Research Associate at Sightsavers

Sightsavers is an international organisation that changes lives for the long term. We work in more than 30 countries to eliminate avoidable blindness and support people with visual impairments to live independently.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Research Associate

Job ID: 2023-1194
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Category: Programmes
Contract: 12-month Fixed Term Contract, full time
Reports to: Head of Portfolio: Health & Disability
Department: Policies and Programme Strategies Department (PS2)

Job Purpose

Sightsavers is a not-for-profit organisation working in over 30 countries to eliminate avoidable blindness and promote equality of opportunities for people with disabilities.
Evidence-based decision-making and high-quality research is at the heart of our operations and we hold Independent Research Organisation (IRO) status from UK Research and Innovation.
Our in-house Research team includes over 20 staff based across seven countries, with expertise in epidemiology, economics, social science, GIS methods and systematic
reviews. Our current research portfolio includes a wide range of studies in Africa and Asia addressing questions in the areas of health and inclusion. We conduct studies using a variety of designs and methodologies and engage a variety of statistical approaches to analyse our datasets.
We are seeking a highly motivated experienced individual to provide technical support to our quantitative studies, particularly cross-sectional surveys, although knowledge and experience with other survey designs would be beneficial. The post holder will work alongside other research staff and provide technical inputs into study design, data collection and management, and statistical analysis. They will also work with program and advocacy colleagues to ensure that complex statistical information is well understood and used in policy and practice.
We offer support for any additional requirements needed to conduct the role.

Principal Accountabilities

Lead and contribute to the development of study protocols including study design, sampling strategies, identification and deployment of appropriate tools, and analysis plans.
Contribute to the training and oversight of study enumerators, including designing and managing quality assurance processes;
Lead and contribute to designing app-based data collection systems, data management, cleaning, analysis and reporting.
Support dissemination of research findings through reports, peer-reviewed publications, targeted blogs and presentations;
Liaise with academic partners, Sightsavers in-country staff, and project implementation partners and contribute to various aspects of collaborative research project management.
Contribute to the development of funding and ethics applications.
Support the delivery of Research seminars and other learning meetings.
The principal accountabilities for the job are not an exhaustive list of tasks, and the post-holder is expected to perform any other related duties within their skills and abilities whenever reasonably instructed.

Knowledge (Education and Related Experience)

Postgraduate Degree in Medical Statistics, Statistics, Epidemiology, or a related field with a strong statistical component.
Understanding of the key principles and governance of research, with a particular focus on ethics and data protection.
Experience of contributing to scientific outputs, such as peer-reviewed publications.
Experience of writing research grant applications is desirable.
Training and experience in advanced statistical analytical techniques, particularly survey methods. (Senior Research Associate would be expected to have considerable experience)
Training and experience in spatial analysis techniques is desirable.
Experience in developing survey tools, designing app-based data collection systems (e.g., using ODK-based systems like CommCare or similar) and managing datasets. (Senior Research Associate would be expected to have considerable experience)

Skills (Special Training or Competence):

Fluency in written and spoken English.
Proficiency in statistical languages appropriate for data handling and statistical analyses (e.g., Stata, R, or Python).
Experience in designing data collection systems using systems like CommCare or similar.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate complex information effectively to various stakeholders both orally and in writing.
Logical and solution-focused approach to problem-solving.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
French or Portuguese language skills are desirable.

Ability to Travel: