Job Overview: 

This position will be based in either the Yumbe or Lamwo offices and directly reports to the health manager but will receive technical support from the reproductive health manager. The Research Officer will be responsible for ensuring that the evaluation phase is implemented in accordance with program guidelines and work plans. Specifically, the  Research Officer will play a central research, and program management role for this project.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Research Officer will oversee research assistants who will be responsible for data collection working closely with the MEAL officer.

The Research officer will be responsible for implementing the research protocol as per the design and will be responsible for monitoring progress against set objectives during the research period

They will take leadership in establishing a MEAL strategy that links with the research objectives.

 They will be responsible for safe custody and ensuring that all research material is stored to maintain maximum safety  

The Research officer will support the refinement of key tools and resources that can be used for such a program evaluation – including those that support program implementation

They will work with research assistants and enumerators to conduct key informant interviews, client interviews as well as program staff interviews

They will coordinate routine staff meetings to discuss implementation progress and course correction as per work plan and allocated time for tasks

They will support the research component of the project as a core member of the research team

They will contribute to any research protocol development, IRB application submissions, and research tool development

They will be responsible for executing and overseeing the process documentation component of the study

They will lead any research/program learning dissemination events working with the advocacy manager and reproductive health manager.

KEY WORKING REALTIONSHIPS

 Position reports to: The Reproductive Health Manager

 Position directly supervises: Research Assistants.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct.  These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability.  In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

Gender Equality & Equal Opportunity

We are committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer generous benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances. We welcome and strongly encourage qualified female professionals to apply. IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. This position is only for Ugandan nationals to apply; IRC strives to attract, motivate, and retain qualified national staff in our programs.

Minimum Qualifications:

The successful candidate will possess demonstrated experience in overseeing health research or innovation programming, with a strong preference to those who have experience working in sexual and reproductive health.

Experience with sexual and reproductive health data collection; experience with collecting data on contraception and post abortion care preferred.

Degree in public health, social sciences or related field. Public or community health background preferred.

Experience managing, implementing, or working on research projects.

Experience with qualitative research methods, including collecting data through interviews and facilitating meetings or focus group discussions.

Experience supervising other staff. Attention to detail.

Excellent communication skills. 

Experience working in humanitarian setting with INGO/NGO. 

Proven ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines and work with limited supervision. 

Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to establish effective working relations at all levels  

Fluent in written and spoken English.

A dynamic and flexible individual with ability to multitask and who can work under pressure Team player. 

Good communication and interpersonal skills.

Excellent Microsoft word and Microsoft excel, power-point presentation skills.

Willingness to travel to 'insecure areas within the constraints of IRC Uganda's security policy. 

Strong commitment to and knowledge of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights for under-served populations such as people living in crises, adolescents, and people with disabilities.

Standard of Professional Conduct: The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.