Organization: Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI)

Research Directorate: Nutrition, Environmental Health, and Non-Communicable Diseases 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:  Epidemiology and Toxicology

Number:  one

1. Background

The Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) serves as 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 minimizing risks and improving health resilience. This division integrates environmental factors and public health outcomes to understanding the impact of environmental exposures on human health, enabling evidence-based decisions to protect communities. This position will contribute critical expertise to advance the division’s efforts in research, risk assessment, and policy development. To be eligible to this position, the candidate should bring support letter from his/her Institute indicating willingness to trasfer to EPHI.

2. Objective of the Position

The Senior Researcher will provide expert leadership in epidemiological and toxicological insights to the Environmental Health Research Division. The candidate will lead efforts to investigate environmental health risks, design and implement research studies, and support the development of strategies and policies to mitigate health impacts associated with environmental exposures.

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 focused on epidemiological and toxicological studies, 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, 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 Epidemiological, and Toxicological courses.

3.6. Collaboration and Partnership Building

• Strengthen partnerships between EPHI, donors, 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 Epidemiological Science or Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology or Toxicology. Specialized training in research methods, environmental exposure and related experience are an advantage.

4.2. Professional Experience

• Minimum of 6 years and above of experience in conducting and leading epidemiological or occupational or toxicological 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 related to environmental health or exposure. 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.

• Expertise in using statistical software (e.g., SPSS, SAS, 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.

Languages

• Fluency in English is required. 

• 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.