POSITION SUMMARY:
The Population Council is seeking a Post-doctoral Fellow focused on adolescent research related to digital access, use, agency, literacy, and harms. The Council is embarking on a bold new Strategic Plan and global research agenda that aims to improve health and development outcomes by asking and answering strategic research questionsto tackle pressing social, economic, health, and climate issues worldwide. The Council’s global and interdisciplinary research brings expertise in demography, epidemiology, biomedical research and product development, economics, public health, sociology, and science communications working across sexual, reproductive health, rights and choice, adolescent health and wellbeing, gender equality, and climate and environmental justice. Colleagues across the Council conduct rigorous science, generate high quality evidence and innovative data products, and communicate evidence strategically to influence social, economic and health policies and investments at national and global levels.
The Post-doctoral Fellow will have the opportunity to learn about and operationalize the Center’s research agenda. They will also learn about the greater needs, challenges, and players within the adolescent space. They will conduct innovative, rigorous, and relevant research on digital access, use, agency, literacy, and harms among adolescent populations. The Fellow will work under the leadership of the Director of the GIRL Center and the supervision of a GIRL Center researcher, in collaboration with other researchers to support the Council’s research agenda on adolescents. The fellow will be closely mentored by senior GIRL Center staff to ensure they build pertinent research skills and contribute effectively to the Center’s research agenda. The Fellow will also be responsible for disseminating research findings, project development and management, and contributing to or leading fundraising efforts. This fellowship is limited to citizens of an African country.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Contribute to the Center’s innovative and policy/program-relevant research agenda:
Work with the Center’s leadership to define, lead, conduct, and manage cross-country research on the topic of digital access, use, agency, literacy, and harms
Assess the current research gaps and conduct research to address these issues through various techniques (e.g., systematic reviews/meta-analysis and secondary analyses of existing data sets, including from experimental studies).
Collaborate with collaborating researchers to develop and execute research that aligns with Council priorities.
Contribute to the development of the Center and the Council’s growing research program:
Develop and manage technical partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to mobilize resources for the Center.
Produce academic and non-academic publications that effectively communicate the Center’s research to internal and external audiences.
Support or lead the fundraising for research grants, including identifying and liaising with donors and contributing to proposal development.
Represent the Center and the Council at external meetings.
Manage and organize key events under the auspices of the Center.
Perform related duties as assigned by the Center’s leadership.
QUALIFICATIONS:
We understand that there are many paths to acquiring expertise and experience and strong candidates may not have every qualification listed here. We encourage applications from individuals with diverse and/or nontraditional backgrounds who bring passion, skills, and experience in many or most of these areas.
Qualifications:
PhD in economics, demography, public health, sociology, or other social sciences/relevant disciplines
3-5 years pre-doctoral work experience in a research organization
Track record as lead writer and/or co-author on scientific publications and grant applications
Experience:
Fluency in quantitative data management and analysis (using STATA or other data analysis software) and demonstrated analytic capability using large, complex, and multiple datasets, including comparative analyses
Strong knowledge and application of quantitative research design and methodology and on the topic of digital access, use, agency, literacy, and/or harms.
Experience in supporting or writing research grants and proposals (track record of winning research grants is desirable)
Experience conducting own research studies and managing project from start to completion
Experience in interacting with external partners (e.g., policy makers, researchers, advocates, donors, practitioners) to use data and evidence to effect change
Experience working with under-resourced populations, especially marginalized women and girls
Skills:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, including ability to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders (strong record of scientific writing/publications is desirable)
Excellent time management and organizational skills
Highly developed skills to influence and persuade; ability to quickly and effectively build relationships with team members and stakeholders
Excellent computer proficiency (e.g., MS Office – Word, Excel and Outlook, other software)
Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary assistance to internal and external stakeholders
Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments within given parameters
Strong attention to detail, with a proven ability to handle multiple responsibilities at one time, successfully prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
Other:
Flexible, self-motivating with a team player attitude
A strong interest in building capacity of research staff
Result-oriented and committed to excellence
Fluency in English (verbal and written). French language skills a plus
Closing date
6 May 2024
go to method of application »
Use the link(s) below to apply on company website. We are seeking an individual to fill the position described. If you know of a qualified candidate or are interested in applying for this position, please send resume and cover letter to: jobs-nairobi@popcouncil.org by 20th May 2024.
Apply via :
jobs-nairobi@popcouncil.org
