Research Associate, EatSafe 72 views

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) is a Swiss-based foundation launched at the UN in 2002 to tackle the human suffering caused by malnutrition. Working with both governments and businesses, we aim to transform food systems so that they deliver more nutritious food for all people. In particular, we aim to make healthier food choices more desirable, more available, and more affordable. GAIN’s mission is to advance nutrition outcomes by improving consumption of nutritious and safe food for all people, especially the most vulnerable to malnutrition.

Overall Purpose:

EatSafe is a five-year, multi-country project that aims to enable lasting improvements in the safety of nutritious foods in informal markets in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) by focusing on the consumer. We will implement and test a series of gender-sensitive interventions to substantially improve food safety, working with vendors and creating consumer demand for safe nutritious foods. The interventions will be developed building on existing evidence and through the generation of new knowledge on what influences food safety in informal markets.

The EatSafe Research Associate will contribute to and support research efforts, identify and liaise with local research counterparts, and provide technical support for project activities.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

·       Work closely with colleagues to implement the project’s research activities (e.g., finalization of research design; help design, format, and ensure translation of research tools; support training for data collection; supervise data collection activities; verify data quality)

·       Work closely with local research partners to ensure all research activities are completed as planned, on time, and with high quality.

·       Ensure all research permissions are sought and received before commencement of research activities.

·       Work with research staff and EatSafe Country Senior Project Manager to support preparation of materials and planning for meetings and workshops.

·       Support research translation and dissemination, including but not limited to preparation of presentations and abstracts, technical briefs, journal articles, case studies, success stories, and/or blogs.

·       Support in stakeholder engagement processes.

·       Support the EatSafe Country Senior Project Manager to ensure that all project activities are completed according to the implementation timeframe and budget.

·       Support the EatSafe Country Senior Project Manager to implement strong project management.

·       Processes, ensure regular communication with partners and colleagues, and ensure smooth and timely budget disbursements.

.       Ensures that project research activities and outputs are integrated and aligned with other country programme projects and the country programme strategy

Key Organizational Relationships

·       Reports to the EatSafe Country Senior Project Manager

·       Member of the GAIN Ethiopia Country team and the global EatSafe team

·       Works with Finance, HR, IT and Legal teams in representative offices and country offices as required

.       Collaborates with project partners and other key external stakeholders as required

Competences (Skills and Attributes):

·       Strong analytical and technical abilities

·       Knowledge of research techniques, including both qualitative and quantitative methods

·       Data analysis and reporting skills

·       Ability to use initiative, prioritize, multi-task, and work well under pressure to meet deadlines

·       Negotiation and advocacy skills

·       Ability to manage contractors to deliver high-quality results

·       Clear and systematic thinking that demonstrates good judgment, expert problem solving, and creativity

·       Strong communication skills in multicultural, multi-lingual environment

·       IT literate, with excellent MS Office skills; experience with data analysis software such as Stata a plus

·       Skilled with organization, planning, and time management

.       Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work alone and in a team setting

Experience:

·       3 to 5 years related experience in food safety research or related research projects in food systems, food value chains, nutrition and agriculture

·       Experience overseeing the implementation of research activities; experience with implementing both qualitative and quantitative research would be an advantage

·       Experience with diverse research methodologies

·       Experience with data analysis, visualization, and reporting

·       Experience developing successful partnerships

.       Deep understanding of issues related to food safety and quality in Ethiopia

Education:

·       Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Safety, Microbiology, Nutrition, Public Health, Anthropology, Sociology, Economics, or a suitable equivalent.

.        A Postgraduate qualification (Master’s Degree) in a relevant discipline will be a strong advantage

Other Requirements

·       Willingness to travel within Ethiopia-to implementation cities and markets

.       Excellent written and spoken English required; good command of Amharic, is an advantage

WHAT GAIN OFFERS

·       A multi-cultural, friendly and inclusive working environment.

.       A competitive remuneration package