Research and Learning Director

TITLE: Research and Learning Director

REPORTS TO: Chief of Party

LOCATION: Laos

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in Health, Education, Nutrition, Environment, Economic Development, Civil Society, Gender, Youth, Research and Technology–creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 60 countries, all 50 U.S. states and all U.S. territories.

We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Research and Learning Director for an anticipated multi-year USAID Maternal Child Health and Nutrition (MCHN) program. The purpose of the activity is to improve the health and nutrition outcomes among lactating and pregnant women, newborns, children and adolescents in Laos.

This position is subject to project award, funding, and USAID approval.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Research and Learning Director will be responsible for overall management and coordination of research activities associated with USAID’s anticipated Maternal Child Health and Nutrition (MCHN) program. The main functions will be to finalize the project learning agenda, conduct research, and build research capacity of the Ministry of Health and other relevant Government of Laos partners.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Leads and ensures the quality of the project’s research components through approved work plans, budgets and ensures compliance with procedures and policies.

· Leads the development of the research and learning agenda for the project and serves as primary point of contact on related matters.

· Develops budgets for research and learning activities and plans course of action from initiation to completion of project.

· Oversees a team of research and learning staff for the project and ensures clear roles and responsibilities and lines of communication are maintained amongst the team members.

· Builds capacity of staff, implementing partners, government counterparts, and other stakeholders in implementation science research and learning methods and management

· Ensures research implementation adheres to USAID, FHI 360, international and Government of Laos policies and standards and remains technically and ethically sound.

· Ensures all research conducted under the project promotes gender equitable programming.

· Develops, secures ethical approval for and monitors and maintains relevant protocols, instruments, data sets, manuals, training materials and reports.

· Synthesizes project learning to contribute to filling knowledge gaps in the evidence base.

· Contributes to project deliverables (e.g., work plans, quarterly and annual reports) and other products; leads production of manuscripts, blogs and design of of learning events and other mechanisms for sharing project results and evidence.

· Compiles information on lessons learned and expertise within and outside the project.

· Participates on behalf of the project in appropriate technical meetings and conferences for knowledge dissemination.

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QUALIFICATIONS**

Minimum qualifications

· An advanced degree in nutrition research, epidemiology, public health, nutrition, social sciences, or a related field required. PhD is an added advantage.

· At least 8 years’ experience in designing and conducting research and learning and leading and managing research teams on maternal and child health and nutrition for USAID and/or other donor-funded projects.

· Experience in applying qualitative and quantitative methods to researching and/or evaluating maternal and child health and nutrition multi-sectoral approaches.

· Extensive knowledge of collaboration, learning, and adapting concepts; preferred for health projects.

· State-of-the-art understanding of implementation science and/or monitoring and evaluation.

· Knowledge of the culture and context of Laos.

· Experience interacting and negotiating with government counterparts and other international and local organizations working at the highest levels.

· Fluency in written and spoken English.

Desired qualifications*

· Published in peer review manuscripts.

· Ability to work well with others, including local and foreign colleagues, implementing agency and government staff.

· Proven skills in management, supervision and leadership.

· Ability to manage and work independently and efficiently.

· Ability to transfer knowledge and skills to staff and government and implementing agency partners.

· Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, to prioritize and respond in a timely manner.

· Proficiency in host country language.