develop and influence LVCT Health research strategy
Identifying research opportunities internally and externally
Work with the research and communications team to develop and implement a research uptake strategy
Establishing, maintaining, and building partnerships with Kenyan MOH, counties, and relevant global bodies
Participating in and leading relevant policy forums of priority for developing the research and SI areas
Identifying and maintaining opportunities, forums, and relationships for funding and partnerships for the growth and visibility for the Research and SI programs
Research Implementation and Oversight (15%)
Lead or participate in research design and protocol development
Overseeing all research and evaluation processes and products conducted by or produced by LVCT Health in collaboration with study PIs, Co-PIs, and the research manager.
Setting up and implementing systems to ensure quality through all research studies conducted in LVCT Health
Responsible for establishing systems that ensure adherence to the research protocols.
Ensuring monitoring and adherence to safeguarding in research guidelines and principles.
Developing and maintaining organizational processes for research study ethics (external and internal)
Strategic Information (10%)
Responsible for the organization’s strategic information department (includes Monitoring and evaluation, health management information system, data management)
Ensure adherence of all LVCT Health programs and research to Data Management policies and procedures
Provide guidance and oversight for the implementation of the Data Protection Act within LVCT Health research and programs
Support the development of Monitoring and Evaluation frameworks and study plans for key program projects e.g., PEPFAR funded HIV programs
Provide oversight for the development of institutional work plans and performance monitoring systems
Keep abreast of donor requirements and provide strategy, leadership, and direction to the SI team to implement the systems effectively and efficiently
Resources Mobilization (25%)
Lead in generating funding for the RSI department from various sources including traditional and non-traditional sources
Form and nurture strategic partnerships and relationships with research funders to increase and diversify the sources of research funds
Develop and manage partnerships with the academic and research institutions to support and collaborate on research, learning, and dissemination
Lead in identification, development, and submission of research funding proposals
Management (15%)
Research and SI staff
Line management of staff
Capacity building and mentorship of direct reports and establishing systems for capacity building and mentorship of all staff in the department
Establish achievable targets and KPIs for all areas of activities and provide staff reviews against these parameters.
Determine workload and HR /consultants needs in department considering specialization required for the different positions
Support teams in their roles as PI/Sub – PI and co-investigators
Nurture talent among research staff to grow the department
Financial & Resources Management
Overseeing research budgets –monitoring burn rates, adherence to donor rules, etc
Working with the finance team to ensure proper budgeting for research studies and SI
Ensuring accountability for resources under the department including finances, equipment, data, etc.
Liaising with donors and management on the reallocation of funds when needed
Ensuring financial reports are submitted on time and reflect the true position of the grant
Learning products, knowledge management, and dissemination (15 %)
Contribute to the design and implementation of research uptake plans and processes to support research initiatives and the sharing of research findings and evidence
Identify strategic opportunities for presenting LVCT Health work through various forums and work with relevant managers to ensure adequate representation
Provide leadership for the development of research outputs including journal articles, reports, etc.
Ensure LVCT Health representation of its research and evaluation presenting at local, regional, and global conferences.
Oversight for the internal pubcom (publications committee) review of abstracts and articles.
Required Qualification, and Experience
Ph.D. in public health, global and international health, social sciences
8 years of experience in public health, health systems, or social research with at least 3 years post Ph.D. experience
Strong computer skills, with familiarity in using SharePoint and Microsoft Office suite applications (particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
Advanced proficiency in one or more statistical software packages
Experience with Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes.
Proven experience in program monitoring and evaluation, research design and supporting team learning processes.
Knowledge of mixed methods research with advanced knowledge in quantitative research methods and statistical analysis, epidemiology, health systems, or health economics.
Demonstrated ability to publish journal articles and other communications documents to disseminate research findings
Skills and Attributes
Excellent advocacy and engagement skills with evidence of engaging with Ministry of Health at national and county level as well as relevant global bodies to utilize results from research or programs to influence policy.
Demonstrated leadership and project management skills and the ability to support diverse cross-functional teams across geographies.
Ability to coach and mentor staff
Organized, detail-oriented, self-reliant and self-directed, good problem solver and strategic thinker, results-oriented, and team player.
Ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
Excellent presentation, public speaking, and interpersonal skills.
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications and CV along with a cover letter expressing interest and indicating Salary history and expectations to recruitment@lvcthealth.org. The closing date is April 8, 2022. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Apply via :
recruitment@lvcthealth.org
