Title: Operational Research Coordinator

Base: Aden, Yemen

Reporting to: Operational Research Team Lead AND Programme Manager at HQ level 

Overall Job Purpose: The MENTOR Initiative (MENTOR) is a specialised NGO with a focus on tropical disease prevention in humanitarian emergencies. MENTOR’s operational research department is currently expanding with a focus on monitoring the introduction of innovative tools for vector control in humanitarian crisis settings.

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic and skilled Research Coordinator with significant experience working in difficult and resource-limited settings. This is an excellent opportunity for a dynamic individual with a passion for innovation, problem solving and hands-on research. Entomological knowledge and practical experience is a requirement. Applicant must also have strong data management skills and the ability and experience to work effectively and efficiently as part of a large, diverse and inter-disciplinary team. 

The candidate will be leading and coordinating large-scale trials in Aden Governate, Yemen that aim to improve vector control in humanitarian crisis settings. Reporting to the Operational Research Team Lead and relevant Programme Manager (this will vary according to country candidate is working in), this role will lead all technical and management aspects of research studies at the field level. The critical task is to ensure the research achieves it’s objectives according to donor requirements.

Coordination and Project Management

· Ensure research targets are being met research protocol followed 

· Coordinate with MENTOR country and field teams during planning and implementation of all research activities 

· Work alongside country teams for recruitment of surveyors and other workers performing research activities 

· Be the direct line manager for all field research teams 

· Support research field teams and visit sites when possible 

· Represent MENTOR’s operational research team at the country and field level 

Programme Reporting and Development

· Assume overall responsibility for collating all research data and relevant information at country / field level for final report writing and publication 

· Responsible for production of intermediary reports as set out in specified agreements to donors 

· Work with the country team and HQ to identify gaps in knowledge and potential opportunities for research 

· Work with the country team and HQ to seek new opportunities to seek funding streams at country level 

Communication

Internal

· Ensure regular communication with field research teams namely supervisors and officers whenever possible 

· Provide weekly updates to country director to ensure programme and research activities are running in coordination and resources shared accordingly 

· Provide bi-weekly updates to country programme manager and operational research manager at HQ level 

· Upon changes or disruption to original plan or protocol, ensure country and HQ teams are immediately informed and kept up to date on the situation as it changes 

External

· Communicate with the relevant governing bodies (Ministry of Health, Provincial Health Authorities, etc.) on upcoming research activities 

· Plan for official visits by health authorities and accommodate for these visits by representing and showcasing MENTOR’s research at the field level 

· Maintain good communication with country health cluster and other health partners / facilities at the field level to ensure cooperation and coordination 

· Present research plans, updates and findings to relevant governing bodies, country health cluster and relevant partners at the national level 

· Accommodate any donor visits at the country / field level including showcasing of research activities 

· Maintain solid communication with sub-contractors, namely laboratories, including follow-up of services and provide support where needed 

Capacity Building and Technical Training

· Organise and lead trainings for all surveyors and workers of research related activities 

· Provide on-the-job training to ALL national MENTOR staff where relevant including field visits 

· Include MENTOR country technical coordinator / officers as part of the training or accommodate for other staff if requested by Country Director 

Data Management, Monitoring and Evaluation

· Ensure standardized and appropriate data collection as set out in the research protocol and in accordance with donor requirements 

· Supervise the data quality to a high standard and follow up on missing, anomalous or suspicious data 

· Analyse real-time data at the field level and support with the statistical analysis of databases for final report 

· Collect other data and information relevant to the research study that is supplementary to main research findings 

· Work with external partners, such as health facilities or health partners, to request relevant data 

· Ensure data is kept anonymous for ethical purposes; paper forms must be stored in locked cupboards / rooms and electronic databases stored in a password protected laptop 

· Maintain back and regular reporting of databases to avoid loss