Nutrition Researcher

Major Responsibilities

Evidence Production

• Draft analysis plans for answering priority research questions with the existing data in collaboration with scientific advisors and the IRC nutrition research team.
• Perform data analysis using Stata or R according to validated analysis plans.
• Prepare clear analysis files with step-by-step explanations and interpretation of output.
• Lead and contribute to the write up manuscripts for peer-reviewed and practitioner journals, including the submission and revision of manuscripts in collaboration with co-authors.
• Identify and connect with internal and external experts for guidance and collaboration on different evidence pieces.
• Archive final analysis files and de-identified data internally as well as externally on suitable platforms.

New Project Development

• Lead the conceptualization, design and development of new research projects, including writing study protocols, drafting analysis plans, developing and validating tools for monitoring and collecting data.
• Lead ethical approval processes for new studies, including, writing, submitting and managing ethics approval requests at national and international levels.
• Participate in strategic discussions to define priority research questions and ideas.
• Advise on the data collection, monitoring and study implementation for selected projects.
• Provide hands-on support to the set up and roll out of studies and surveys via visits to the field and collaborating with local partners and field teams.

Study Implementation and Field Team Support

• Provide training in data collection and monitoring to research teams, and partner with data management and analysis teams to prepare data.
• Oversee and advise on data collection from studies.
• Contribute to guidance for effective monitoring of research studies.
• Participate in on-site supervisions of ongoing studies and provide trainings via regular field visits.
• Work with our communications team on documentation and materials for external communication activities, and be the focal point for field communication activities.

Job Requirements

Education and Experience

• Masters/PhD in Public Health, Nutrition or related field.
• A minimum 6 years (if master’s level) or 4 years (if PhD level) of experience in research project design, implementation and production of evidence in the field of health/nutrition.
• Experience in working in fragile and development settings.
• Experience in community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) would be an advantage.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies

• Strong data analysis skills including in data manipulation in statistical software (STATA or R), statistics, sampling and epidemiology.
• Demonstrated competency in writing quantitative research articles (please add references to your submitted CV).
• Competency in qualitative research is a plus.
• Good coordination and communication skills to collaborate with scientific advisors in the development of protocols and write up of peer-review manuscripts.
• Ability to take decisions and advance in situations with potentially diverging opinions.
• Good IT skills required (Windows environment, Microsoft Office package, statistical software (STATA or R)).
• Working knowledge of survey software (CommCare preferred).
• Ability to work independently while being an active member of the research team.
• Experience working in unstable security environments.
• Committed to upholding diversity, equality and inclusion principles.

Language skills: Fluency in English, both written and oral, is required. Working proficiency in French highly desirable.