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:  food safety, and Food Anthropology

Number:  Two

• One food safety, and 

• One food anthropology 

1. Background

The Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) serves as the leading public health research and policy advisory body in Ethiopia. The Nutrition, Environmental Health, and Non-Communicable Disease Research Directorate is instrumental in generating evidence to inform public health policies and strategies. Senior researcher will work on the different projects. To be eligible to this position Senior Researcher has bring support letter from his/her Institute indicating willingness to trasfer to EPHI.

2. Objective of the Position

The Senior Researcher will provide leadership in research design, implementation, and dissemination of evidence related to food science and food technology. The candidate will work closely with project leads in the directorate to generate, synthesize, and translate evidence into policies and programs. 

Duties & 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 focused on food safety, food safety monitoring and surveillance, developing risky assessmnet and managment, tracking emerging and reemerging food safety problems, molecular epidemiology of foodborne diseases,  ensuring scientific rigor and adherence to ethical standards.

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

• 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, Stata, R) 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 food and nutrition 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 Food Scienec health courses.

3.6. Collaboration and Partnership Building

• Strengthen partnerships between EPHI, donnors, the academic institutions, government ministries, and international organizations to advance the Food Scinece agenda.

• Participate in multidisciplinary research initiatives and collaborative projects that address cross-cutting issues in Food Scinece.

• 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 Food safety, Specialized training in research methods, Food microbiology, molecular epidemiology, and related experience advantage.

2. The second candidate should be PhD in Food Anthropology, and related profession 

• Both candidates must have recent peer reviewed publications as lead author or second/senior author.

4.2. Professional Experience

• Minimum of 6 years and above of experience in conducting and leading food safety research, with a focus on food microbiology and evidence-based policymaking.

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

• Proven track record of publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at scientific conferences.

4.3. Technical Skills

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

• Expertise in using statistical software (e.g., SPSS, Stata, R) 

• 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.

5. Languages

• Fluency in English is required. 

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 Researchers will report to the Director of the Nutrition, Environmental Health, and Non-Communicable Disease Research Directorate at EPHI. Additionally, they will provide regular updates to the project coordinator and collaborate closely 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.