RESEARCH ASSISTANT

**Action Against Hunger is planning to implement an operational research project to develop a simplified, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) classification device (“Click-MUAC”) for use by mothers and caregivers in the screening of acute malnutrition at community level. The purpose of developing this Click-MUAC device is to increase treatment coverage of acute malnutrition through mother/caregiver-led MUAC screening approach a improving sensitivity and specificity of MUAC device to enhance diagnosis of acute malnutrition hence reduce misdiagnosis at community level and. The Click-MUAC Project is funded by the Humanitarian Innovation Fund, implemented by ACF-USA and supported by Brixton Health and the University of Tampere.
Action Against Hunger-USA is looking for a Research Assistant. He/she will be responsible for the overall supervision of the Click-MUAC study in Isiolo County, Kenya. This will include coordinating with the ACF Capital team, recruiting and training the local data collection team, ensuring high quality data collection and data entry, provide on-going technical supervision and support, budget monitoring for field-based data collection activities, supporting data analysis and supporting the preparation of results for publication. The position will report to ACF-Kenya Isiolo Head of Region and will be technically overseen by the Maternal Infant and Young Child Nutrition manager coordinating the Click-MUAC research. The Research Assistant will be a key member of the global Click-MUAC Project team and will play an important role in the interpretation and the presentation of the results of the study.
The position will be based in Isiolo county with regular travel to Nairobi for meetings **

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE RESEARCH ASSISTANT:
The Research Assistant will work closely with the ACF Kenya research coordinator to achieve the following objectives:
Objective 1: Research protocol and project development
 Finalize data collection tools (questionnaires, reporting forms); lead field-level pre-testing in Isiolo and refine the tools.
 Contribute to development of overall project work plan and analysis plan; coordinate with partners to develop and maintain timeline for regular communication and project/reporting deliverables
 Liaise, when necessary, with Click-MUAC research team regarding the finalisation of Click-MUAC prototypes for field testing

Objective 2: Staff recruitment and training
 Recruit, train, and supervise local research team members (data clerk, enumerators, etc.) on prototype use, manipulation, data collection and data management methodology.
 Work closely with research team to develop critical thinking research skills; develop and sustain a culture of responsibility and detail-oriented work among all field researchers. Manage overall planning and the division and coordination of the work of the field research team.
 Orient the ACF nutrition and operations teams (PM, DPM, Head of Region) on the research activities including study protocol, project implementation and data collection to ensure close monitoring of activities, collaboration with field team and harmonisation with existing nutrition activities

Objective 3: Coordination and management
 In liaison with research coordinator and head of region Isiolo, coordinate launch of data collection activities, ensuring strict adherence to study protocol (Phase I and Phase II of data collection activities) in selected study sites; ensure high-quality standardisation of measurement methods (calibration and gold standard measurements)
 Support on-site management and oversight of data collection activities at the health facilities where the study will be conducted; supervise research team members to enrol, take measurements and administer questionnaires.
 I n with the research coordinator, develop, maintain, and implement system for field study monitoring and data management; ensure data quality and coherence.
 Maintain ongoing dialogue with Click-MUAC research team members to assess project progress; support timely and quality implementation and alert research coordinator
 Build and maintain good relationships with MoH at national and county level and act as Click-MUAC contact at county level.
 Prepare Click-MUAC Project Updates for MoH and partners at county/sub-county coordination fora (county nutrition technical working groups/sectoral groups).
 Inform/update the research coordinator on activities on a regular basis and liaise with field Nutrition program manager and head of region for smooth implementation of the project.

Objective 4: Finance, budget and grant monitoring  Overall responsibility for Click-MUAC project budget related to operational expenses in Isiolo County. Perform and monitor budget spending in line with spending plan; ensure diligence in grants utilization including timely spending and value for money.  Prepare a monthly report of estimated expenditure (including actual and commitments) based with narrative summaries; review budget expenditure reports with in consultation with the research coordinator and address any concerns, updates or changes.

Objective 5: Reporting and administrative tasks  Prepare monthly technical reports on the status of the research activities and progress based on the research implementation work plan.  Provide logistical support for meetings, workshops and trainings as well as travel arrangements and schedules for visiting technical teams, experts, project partners, etc.

Objective 6: Publications, reports, and dissemination  Contribute to preparation of periodic progress reports throughout the project with interim results for internal and external dissemination (including official project and donor reports as well as ACF- USA communications material etc.)  Work with ACF-USA and academic partners to support data analysis and write-up of results. Contribute to written sections and editing, as required for publishing academic articles, briefing papers, case studies etc.

Internal & External relationships
Internal
 ACF Kenya Research Coordinator: technical oversight
 ACF Kenya Isiolo Head of Region : hierarchical relationship
 ACF Kenya Head of Health & Nutrition Department : collaboration and coordination – technical support – exchange of information
 ACF Kenya Nutrition PMs: collaboration and coordination on existing nutrition activities and harmonisation with research implementation
 ACF Kenya HR Coordinator : exchange of information and collaboration on recruitment, training and, if needs be, on team management problems
 ACF Kenya Administrative Coordinator : exchange of information and collaboration on financial and planning matters
 ACF USA Nutrition and Health Advisor: collaboration and coordination – technical support
 ACF USA Grants Manager – exchange of information and collaboration on financial monitoring and budget follow-up
External
 Local governmental and non-governmental partners : exchange of information and coordination regarding the research project
 Local medical authorities : exchange of information and coordination regarding the research project
 Representatives of international aid organisations : information-sharing and dissemination regarding the research project

REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES
 Monthly field activity report
 Donor reports as required by the project
 Contribution to mission SitRep

POSITION REQUIREMENTS QUALIFICATIONS
 Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, Public Health or Monitoring and Evaluation with specialization in nutrition and health

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL
 Background in public health with at least two years of experience in research management in developing countries with national or international partners
 Strong technical understanding of CMAM programme design, implementation and evaluation
 Strong skills in anthropometric measurement, particularly MUAC measurement. Technical understanding of the role of MUAC measurement in community settings within CMAM programming
 Excellent research skills; knowledge of quantitative data collection and analysis methods, strong experience ensuring data quality
 Strong statistical and analytical skills
 Excellent demonstrated organizational and managerial ability; prior experience managing a diverse team required
 Excellent written and verbal communication skills; demonstrated patience and effective leadership in communicating broad and detailed topics to diverse audiences in person and through written communication
 Ability to interact with research and field partners, other international, national and local actors in country
 Experience of Microsoft Office Suite and use of statistical packages
 Attention to detail and ability to multitask
 Experience of working with complex budgets in Excel, donor reporting, and against workplan /deliverable timelines
 Willingness to work with considerable flexibility in a challenging environment and occasionally outside normal working hours

What ACF will offer:
 Remuneration package: Very Competitive salary package with additional benefits that include:
o Career development opportunities with ACF
o Comprehensive medical cover for self and dependents
o Individual training and capacity building budget
o Opportunity to work in a nice and friendly environment with a dynamic and motivated team

 Duration of contract: 6 months- fixed term
This position will be based in Isiolo and will therefore not attract a relocation allowance.

 Start date: 1st August , 2016

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested candidates should forward their applications including a cover letter and curriculum vitae. to:www.myjobsinkenya.com/action by Close of Business 5th July 2016. Certificates will be required later on in the recruitment process. Please indicate the position applied for on the subject line of the email