Senior Research Utilisation Advisor (USAID-SOAR)

15/04/2016

The Palladium Group is currently seeking a Senior Research Utilisation Advisor to lead the USAID-funded project for Supporting Operational AIDS Research (SOAR) in promoting use of study results. This is a five year, global research project led by the Population Council, which will determine how best to address challenges and gaps that remain in the delivery of HIV care and support, treatment, and prevention services. The core role of the Senior Research Utilisation Advisor is to ensure the dissemination and use of results from SOAR research studies. The Senior Research Utilisation Advisor is part of the project senior management team and is seconded to the Population Council.

Primary Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of the Senior Research Utilisation Advisor are to:

  • Lead and implement Project SOARs research utilisation technical approach including application of core research utilisation use tools, methods, and strategies as appropriate
  • Function as a core member of the SOAR senior management team and develop new strategies to ensure research utilisation cross cuts project activities
  • Work with SOAR study teams to develop and implement research utilisation plans as part of operations research study activities, including: coordinating meetings and liaising with study staff, USG staff, program stakeholders, and country collaborators (ministries, national AIDS coordination authorities, civil society organisations and research institutions)
  • Work with study teams to develop and support research advisory committees for select SOAR studies including: identifying committee participants, planning and facilitating meetings (virtually and in person), supporting data interpretation, and supporting the implementation of research utilisation plans
  • Contribute to the writing and development of information communication products and study results dissemination strategies
  • Develop and oversee a partnership with a regional or country-level organisation to build a knowledge translation platform for SOAR research findings and best practices
  • Develop and implement a research utilisation small grants initiative and support grant recipients to expand and implement their research utilisation plans
  • Monitor, evaluate and report on research utilisation activities including: preparing success stories, and periodic progress reports
  • Build partnerships with organisations and networks working to promote the dissemination, use and scale-up of HIV evidence and best practices
  • Contribute to Project SOAR’s annual work plan and semi-annual report; develop, activity budgets as requested
  • Attend and present at national and international technical meetings and prepare manuscripts for publication in the peer reviewed literature as opportunities arise
  • Coordinate and collaborate with other projects based at Palladium or elsewhere to foster interest and capacity in data demand and use.
  • Assist with developing new project-based opportunities for data use activities

Key Competencies and Professional Expertise

  • Minimum of a Masters degree in Public Health, Public Policy/Administration or related field
  • 10+ years of experience working in research utilisation/data use/knowledge translation; with at least 4 years supporting global health development programs, preferably HIV and AIDS programs
  • Understanding of the research process; preferably operations research, and experience working to facilitate the application of research findings/data to program or policy improvement
  • Understanding of health service delivery and policy processes; preferably HIV care, treatment, and prevention
  • Experience communicating technical data to non-technical audiences
  • Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement at the national and sub-national levels
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills. Experience working with USAID and PEPFAR
  • Attention to detail and ability to effectively and efficiently perform multiple tasks and balance competing priorities often within a limited timeframe
  • Ability to travel up to 25% internationally

The position is based at the Population Council in Washington, DC.

The deadline for applications is 18th April 2016. Full information of the role and how to apply can be found here.