PCI has been awarded a small grant from a research unit of USAID to test the integration of two innovative approaches in international development: Savings Groups (GROW) and Maternal / Child Health Care Groups. Within our Title II food aid program, LAUNCH (Liberian Agriculture Upgrading Nutritional and Child Health), PCI has established Care Groups to promote improved nutritional practices in Liberia. In the proposed research project, PCI will introduce the GROW methodology to select Care Groups. The study design will include: 1) experimental groups that test integration of GROW and Care Groups, and 2) comparison groups that are Care Groups only. With guidance from PCI's International Office, the Research Coordinator will be responsible for implementing the project, including providing guidance on research process, supervising staff, analysis and write-up of data and findings. The Research Coordinator will work closely with, and provide guidance to, the Research Coordinator and Community Facilitators on day-to-day management and monitoring of research study implementation.
This research assignment will be approximately 8 months long, and will begin in mid-September, with approximately 2 weeks overlap with the current Research Coordinator. The position will be located in Nimba county, Liberia. The study area is rural and transportation is often-times difficult. The Research Coordinator will need to be flexible, comfortable living in a small town, with few amenities, and be willing to travel to remote villages. A stipend is offered. Housing is somewhat expensive in Liberia, therefore we anticipate that approximately 60% - 80% of this amount will need to be spent on housing expenses. Airfare and visa costs will be paid by PCI.
Primary Responsibilities
- Implement data collection tools
- Train and provide ongoing oversight for staff on research process and tools administration
- Provide guidance to Research Assistant and Facilitators and ensure that research protocol is adhered to during implementation
- Work with staff on the LAUNCH project to ensure coordination on Care Group activities
- Monitor implementation of research study, including weekly field visits
- Clean and analyze data as it is collected
- Assist in preparation of regular progress reports and narrative reports with case stories
- Write research outcomes report, with potential for publication
Required Background
- MA-level student in public health, international development, or similar area
- Experience with developing or working on research studies, strongly preferred
- Knowledge of SPSS or other statistical package required
- Some experience/knowledge of maternal and child health and nutrition issues
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Excellent writing skills
- Experience working in African country, preferred
- Motorcycle riding skills, preferred
- Independence, creativity, flexibility
