JOB VACANCY. RESEARCH AND DOCUMENTATION OFFICER. CLOSING DATE: 1 SEPT 2023

Title: Research and Documentation Officer

Background and Introduction:

HISP Ltd. is seeking to hire a competent and experienced Research and Documentation Officer to join our organization. The Research and Documentation Officer will play a crucial role in conducting research, documenting findings, and contributing to our organization's knowledge base in Rwanda and other countries where HISP Rwanda is operating. This position requires individuals with a strong background in research, excellent writing skills, and a proven track record of publishing research papers.

Position Overview:

II.1 Position Title: Research and Documentation Assistant

II.2 Organization: HISP Ltd.

II.3 Location: Rwanda/HISP Rwanda Office

II.4 Duration: Full-time

Key Responsibilities:

 The Research and Documentation Officer will be responsible for the following tasks:

Writing and Submitting Research Proposals:

The Research and documentation assistant will be responsible of search, and using the available information and develop different types of research proposal, namely:

Solicited Proposals: These proposals are submitted in response to specific funding opportunities or requests for proposals (RFPs) issued by funding agencies, organizations, or institutions.

Unsolicited Proposals: These proposals will be developed without a specific invitation or request from a funding agency or institution. The researcher will identify a research problem or opportunity in our scope and independently develop a proposal to secure funding.

Pre-proposals or Concept Papers: Some funding agencies or institutions require researchers to submit a brief pre-proposal or concept paper initially. These documents provide an overview of the research idea, objectives, and potential outcomes, allowing the funding agency to determine if the full proposal is worth pursuing.

Continuation or Renewal Proposals: These proposals will be submitted by the researcher in case we have received funding for a project and are seeking additional funding to continue or expand the research. Continuation proposals provide updates on the progress, outcomes, and future plans of the ongoing research.

Collaborative Proposals: This will be applicable when we are collaborating with other research institutions on a project, we may submit collaborative proposals. These proposals will outline the roles and responsibilities of each collaborator, the research plan, and the expected outcomes.

Program or Project Proposals: These proposals aim to secure funding for a research program or project that involves multiple research activities, objectives, and timelines. Program proposals typically outline the overall framework, goals, and specific research projects within the program.

Conference Proposals: The researcher will collaborate and facilitate the submission of proposals to present research findings at conferences or academic events.

Conducting Research:

Plan, design, and conduct research studies on health information systems and data use in general, but mainly focusing on DHIS2-related implementations.

Collect and analyze data using appropriate research methodologies and techniques

Develop research frameworks and methodologies for various projects

Collaborate with team members to identify research gaps and opportunities

Documentation and Report Writing:

Prepare high-quality research reports, technical briefs, and project documents

Ensure accuracy, clarity, and coherence of all written materials

Compile and organize research findings and data in a systematic manner

Develop research summaries and presentations for various stakeholders

Publication and Dissémination:

Identify suitable research journals, conferences, and platforms for publication

Prepare manuscripts for publication and coordinate the submission process

Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders like other HISP Nodes to disseminate research outputs

Maintain a comprehensive reference database for research publications

Collaboration and Coordination:

Work closely with DHIS2 Implementers, systems users , system administrators, and developers to support research initiatives

Coordinate with subject matter experts to validate research findings and ensure quality

Participate in relevant meetings, workshops, and conferences

Coordinate and facilitate HISP internship programs:

Review and update the existing HISP internship concept note to meet the internship expectations on both sides

Work with all HISP team leads to identify projects/initiatives that need interns

With HISP Team lead to define the minimum requirements and qualifications for the needed Interns

Coordinate the process of recruiting the interns under your supervisor’s guidance

Work with Team leads to assure that all available interns are productive and same time meeting their internship expectations

Work with HISP leadership to define job descriptions for every intern and assure that all interns are evaluated before closing the internship

Collect feedback from every intern during and before closing the internship and submit the compiled intern’s feedback with an action plan to your supervisor

Work with the team lead to assure that the duration/period of internship is respected.

Qualifications and Experience:

The ideal candidate for the position of Research and Documentation Officer at HISP Ltd. should possess the following qualifications and experience:

Educational Background:

A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Health Informatics, Public Health, Data Science, ICT, Statistics, Documentation, monitoring and evaluation. A Master's degree in these areas mentioned is preferred. Also a master’s degree in any other field with more than three years in research, with two or more publications and references.

Research Experience:

Proven experience in conducting research studies, preferably in health sector, health informatics/digital health, public health, digital health projects evaluation with demonstrated ability to design researches and analyze data

Track record of publishing a minimum of two research papers with references

Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research methods

Writing Skills:

Excellent writing skills with the ability to produce clear, concise, and well-structured reports in both English and French.

Proficiency in scientific writing and the ability to adhere to publication guidelines

Strong command of grammar, punctuation, and citation styles (e.g., APA, MLA)

Technical Skills:

Proficiency in using statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R) and qualitative data analysis tools

Knowledge of research management software and reference management systems

Competence in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

Interpersonal Skills:

Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration

Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines

Languages

Written and spoken fluency in English;

Written and spoken fluency in French strongly desired;

Application Process:

All interested and qualified candidates can send their application (motivation letter, updated CV, certificates, and 3 references) through Job in Rwanda by “ filling out the application form carefully" no later than September 15th 2023. Note:

HISP Ltd. is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming the successful candidate

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted