Action Against Hunger has received a five-year contract from the Power of Nutrition (PON) to conduct operational research in Ethiopia related to select innovations in the community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) that aim to improve the coverage and cost-effectiveness of treatment. The operational research component is led by Action Against Hunger USA alongside partners including UNICEF and the Ethiopian Ministry of Health, among others.

The operational research study, or the “Modified Dosage for Acute Malnutrition” (MODAM) study, is comprised of three randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which will test modified dosages of supplemental and therapeutic foods used to treat moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) and severe acute malnutrition (SAM) at health facilities across four target woredas in Gode, Somali Region, Teltele, Oromia Region and Sekota Amhara region. As current and projected resources are insufficient to meet the total burden of wasting in Ethiopia, there is need to explore ways to increase the cost-effectiveness of treatment. The use of a modified dosage protocol may contribute to achieving such advances by reducing the cost of product per child treated and cured while maintaining comparable treatment outcomes. The third RTC seeks to understand how to monitor, and possibly improve post-discharge outcomes through the use of Family MUAC and active case follow-up.

As a key member of the research team, the MODAM Research Manager will be responsible for ensuring high-quality research project set-up and implementation, as well as overseeing data collection, data collection staff, and data entry in the research target areas. This role will be based in Sekota Amhara Region, Ethiopia, and will oversee implementation in Sekota Woreda.

Internally, this position will engage primarily with the PON Field Research Coordinator and Roving Research Program Manager at capital level, as well as the MODAM Research Supervisors, Field Coordinator, Health and Nutrition Program Manager, Health and Nutrition Program Supervisors, and all sub-national research-specific staff. They will also work closely with the national and base-level logistics, finance, and technical teams. Externally, this position will engage with key regional, zonal, and woreda stakeholders for OTP and TSFP implementation, including the Regional Health Bureau, Zonal Health Authorities, and Woreda Health Offices, as well as sub-national offices for UNICEF, WFP, and DRMC. They will also work with health extension workers (HEWs) at health post level.

The MODAM Research Manager will be responsible for supporting the delivery of high-quality research activities in target areas, including overall project management and data checks, support data clerks in correcting single-double check discrepancy given from field research coordinator and troubleshooting any problem at spot in consultation with field research coordinator. S/he will also lead ongoing quarterly mass screening in collaboration with woreda level stakeholders. 

Responsibilities

• Determining HR needs for the implementation of research activities, alongside the Field Research Coordinator and the Roving Research Program Manager

• Recruiting staff in line with HR procedures and in consultation with Field Coordinator and Base Human Resources

• Conducting staff appraisals and supporting the MODAM Research Supervisors in the implementation of staff appraisals and development of work/action plans

• Supporting the MODAM Research Supervisors and Roving Research Program Manager in organizing and carrying out training sessions, on-the-job training, and supportive supervision 

• Organising and leading meetings with the team and individual staff members, on both a regular and ad hoc basis

• Following up on staff leave planning, absences, etc. in collaboration with HR

• Ensuring smooth and efficient day-to-day operation of all study activities 

• Proactively identifying programmatic challenges and bottlenecks in the overall nutrition program implementation pertaining to the operational research and developing solutions alongside capital-based technical experts and field office staff

• Leading the coordination of effective forecasting, procurement, transportation, storage, and distribution of nutrition commodities and program supplies in line with SOPs at national and sub-national level (regional, zonal, woreda)

• Ensuring adherence to systems to track progress against delivery and expenditures

• Regularly following project budget utilization in collaboration with finance department, tracking and updating BFUs, and providing regular guidance and support to woreda-level research team for budget utilization

• Ensuring that all staff are adhering to the reporting and recording system (TSFP/OTP anthropometry cards; enrollment and stock trackers; beneficiary distribution lists; etc.) to facilitate high quality program management and timely reporting 

• Coordinating with Health and Nutrition Department at base and woreda level to ensure smooth integration of research-specific activities into nutrition programs

• Organizing and leading regular team meetings to identify challenges and track progress of the research project, and develop action plans and follow up accordingly

• Representing the MODAM study in external coordination mechanisms and working groups at woreda and zonal level in collaboration with the Health and Nutrition Program Manager

• Developing network of contacts at regional, zonal, and woreda level (international and local NGOs, government, technical, etc.) to ensure coordination and synergies with other projects in the area

• Sharing minutes of meetings attended including summary of action points

• Supporting external partners’ field visits (including donor visits, field visits from global and national research partners, and other visits)

• Preparing for and participating in weekly check-in meetings with Roving Research Program Manager, and Research and Learning Coordinator 

• Must be able to travel as required for standard domestic and international business travel as well as to the sub-offices if appropriate. While visiting sub-offices, the employee may be exposed to precarious settings under high security risks and/or very basic living conditions and outside weather conditions, as well as to infectious diseases. 

• Foster an environment that reinforces values of people of all genders equal access to information

• Provide a work environment where people of all genders must be evaluated and promoted based on their skills and performance

• Promote a safe, secure, and respectful environment for all stakeholders, particularly for children, beneficiaries, and members of staff

• Help to prevent any type of abuse including workplace harassment and sexual abuse and exploitation.

• Respect beneficiaries’ women, men, children (boys and girls) regardless of gender, sex orientation, disability, religion, race, color, ancestry, national origin, age, or marital status

Job Requirement

• Required master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a major social or health science field of study, preferably public health, nursing, or nutrition, with at least four (4) years of experience in the implementation, coordination and monitoring of C/IMAM programs (including OTP and TSFP) in humanitarian contexts

• Or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a major social or health science field of study, preferably in public health, nursing, or nutrition, with at least five (5) years of experience in the implementation, coordination and monitoring of C/IMAM programs (including OTP and TSFP) in humanitarian contexts

• Good knowledge and practical experience of working with sub-national nutrition and health coordination platforms and various Technical Working Groups (TWGs)

• Practical experience of working in INGOs is preferable

•  We are seeking an individual who has good judgement and problem-solving skills, along with strong communication skills and documentation habits.

• This person needs to have excellent interpersonal skills (to develop good rapport with staff, HEWs and other in-country stakeholders), and the ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.

• Experience in acute malnutrition treatment program management, including staff supervision, procurement and logistics, and budget management

• Experience with data collection and analysis or monitoring and evaluation for C/IMAM programs; experience with operational research related to acute malnutrition treatment preferred

• Knowledge of MS Office Suite required and comfortable working with computers with minimal IT support

• Fluent in written and spoken English and Amharic required , and Agaw language preferred 

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Ability to take initiative and prioritize multiple tasks with minimum supervision

How to Apply

Register using the following link CLICK HERE