Research Specialist

The Research Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the MOH-led Partnership for Health and Family Planning project (PHFP). This position involves extensive coordination with the MOH's Health Communication and Awareness Directorate (HCAD) and Woman and Child Health Directorate (WCHD) to enhance their research capabilities. The Research Specialist will be instrumental in strengthening institutional capacity through the entire research lifecycle from design through implementation, data collection, analysis, and utilization of research findings to inform evidence-based decisions. This position requires expertise in public health research, particularly in family planning, and the ability to translate findings into practical recommendations that strengthen policies and practices in Jordan. The Research Specialist will engage researchers, healthcare providers, policymakers, and community representatives to ensure research activities align with the needs of the MOH.

Research Development and Management:

• Support the identification and prioritization of research topics in family planning by working closely with senior staff and stakeholders to ensure alignment with Jordan’s national health goals.
• Formulate research questions and design studies that address core family planning challenges identified through stakeholder consultations.
• Conduct assessments of internal and external research capacities to determine available expertise, resources, and potential partners.
• Develop research protocols and coordinate with local and international research institutions to conduct high-quality studies.

Stakeholder Engagement and Consultation:

• Engage with a broad range of stakeholders, including academia, healthcare providers, policymakers, and community representatives, to gather diverse perspectives on research priorities.
• Organize consultations with key stakeholders to determine the specific outcomes and information that are expected from the research.
• Assist in building and maintaining partnerships with research bodies, governmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations to support collaborative research initiatives.

Capacity Building:

• Assess and strengthen the MOH’s research capacities, identifying gaps and areas for improvement.
• Provide training and technical assistance to MOH staff and other local stakeholders in research methodologies, data analysis, and the application of research findings.
• Develop tools and guidelines to support the MOH in managing and utilizing research findings for policy and programmatic improvements.

Research Implementation and Monitoring:

• Oversee the implementation of research studies, ensuring adherence to protocols, timelines, and budgetary constraints.
• Monitor ongoing research activities, providing guidance to ensure studies meet USAID and MOH standards.
• Analyze research data and contribute to writing reports, briefs, and publications that present key findings to stakeholders and the broader public health community.

Reporting and Dissemination:

• Prepare research reports, presentations, and publications for dissemination to USAID, the MOH, and other stakeholders.
• Lead the effort to publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present them at conferences and relevant forums.
• Ensure that research results are communicated effectively to inform policy and programmatic decision-making in Jordan.

Education and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, Social Sciences, or related field with proven research experience, particularly in family planning, or reproductive health.
• Master’s degree in a related field will be an added advantage
• Minimum of 6-7 years of experience in research management, preferably with USAID-funded projects.
• Strong understanding of family planning issues in Jordan or similar contexts.
• Experience engaging diverse stakeholders, including government, academia, and community representatives.

Skills:

• Proficiency in research methodologies, data analysis (e.g., SPSS or equivalent), and the ability to translate research into policy recommendations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including report writing and presentations.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks and tight deadlines.
• Fluency in both English and Arabic is required.

Work Environment:

• Office-based with frequent engagement with stakeholders, occasional travel to research sites, and attendance at key events.

Jhpiego offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive employee benefits package.

Please apply at www.jhpiego.org/careers

Applicants must submit a single document for upload to include: cover letter, resume, and references.

For further information about Jhpiego, visit our website at www.jhpiego.org

Note: The successful candidate selected for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation.

Jhpiego is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

Jhpiego, a Johns Hopkins University affiliate, is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, other legally protected characteristics or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria. Jhpiego promotes Affirmative Action for minorities, women, individuals who are disabled, and veterans.

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