Technical Advisor, Operational Research Fellowships - World Health Organization

This research fellowship which will be based at the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office (WCO) is meant to strengthen country capacity to support and lead on operational research projects on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). Under the global guidance of the WHO Country Office AMR team the incumbent will assist to improve the use of medical and other relevant data, drive the operational research agenda, and support evidence-informed decision making. The selected candidate will work closely with decision makers and AMR national coordination committee members and would be involved in mentoring and capacity building for research activities linked to AMR in the country.

Objectives

The Structured Operational Research and Training IniTiative (SORT IT) is a global partnership coordinated by the Special Program for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) and implemented with partners since 2012. SORT IT aims to:

• conduct operational research according to national priorities
• build sustainable operational research capacity and
• promote evidence-informed decision-making.

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A key purpose of the Initiative is to improve the tracking and use of health and other relevant information to tackle AMR and improve public health. Through operational research, the programme seeks to make countries “data rich, information rich and action rich” in areas of “One Health”. Operational research will help identify gaps and help with developing the science of solutions. The intent is to generate and utilize evidence on the emergence, spread and health impact of AMR to limit this serious public health problem.

Organizational Context

Under the direct supervision of the WCO AMR team and in link with the SORT IT coordinator in Geneva and overall direction of the WHO country Representative, the AMR fellow will specifically:

• Attend and provide support on all AMR SORT IT trainings conducted by TDR and WHO country offices.
• Develop operational research protocols and obtain ethics approvals for studies addressing the country and/or WHO priorities on AMR.
• Ensure that approved protocols are implemented within the stipulated time-frame and a manuscript is prepared for submission to an international peer-reviewed journal within 3 months of completion.

Summary of Assigned Duties

• Submit each year at least two papers to peer-reviewed journals as part of annual performance targets. Failure to fulfil this requirement will result in discontinuation of the annual contract.
• Submit brief quarterly progress reports according to a standard template. This will describe: a) AMR related operational research activities in the country b) engagement in building “communities of practice” on AMR and c) how operational research is influencing policy and/or practice.
• Participate in quarterly conference calls conducted by WHO/TDR
• Support dissemination activities at district, national and international conferences.
• Perform other relevant tasks that may reasonably be assigned by WCO.

Competencies

• Creating an empowering and motivating environment
• Building and Promoting Partnerships across the organization and beyond
• Ensuring the effective use of resources
• Producing Results.
• Communicating in a credible and effective way

Functional Skills and Knowledge

• Proven skills in operational research protocols and obtaining ethics approvals for studies addressing the country and/or WHO priorities on AMR.
• Sound knowledge of data collection, critical thinking and analysis and report writing
• Demonstrated ability to provide sound methodological, and scientific advice and guidance to multiple stakeholders and partners in health sector policy reform based on evidence generated.
• Demonstrated ability to innovate, integrate, synthesize and communicate complex concepts and ideas verbally and in writing.
• Ability to monitor and communicate progress in terms of process and results.

Education

Essential: An advanced university degree (Master’s level and above) in public health or an equivalent qualification. 

• Experience in designing and implementing operational research studies with a track record of publications
• Fluency in spoken and written English – the most common language of scientific paper writing.

Desirable: A PhD would be of added advantage. Successful completion and/or having facilitated in previous SORT IT courses would be an additional asset.

Experience:

Essential:

At least three years of progressive and related experience, at the national level, in areas related to scientific research and publications in an academic setting

Languages:

Excellent knowledge of English.

Other Skills

• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Working knowledge of online data collection applications, statistical analysis packages (Stata, SPSS, etc.)