DESCRIPTION

The Center on Gender Equity and Health at the University of California San Diego seeks a remote-based gender and family planning research scientists with deep expertise in Africa. This consultant position will support work on the FP Impact project, a research initiative intended to contribute to Family Planning measurement and practice in a range of geographies including Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, and Ethiopia.

The position can be from 50% time, to full-time. The role will report to UCSD lead researchers. The appointment period is up to 1 year, with potential for extension depending on funding.

The Consultant/Research Scientist, a PhD-level researcher in the field of social epidemiology, demography, biostatistics, public health, or a related field, will work for UCSD with the primary roles of analytic conceptualization, quantitative data analysis, and the generation of guidelines and / or peer-reviewed manuscript generation specific to family planning measurement and analysis in a range of geographies in Africa.  Specific contributions will include:

– Analysis of FP measures and measurement with a focus on demand side measures;
– Generating measurement suggestions and guidelines for in country implementation work;
– Conducting DHS analysis looking at questions related to pathways around agency and family planning demand and use in a set of countries.
– Building out briefing notes and publications based on DHS and other data analysis.

Advanced statistical analysis capacity, strong English language communication and writing skills, ability to communicate findings effectively for peer reviewed and lay audiences are required.  Prior experience with NFHS data is required as is deep understanding of family planning policy (with a gender and agency lens) in the countries of interest. Ability to present research findings to a variety of audiences and in different formats is preferred. Priority will be given to candidates with 2 years of experience working with international collaborators on public health or public policy research.

Interested applicants are requested to send a CV, cover letter and 2 writing samples to the Center on Gender Equity and Health, UC San Diego at the following email: geh@health.ucsd.edu by January 8th, 2024.   Please include the position name (Family Planning Research Scientist) in the subject line.

DESCRIPTION

Within the Department of Medicine at UCSD, the Center on Gender Equity and Health (GEH) focuses on conducting innovative global public health research, academic training, and evidence-based intervention development and evaluation of programs related to gender inequities, gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health (adolescent and unintended pregnancy, family planning, HIV/STI, healthy birth spacing), and women’s economic opportunity. GEH’s team of social science and epidemiology researchers includes leading figures in measurement and rigorous evaluation of sustainable programs working with girls, young women, their male partners and their families to understand and change gender-based behaviors and social norms that compromise health and safety and limit opportunity. GEH research is currently being undertaken in South Asia, west and east sub-Saharan Africa, and the United States. This research is supported by a diverse portfolio of public and private funders, conducted in conjunction with international NGOs, and includes engagement with local and national governments.

Under the supervision of the Principal Investigators, the Research Project Manager is responsible for the management and high-level coordination of two foundation-funded research projects (focused on gender inequities in India and global family planning portfolio review and strategy support) but may assist in coordination and management on other projects across GEH as needed. This position is responsible for the management of research projects run by GEH. The incumbent will maintain ongoing direct communication with PIs, co-investigators, multi-country research partners, consultants, and donors to ensure adherence to project workplans, quality of deliverables, and coordination and communication between partners. They will be responsible for designing project tracking tools, monitoring project deliverables, tracking timelines, and preparing grant progress reports and presentations. They will design project coordination processes (set a rhythm of business), including setting and running meetings, documenting decisions, and tracking progress. The incumbent will also be responsible for tracking and supporting the contracting process (in coordination with other UCSD teams), tracking consultant deliverables and payments.

Administers all finance, human resources and facilities and other operational activities for small to mid-sized academic or research program. Administers major program components, and some or all of the program’s operational requirements. Develops and organizes conferences and other public forums. Works under direction of Principal Investigator or more senior Academic Program Officer to establish center agenda, funding, objectives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Seven or more years of related experience OR an Advanced degree in a related area plus five years of related experience/training.
• Thorough knowledge of administrative, budgetary, human resources and financial principles and practices.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong ability to translate data and research findings into reports, Power Point presentations, or other reporting outputs.
• Exceptional process, organizational, and coordination skills – able to work independently to design and put in place effective project management systems.
• Strong ability to think creatively and independently on concepts requiring advanced analytical skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse groups to achieve results.
• Strong ability to work collaboratively with internal and external peers and managers.
• Solid fundraising experience.
• Demonstrated experience in knowledge management, translation and utilization, including activities to bring together global stakeholders to develop consensus and advance knowledge.
• Demonstrated grant coordination, management, and submission experience.
• Demonstrated experience in the preparation of funding agency reports.
• Strong ability to work across multiple projects and with multiple teams simultaneously and prioritize and complete tasks across projects with conflicting deadlines.
• Strong ability and willingness to learn new skills and take on new tasks as needed.
• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Teams, Excel, Word, SharePoint and Outlook.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with foundation funded grants and reporting.
• Experience in communications and translating research findings into lay audience materials for social media.
• Experience in capacity building and trainings.
• Familiarity with global or India-focused knowledge of gender equity, empowerment, reproductive health, family planning, health policy, or economic opportunity.
• Familiarity with university systems (in particular UCSD).
• Academic background and experience in selected area of research preferred.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• May require local, national and/or international travel for conferences and/or study partners for the purposes of planning, collaboration and/or dissemination.
• Must be willing and able to travel and currently have or be able to obtain a passport within 3 months.
• Must be able and willing to work a flexible schedule, including ability to coordinate/participate in calls outside of normal working hours, as needed, due to international collaborations.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.