Embedded Lab Officer
Position Summary
The Embedded Lab Associate will play a critical role in developing an embedded lab with the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS), which includes enhancing the Ministry of Health and Sanitation's (MoHS) capacity to utilize data for improving immunization coverage and service delivery.
Reporting to the Associate Policy Manager, the Associate will focus on mapping data needs, assessing existing datasets, and identifying opportunities to test low-cost interventions to improve service delivery. They will develop policy briefs, support the creation of a policy-driven research agenda, and facilitate research projects. The Associate will also share evidence to inform program design, advise on monitoring and evaluation plans, and deliver capacity building training to MoHS staff.
Responsibilities
Data Assessment and Mapping 35%
- Map the data needs of various directorates within the Ministry against the existing data available, complemented by an assessment of its quality.
- Assess existing datasets and indicators according to relevance, objectivity, and reliability criteria.
- Identify opportunities to test low-cost “nudges” to improve service delivery
- Develop and execute opportunities to leverage administrativedata for analysis to inform key MoHS programs and decisions.
- Develop opportunities to leverage administrative data for research.
Policy and Research Development 25%
- Produce policy briefs on key policy questions that can be answered using the Ministry’s data.
- Develop a policy-driven research agenda for the lab and facilitate the development of research projects to respond to the agenda of the MoHS.
Evidence Sharing and Advisory 25%
- Share existing evidence to inform MoHS program design and delivery.
- Advise MoHS directorates on developing and maintaining Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) plans.
Training 15%
- Deliver training to the MoHS on impact evaluations, data management, etc.
Qualifications
Required
- Master’s degree in Public Health, Statistics,, Humanities, Social Science, or a relevant discipline; Bachelor's degree holders may be considered based on experience.
- Understanding of research methodologies essential (knowledge of Randomized Control Trials a plus)
- Data analysis skills, Ability to develop analysis tools and products, along with strong training and facilitation skills.
- Experience with project management.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate with senior officials in government and other partner organizations.
- Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion.
- Strong interest in learning and the ability to grasp new concepts quickly
Preferred
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the health sector in Sierra Leone.
- Excellent management and organizational skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; proficiency with Publisher and Photoshop or other graphics editors is desirable.
- Understanding of research methodologies and Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) is a plus
Reports to
Associate Policy Manager
Deadline to Apply
Aug 31, 2024
Location
Sierra Leone
Application Instructions
About IPA
Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a research and policy nonprofit that discovers and promotes effective solutions to global poverty problems. IPA brings together researchers and decision-makers to design, rigorously evaluate, and refine these solutions and their applications, ensuring that the evidence created is used to improve the lives of the world’s poor. In recent decades, trillions of dollars have been spent on programs designed to reduce global poverty, but clear evidence of which programs succeed is rare, and when evidence does exist, decision-makers often do not know about it. IPA exists to bring together leading researchers and these decision-makers to ensure that the evidence we create leads to a tangible impact on the world. Since its founding in 2002, IPA has worked with over 600 leading academics to conduct over 900 evaluations in 52 countries. This research has informed hundreds of successful programs that now impact millions of individuals worldwide.
Safeguarding at IPA
At Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA), we are committed to creating a safe and respectful environment for all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults. As IPA adheres to strict safeguarding principles, selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards.By joining IPA, you become part of a team dedicated to ethical conduct, social responsibility, and meaningful impact in the fight against global poverty. Together, we work to create a better world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive with dignity and respect.
IPA's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)
As an organization, IPA is dedicated to improving the lives of the world's most vulnerable populations through evidence and policy. We also recognize how important it is for our staff to reflect the diversity of the places where we work and the communities we work with. As such, IPA is committed to hiring from a diverse pool of candidates, from a range of backgrounds, beliefs, experiences, and perspectives. We know that this makes our work stronger and more responsive to the challenges faced by those we work with and for and we encourage people from historically underrepresented groups to apply. Click here to learn more about IPA’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Innovations for Poverty Action is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected class. IPA will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us at jobs@poverty-action.org or via phone at 1-202-386-6200. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work to be performed by the specified position. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. Please note that IPA will never request any form of payment from an applicant. Applicants are encouraged to confirm the information listed above with IPA prior to releasing any extensive personal information to the organization. Please direct questions to jobs@poverty-action.org. Please note that only qualified applicants will be contacted by the hiring manager