Job Description

Evaluation and Operations Research Specialist - Cape Townmothers2mothers (m2m) is an African Primary Health Care organisation that employs women living with HIV as community health workers across 10 African nations. These xe2x80x9cMentor Mothersxe2x80x9d deliver integrated health services at clinics and in communities to ensure everyone, everywhere, has access to the services they need to be healthy and stay in care. Over the next five years, this proven, peer-led model is being scaled up to double down on ending HIV, as well as to tackle new health challenges and reach more people - all with the aim of building a fairer, healthier future. The employment of local women as community health workers means that we are delivering a model that prioritises healthcare for families who need it most, delivered by women who know them best. Since its creation in 2001, m2m has created jobs for nearly 12,000 women living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa and, together, they have reached over 15M people with critical health services and education. In 2021, m2m reached over 1.6M people across 10 African nations, including 402,616 adolescents (ages 10-19) - 51% more than the year before. m2m also advanced the Global Goals of ending HIV/AIDS by 2030 - by achieving virtual elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV among its enrolled clients for the eighth consecutive year, and meeting all of the ambitious UNAIDS Fast-Track Targets among its clients four years ahead of the 2026 target date. For more information, visit www.m2m.orgJob TitleEvaluation and Operations Research SpecialistOrganisation Levelsmothers2mothers -> m2m Head Office -> ProgrammesLocationCape Town - , 8000 ZA (Primary)Type of positionPermanentEducationPhDClosing Date14/11/2023mothers2mothers (m2m) is an African NGO that employs women living with HIV as Community Health Workers. These xe2x80x9cMentor Mothersxe2x80x9d deliver health services at clinics and in communities across 10 African nations. Since 2001, we have reached nearly 15 million people with health services, created almost 12,000 jobs for women living with HIV, and helped to prevent over 4.3 million HIV infections. Over the past 20 years, m2m has contributed meaningfully to virtually eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV (MTCT) within its client cohorts, and improving reproductive, maternal, new-born, child and adolescent health (RMNCAH) outcomes. The scale and scope of the m2m programme has expanded since 2014 to combat the causes and effects of HIV/AIDS in a more comprehensive manner. Currently m2m Mentor Mothers provide direct RMNCAH, ECD/OVC, prevention of MTCT as well as HIV and TB Care and Support services. Now, we are evolving into a primary health care organisation, using our proven, peer-led model to tackle new health challenges and reach more people, all with the aim of building a fairer, healthier future.Programmatic expansion at scale and a competitive funding environment necessitate continued, progressive investment in evidence-based decision-making and system development within and across m2m departments to ensure quality of care and organisational sustainability. Working across the organization, the incumbent reports to the Senior SI Lead and Senior Programme Lead. The incumbent is responsible for leading the conceptualization, design, as well as operationalization, implementation and management of in-country and multi-country Evaluation and Operations Research projects. This position oversees two Senior Researchers, and is based at the m2m Head Office in Cape Town with opportunities to travel.Key Performance Areas:1. Advance m2m Evaluation and Operational Research (E&OR) Priorities:Define E&OR priorities for m2m based on organizational need, the strategic planning process, country need identification, and any other relevant input / processes.Work closely with the Senior Data Scientist, Business Intelligence Analyst and Programme Analytics Specialist to identify opportunities for Evaluation and Operations Research through secondary analysis of existing, routine m2m data.Liaise with internal & external review committees regarding E&OR study design and implementation.Lead the preparation of concept notes, proposals and RFAs to generate funds for research priorities identified.Advise on and lead evaluation of existing and new programmatic activities, as well as lead other organizational evaluation activities.Develop annual E&OR work plan and budget.2. Provide Technical Support to m2m Programme Teams and External Stakeholders where relevant:Co-ordinate and oversee m2m Programme Evaluations in all countries, including:liaising with country teams on evaluation planningsupporting local stakeholders in co-ordinating evaluationsassisting with local/international recruitment for consultantsdeveloping SOWs as well as evaluation protocolsensuring methodologically sound study design and analysisoverseeing report writing & disseminationProvide technical support to programme teams on all matters related to planning, conceptualising, executing and using Evaluation and Operations Research.Support implementation of programmatic QA/QI activities that follow from Evaluation and Operations Research.Oversee design and use of mHealth and other digital technologies in support of Evaluation and Operations Research.3. Manage and lead the Head Office Evaluation and Operations Research Team:Provide leadership in the planning and execution of Evaluation and Operations Research in the E&OR team, aligned with organisational needs and priorities.Support and Mentor more junior staff in the execution of their Evaluation and Operations Research responsibilities.4. Co-ordination and Oversight of Evaluation and Operations Research Studies:Oversee development and implementation of m2m E&OR studies & projects.Ensure the meaningful and insightful integration of quantitative and qualitative methodologies in appropriate, multi-method research designs for optimal knowledge construction.Provide leadership on all aspects of studies and the management of studies - from protocol development, data collection, data management and analyses, write-up and dissemination of findings, through oral presentations and written reports.Ensure methodological excellence (both qualitative and quantitative) in study design, data collection, analysis and report-writing.Coordinate report writing and support dissemination - among contracted service providers as well as among students / interns who volunteer their services.Manage interdisciplinary project teams, staff and short term consultants to achieve E&OR objectives, including capacity building through training & ongoing support.Contribute to m2mxe2x80x99s publication agenda through thought leadership, mentorship, capacity building and preparing manuscripts for submission in peer reviewed journals and other academic and non-academic channels.Represent m2m on national and international platforms as required.5. Drives the conceptualization, design and submission of Evaluation and Operations Research / Implementation Science projects and proposals in response to competitive RFP and GRM processes.6. Represent DPTS in interdisciplinary initiatives and assignments:Represent the interests of m2m on research committees and forums where research pertains to m2m, but is not necessarily driven by m2m.Job RequirementsQualifications and Experience:PhD in Public Health or related field with demonstrated specialisation in Evaluation and Operations Research / Implementation Science in an NGO context.Minimum 8-10 yearsxe2x80x99 work experience in a senior position conducting HIV/PMTCT / RMNCH / ECD/OVC / Adolescent Health, or related health and development empirical research, inclusive of Evaluation and Operations Research, in resource constrained country contexts.Proven track record in applying social science research methodology in the field of Public Health, in an Implementation Science context.Proven leadership, management, co-ordination & teamwork skills applied in the context of research, inclusive of Evaluation and Operations Research / Implementation Science.Proven track record of publishing research articles in reputable international peer reviewed journals.Experience in participating in competitive international Research / Evaluation and Operations Research / Implementation Science bidding processes.Experience in independently leading (i.e. providing thought leadership) and managing research projects and research teams.Experience collaborating with academic institutions, donor agencies, host governments & civil society organisations.Experience working in Southern and Eastern Africa is a strong advantage.Competencies:The ability to think creatively and deliver insightful Evaluation and Operations Research / Implementation Science outputs in the health and development sector.Excellent research conceptualisation and design skills, evident in a proven track record in independently designing (Operations) Research and Evaluation using appropriate methodologies xe2x80x93 quantitative, qualitative and / or participatory research methodology.Strong quantitative analytical skills, including the ability to manage, analyse and interpret data and present findings to technical and non-technical, general audiences.Sound understanding of the function and merit of Qualitative Research Methodology in the design of Evaluation and Operations Research / Implementation Science. Experience in conducting qualitative Evaluation and Operations Research a strong recommendation.Excellent data management skills, including data collection; analysis & interpretation; report writing; data use and dissemination.Advanced skills using statistical analysis software programmes for quantitative data analysis (e.g. STATA or SPSS).Knowledge of / experience in using software for qualitative data analysis (e.g. Atlas.ti or NVivo) is a strong recommendation.Aptitude for and commitment to paying attention to detail, and delivering accurate and precise outputs.Experience in mentoring and building capacity of junior staff and other colleagues.Advanced skills in MS Office applications.Excellent English communication skills as well as interpersonal skills.A commitment to making a difference in the lives of women and children as part of a team of professionals working in an NGO setting.mothers2mothers is an equal opportunity employer. We particularly encourage applications from people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA), people with disabilities, women and previously disadvantaged people. Competitive salary packages will be negotiable in accordance with m2mxe2x80x99s remuneration policies.

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