Research Officer (Ebola Social Sciences), Temporary Appointment, 3 months- Based in Mambasa, BUNIA, DRC

Job ID:

#3432258

Career Categories:

Program/Project Management

Years of experience:

3-4 years

Job type:

Job

from
UN Children’s Fund

—
Closing date:
20 Dec 2019

For every child

As part of the 4th Strategic Response Plan (SRP IV) the Social Sciences Research Group (SSRG) has been included with the Epidemiological Cell as part of a greater Analysis Cell which supports all response pillars in the response through context based social sciences and formative research. Research agenda is developed from context, epidemiological analysis and from pillar and technical commission requests before or after programme intervention. The SSRG aims to improve the accountability and appropriateness of the Ebola response through this continued and flexible support.

I. Purpose of the job:

The Research Officer – reports technically to the CASS field manager (Level 4) for technical guidance and to the Team Lead at field location for daily operations.

The aim of the social sciences- formative research team is to work closely with existing programmes and the Ebola response through the commissions to conduct research which will result in clearly identified opportunities for improving quality and accountability of the Ebola response.

The UNICEF social sciences research team works together with the UNICEF programme teams to provide concrete recommendations for programme adaptation based in research results. The team also works together with an integrated Analysis Cell: Social Sciences (under the Ministry of Health and together with WHO, CDC, ICRC other NGO partners). The team use epidemiological data, context analysis, programme implementations among other aspects to both inform research agenda; while equally providing commissions and the Analysis Cell with social sciences analysis to influence the overall response approach

II. Key Functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks

Conduct social sciences research: mixed methods research analysis (meta-synthesis) of qualitative and quantitative data

Identify local social sciences capacity and hire, train and coach local social sciences teams

Ensure social sciences research results are shared across multiple for a in real time to facilitate use of recommendations

Identify recurrent themes and results across locations and conduct meta-synthesis analyses and write reports making links and recommendations

Identify opportunities for cross-learning in social sciences within both research and programme teams

Actively participate in various coordination meetings, representation the Social Sciences Analysis Cell

Ensure knowledge management and data sharing

Main Tasks:

1. Conduct social sciences research: mixed methods research analysis (meta-synthesis) of qualitative and quantitative data

Identify inputs for the situation analysis from various sources. Provide timely, comprehensive and current data to inform CASS research agenda, looking at epidemiological data as well as existing (and current) context, gender studies and reports

Follow SOPs for Social Sciences research (sign-off and validation procedures under MoH)

Coordinate with key actors from the Ministry of Health, NGOs and UN to share existing and current data and reports

Use qualitative and quantitative research tools to conduct data collection

Analyse and triangulate data (coordinate with teams for existing data)

Support the continued the situation analysis from various sources. Provide timely, comprehensive and current data to inform response interventions

Work with field teams to support their capacity in data analysis

Write comprehensive technical reports and guidance notes needed/ based on outcomes

Participate in sub-coordination meetings on a regular basis and attend specific technical commissions to identify gaps in response

knowledge or approach which can be assessed deeper

Contribute to data analysis and recommendations

2. Identify local social sciences capacity and hire, train and coach local social sciences teams

At field locations, identify local social sciences capacity

Hire local teams, and develop capacity building plan

Train and coach on data collection tools and methods as well as analysis

Set up regular data analysis and validation sessions

Develop capacity building strategies and opportunities that can be used across various field locations (based on context and team needs)

3. Ensure social sciences research results are shared across multiple for a in real time to facilitate use of recommendations

At sub-coordination level, ensure two-way sharing of formative research is both being led by and contributing to the direction of programmes

Participate in coordination and commission meetings, to present and follow on information sharing (and presentations/ research results follow up)

Create spaces for internal UNICEF reflection and adaptation for programme approaches at coordination level

4. Identify recurrent themes and results across locations and conduct meta-synthesis analyses and write reports making links and recommendations

Following field visits, review and highlight recurring themes and analyses

Develop and conduct meta-synthesis and meta-analysis to support in a greater understanding of themes and trends across locations and time

Develop short briefing notes following analysis to be shared with response (including key recommendations)

5.Identify opportunities for cross-learning in social sciences within both research and programme teams

Identify opportunities to share across field teams (both within social sciences and across UNICEF programmes)

Be pro-active and, when possible, develop short papers, presentations and trainings to support this learning

6. Actively participate in various coordination meetings, representation the Social Sciences Analysis Cell

Attend all commission and sub-coordination meetings to represent the social sciences analysis cell (inter-agency)

Participate in Analysis Cell (Social Sciences and Epi) when present in field locations

Coordinate and share across various meetings

7. Ensure knowledge management and data sharing

Contribute to existing Social Sciences online drive

Ensure all data tools, analysis, presentations and reports are provided online

III. Impact of Results

The Social Sciences team contributes to an improved informed UNICEF response based on context and community knowledge and understanding, as well as strong research and understanding in short and long term potential impacts of the Ebola response. The social sciences team will contribute to UNICEF’s accountability to affected populations and appropriateness and quality of the overall response. Furthermore, this team co-leads the CASS and contributes to a greater understanding of community, context and social behavioural factors to improve the appropriateness of the Ebola response.

IV. Competencies and level of proficiency required (based on UNICEF Professional Competency Profiles).

Core Values

Commitment

Diversity and inclusion

Integrity

Core competencies

Communication (I)

Working with people (II)

Drive for results (II)

Functional Competencies:

Formative research (I)

Advanced qualitative research skills (I)

Social epidemiology (I)

Management and strategic leadership (I)

Leading and Supervising (I)

Formulating strategies and concepts (II)

Analyzing (II)

Applying technical expertise (II)

Relating and networking (II)

Deciding and Initiating action (II

V. Recruitment Qualifications

Education:

A Master’s degree with SOCIAL SCIENCES RESEARCH experience is required: public health, epidemiology, anthropology or another relevant technical field.

Additional relevant post-graduate courses that complement/supplement a social sciences research in health is an asset.

A university degree in one of the above fields with two additional year experience may be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree

Experience:

HUMANITARIAN: At least 2 years social sciences research experience, working in humanitarian and development context (with UN-Govt-INGO) is required.

Experience working in public health emergencies is required

Experience working in health research in humanitarian or development programmes is required.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in French and good command of Englishrequired. Knowledge of the local language is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

Our core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and on any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks

Remarks

* The successful candidate for this emergency recruitment MUST be available to commence work within 31 days of receivingan offer.

* Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

* Employment is conditional upon receipt of medical clearance, any clearance required, the grant of a visa, and completion of any other pre-employment criteria that UNICEF may establish. Candidates may not be further considered or offers of employment may be withdrawn if these conditions are unlikely to be met before the date for commencement of service.

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