Research Coordinator

Research Coordinator – Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS)

Job Purpose: Micronutrient deficiencies in pregnant women pose a significant and pressing public health challenge in Nepal. During pregnancy, there is an increased demand for essential micronutrients to support the growth and development of both the mother and the developing fetus. However, a substantial portion of pregnant women in Nepal continue to suffer from inadequate intake of essential micronutrients, such as iron, folic acid, vitamin A, and others. This deficiency risks the health of pregnant women and has a serious implication for the well-being of their newborns.

Within the context of maternal nutrition and micronutrient supplementation, there are evidence suggesting that the multiple micronutrient supplement (MMS) based on the United Nations International Multiple Micronutrient Antenatal Preparation (UNIMMAP) to addressing the complex micronutrient needs of pregnant women and improved birth outcomes compared to IFA supplementation.

Considering the evidence base, Helen Keller International in collaboration with various other stakeholders conducted landscape analysis in Nepal which recommended to conduct the implementation research for exploring the acceptability and adherence of MMS in the pregnant women. The evidence generated from this research will guide policymakers and stakeholders in the decision making for IFA to MMS transition.

Overall Responsibilities: The Position is responsible for collaborating closely with stakeholders to define clear research objectives in addition to developing comprehensive research plans and timelines to guide project from start to completion. The Research Coordinator is also tasked with designing robust research methodologies, including developing data collection tools and the establishment of sampling strategies.

In the realm of data collection and analysis, the Research Coordinator supports various data collection activities, such as longitudinal surveys, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. The position is responsible for supporting the Research Manager in maintaining the highest standards of data quality and ensuring ethical research practices throughout the process. Utilizing appropriate statistical and qualitative analysis techniques, the Research coordinator will support extracting meaningful insights from the collected data together with the Research Manager. Furthermore, the Research Coordinator’s responsibilities extend to the reporting and dissemination phase. They prepare comprehensive draft research reports and presentations tailored to diverse stakeholders. They will support Research Managers to translate research results into actionable recommendations and facilitate informed decision-making.

The position is responsible for ensuring Helen Keller’s best practices are upheld, including adherence to the code of conduct, policies and procedures, financial accountability and making sure official matters are kept confidential as well as meeting donors reporting and compliance requirements.

Ensuring quality is a primary objective of Helen Keller’s programming and monitoring and evaluation oversight is a requirement of all managers to achieve the best outcomes possible.

As gender and Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is a cross-cutting and core component for Helen Keller’s programs, all personnel are required to ensure its sensitivity and integration within their work.

Specific roles and responsibilities:

• Support in data collection activities including monitoring data collectors and ensure data quality.
• Support Research Manager in training of health workers, Research Officers, and Research Associates.
• Support Research Manager in creating and maintaining a structured database, organizing data, and ensuring security and compliance.
• Support in conducting both quantitative and qualitative data analysis and summarize findings.
• Maintain detailed research records and documentation.
• Support in preparing draft research reports and engage in knowledge translation.
• Ensure research compliance with ethical guidelines and participant privacy.
• Collaborate with Research Officers, Research Associates, and stakeholders.
• Provide regular updates to supervisor/s, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements.

Qualifications and Competencies:

Educational Degree:

• • Master’s degree in public health, nutrition, epidemiology, or a related field.

Experiences:

• Minimum six years of experience working in research related projects in INGO/development organizations and/or consultancies with INGOs, bilateral, or multilateral agencies, particularly in the field of maternal and child health nutrition.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in statistical software (SPSS, Stata, NVivo, etc.).
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and diverse stakeholders.
• Have extensive network of contacts within relevant bilateral, multilateral, government agencies and development organizations in Nepal is a plus.

Communication skills:

• Excellent written and spoken Nepali and English language skills.

Flexible and multitask:

• An ability to maintain balance when under stress.
• Experience using Excel, Word, and PowerPoint and other software’s:
• Computer literate and proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and statistical software packages (both qualitative and quantitative such as SPSS, Stata, NVivo, etc.).

Others

• The position is expected to travel in field at least 50% of the time during the job.