Project Summary:
In May 2015, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) awarded a five-year contract to Management Systems International (MSI) to provide performance management support to USAID-sponsored development programs throughout Pakistan. The Performance Management Support Contract (PERFORM) serves as a centralized management support mechanism that provides services in (1) monitoring, (2) evaluation, (3) assessment, and (4) learning support. PERFORM provides data and information to help USAID/Pakistan project managers improve results through better implementation, design, and learning, enabling it to better target its programming and achieve its goals and objectives.
Position Summary:
MSI is seeking two (2) Research Assistants for a performance evaluation of Health System Strengthening (HSS) project. The goal of the HSS component of USAID’s Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Program is to develop and support innovative, cost effective, integrated, and quality programs to strengthen health systems around reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health (RMNCH) for improved outcomes. The primary focus of the program under the HSS project is: 1) strengthening systems that will foster improved RMNCH service delivery and outcomes, including accountability and transparency; 2) strengthening management capacity at the provincial and district levels; 3) developing innovative approaches to catalyze community outreach services and access to health services for marginalized populations (including financing schemes); and 4) strengthening private sector delivery for the urban and rural poor populations.
The Research Assistants will support the evaluation by analyzing data, work with other team members to fully document fieldwork (e.g., take and transcribe interview notes), and participate in analyzing the quantitative and qualitative data. The evaluation will begin on or about June 10, 2017 and finish by the end of September 2017. The anticipated level of effort for each Research Assistant is approximately 36-40 days.
Responsibilities:
- Participate in a team planning workshop (TPW) in Islamabad to understand the evaluation purpose and methodology, develop data collection instruments, and data collection and analysis plans.
- Under the supervision of the team leader and/or sector specialists, conduct the secondary analysis of various databases and carry out field activities as per the data collection plan.
- Take comprehensive and high quality notes during interviews and transcribe and translate notes in English in accordance with the required format.
- Amend/improve translations in line with feedback provided by the study team, in particular by the sector specialist.
- Participate in data analysis and report writing.
- Undertake other tasks required for the successful completion of the study under the direction of the team leader or PERFORM staff.
Qualifications:
- At least a Master’s degree in public health, social sciences, or a related field.
- A minimum of three (3) years of experience in qualitative data collection and quantitative data analysis.
- Experience with health projects is a plus.
- Verifiable involvement in at least three prior projects as a researcher, preferably executed by international NGOs or donors.
- Excellent analytical and personal communication skills.
- Fluent in written and spoken English.
*Position will be filled on a rolling basis*
Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.
MSI is an EEO/AA/ADA Veterans Employer.