Organization: Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI)

Research Directorate: Nutrition, Environmental Health, and Non-Communicable Disease Research Directorate.

Type of Employment: Transfer

Salary: As per the Government employment guideline.

Duration: Permanent

Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with potential travel to regional sites

Area of experts:  Climate Science  

Number:  One

The Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) is the leading public health research and policy advisory body in Ethiopia. Within its Nutrition, Environmental Health, and Non-Communicable Disease Research Directorate, the Environmental Health Research Division focuses on climate change and public health outcomes. This division integrates climate science into public health strategies to reduce risks and enhance health resilience. Climate change poses significant challenges to environmental and public health, including impacts on air quality, water resources, and diseases patterns. This position will play a vital role in understanding and mitigating the health impacts associated with climate change through scientific research, policy development, and collaborative initiatives. To be eligible to this position, the candidate should bring support letter from his/her Institute indicating willingness to transfer to EPHI.

2. Objective of the Position

The Senior Researcher will provide expert leadership in climate science to support the objective of the Environmental Health Research Division. The candidate will lead efforts to analyze the connections and risks associated with climate change, developing adaptive strategies through research, fostering stakeholder engagement, and leading capacity-building initiatives. These activity will contribute to the formulation of policies that enhance resilience and promote sustainability in response to climate change. 

3. Key Responsibilities

3.1. Research Design and Implementation

• Lead the implementation of research projects aligned with the projects leads and other directorate’s priorities projects.

• Design, and conduct research studies examining the impacts of climate change, including climate modeling and simulation, adaptation and mitigation strategies, and atmospheric environmental process, while ensuring scientific rigor and adherence to ethical standards in all research activities

• Collaborate with EPHI, partners and the academic institution to identify research gaps, develop study protocols, and secure funding through grant applications.

• Conduct systematic literature reviews and gap analyses to identify priority research areas.

• Provide support to write manuscripts, technical reports from research findings

• Produce technical report, policy briefs from rigorous systematic reviews, in-depth analysis of studies etc.

3.2. Data Analysis and Evidence Synthesis

• Lead the analysis and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data from various sources, including national surveys, routine monitoring systems, and research studies.

• Utilize advanced statistical software (e.g., SPSS, SAS, STATA, R), modelling techniques, and data visualization tools to produce high-quality analyses and reports.

• Synthesize research findings into actionable policy recommendations, technical briefs, and manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

3.3. Project Coordination and Management

• Coordinate with the project team and other stakeholders to ensure effective project planning, implementation, and monitoring.

• Develop and manage project timelines, budgets, and resources, ensuring alignment with project goals and donor requirements.

• Regularly report on project progress, challenges, and outcomes to EPHI leadership, and project funders.

3.4. Policy Support and Advocacy

• Engage with policymakers, program implementers, and other stakeholders to promote the use of evidence in decision-making processes.

• Contribute to the development of policy briefs, guidelines, and presentations to inform national and regional environmental and public health policies and programs.

• Represent EPHI in national and international forums, technical working groups, and advisory committees to advocate for evidence-based interventions.

3.5. Capacity Building and Mentorship

• Provide mentorship and technical support to junior researchers, research fellows, and postgraduate students affiliated with EPHI and the academic institution.

• Facilitate training sessions and workshops on research methodologies, data analysis, and evidence-informed policymaking.

• Collaborate with academic partners to develop and deliver curriculum content for Climate change, and Meteorological courses.

3.6. Collaboration and Partnership Building

• Strengthen partnerships between EPHI, donnors, the academic institutions, government ministries, and international organizations to advance the Environmental and Public Health agenda.

• Participate in multidisciplinary research initiatives and collaborative projects that address cross-cutting issues in Environmental and Public Health.

• Contribute to the development of joint proposals and research initiatives with academic and research institutions.

3.7. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the impact and effectiveness of research activities.

• Prepare comprehensive research reports, project updates, and technical documents for dissemination to stakeholders.

• Ensure timely submission of deliverables, including research technical reports, project reports, and policy briefs etc.

Job Requirements

4. Qualifications and Experience

4.1. Educational Background

1. We need one candidate with graduate degree such as PhD in Meteorology and Climate Science or Meteorology and Hydrology or Geospatial Science or Geospatial Science and Remote Sensing or Atmospheric Science. Specialized training in research methods, climate modelling, GIS, or data science and related experience  are an advantage.

4.2. Professional Experience

• Minimum of 6 years and above of experience in conducting and leading climate science research.

• Demonstrated experience in managing research projects, including proposal development, project management, and reporting.

• The candidate must have recent peer reviewed publications as either the lead author or second/senior author in the area of climate science. A proven track record of publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at scientific conferences is required.

4.3. Technical Skills

• Proficiency in research methodologies, including study design, data collection, and advanced statistical analysis.

• Proficiency in climate modelling tools and software (e.g., CMIP, WRF, ArcGIS)

• Strong statistical and program skills (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB) 

• Strong skills in scientific writing, grant writing, and developing research proposals.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and collaborative environment.

• Strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills.

• Ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders and advocate for evidence-based policies.

Languages

• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of additional local languages is an asset.

• Interested and qualified candidates should submit their application letter, detailed CV, copies of relevant academic qualifications, and contact information from three professional references within one PDF folder on ethio jobs portal. 

5. Application Process

6. Evaluation and Selection

The selection process will be based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and ability to fulfill the responsibilities outlined in this ToR. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview and may be required to present on a relevant research topic.

7. Reporting and Supervision

The Senior Researcher will report to the Environmental Health Research Division, which works under the Nutrition, Environmental Health, and Non-Communicable Disease Research Directorate at EPHI. They will also provide regular updates to the project coordinator and collaboratively with international partners. 

How to Apply

Note  Interested applicants can register in Online through THIS LINK  send their CVs and relevant documents at the address given below within 07days from the first appearance of the announcement

Remarks: Please attach copies of transcripts, academic degree or recommendation letters together with the application. If not attached the copies you may be not short listed.