Operations Research Coordinator

Dignitas International
Dignitas International is a Canadian medical humanitarian organization founded by international health and research experts to respond to the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. Dignitas’ goal in Malawi is to increase access to prevention, treatment, care and support for people affected by HIV/AIDS through collaboration with the Malawian Ministry of Health and via a community based care model that supports and empowers local community structures.
Location: Malawi (Zomba District)
Closing date: 25 May 2007
Job Description

We are currently seeking an Operations Research Coordinator for our programs in Malawi.

The primary responsibility of the Operations Research Coordinator is to provide technical leadership in the design, management, monitoring and evaluation of the research activities of Dignitas International in Malawi, and to determine the relevant M&E systems for research and operational programs based on needs, resources and capacities. S/he will ensure the quality of quantitative and qualitative methods and participatory methodologies used to monitor programs as well as develop systems to ensure the results of operations research and M&E are integrated into program activities.

In addition to developing and implementing the Dignitas research agenda in Malawi, s/he will liaise with counterparts at government and non-government agencies involved in related HIV/AIDS response programs and collaborate in promoting high quality results and complementary efforts.

This is a challenging opportunity for a dedicated and highly motivated professional with a strong commitment to assisting those living with HIV/AIDS.

Responsibilities

* Develop and implement Dignitas’ research agenda in Malawi including clinical and community vision.
* Manage population and clinic-based research as it relates to the development of Dignitas’ Community-based care model.
* Manage the collection and interpretation of data, and its integration into continuous quality improvement and Community-based care model development, including the definition of appropriate indicators and management of electronic databases.
* Integrate operations research and M&E into program activities.
* Develop and facilitate program M&E structure in-line with Malawi national efforts which will contribute to both Dignitas’ and Malawi’s needs.
* Contribute input and technical expertise in support of research and grant proposals, publications and conference presentations.
* Manage grants and ethical review and approvals in Malawi.
* Supervise, coach and enable visiting research scholars.


Qualifications

* An advanced degree (masters a minimum) in a relevant field such as public health, medicine or epidemiology. PhD or MD with MPH and HIV/AIDS clinical experience preferred.
* Minimum 2 years of experience in operations research, public health or M&E with an international organization or in the public sector.
* Proven experience in clinical/community based research and associated programming and policy development.
* Very strong analytical skills and a creative thinker who is able to see the big picture and translate it into programming.
* Strong publication record.
* Strong networking and representational skills.
* Proven mentoring/coaching skills and an ability to work across a broad spectrum of team members with varied understanding of M&E concepts and methodologies. Commitment to capacity building a must.
* Excellent interpersonal communication and supervisory skills.
* Ability to work with minimum supervision.
* Excellent writing skills in English.
* Experience with data collection software such as STATA/SAS/Epi INFO.
* Previous overseas NGO work experience is desired.

Vacancies Contact
hr@dignitasinternational.org
Reference Code: RW_734N9N-48