Project Scientist

Nutrition Innovation Lab- Nepal

The Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Collaborative Research on Nutrition is a USAID funded project implemented by the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University in close collaboration with Johns Hopkins University in Nepal and numerous US and developing country partners. The mission of the Nutrition Innovation Lab is to discover how integrated interventions of agriculture, nutrition and health can achieve large-scale improvements in maternal and child nutrition in Asia and Africa and enhance institutional and human research capacity around agriculture, health and nutrition in Africa and Asia through graduate level training (MS and PhD) and support for short courses and conferences.

Details / requirements:

NUTRITION INNOVATION LAB – NEPAL

JOB DESCRIPTION/ADVERTISEMENT: PROJECT SCIENTIST

Background:

The Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Collaborative Research on Nutrition is a USAID funded project implemented by the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University in close collaboration with numerous US and developing country partners. The mission of the Nutrition Innovation Lab is to discover how integrated interventions of agriculture, nutrition and health can achieve large-scale improvements in maternal and child nutrition in Asia and Africa and enhance institutional and human research capacity around agriculture, health and nutrition in Africa and Asia through graduate level training (MS and PhD) and support for short courses and conferences.

The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (JHSPH) is a US-based academic institution and one of the collaborating partners of the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Collaborative Research on Nutrition. For this project, JHSPH works with in-country partners including the Nepali Technical Assistance Group (NTAG), New ERA, the Institute of Medicine and the National Agricultural Research Council (NARC) to conduct original research on linkages between agriculture, to conduct an annual national scientific symposium dedicated to this topic area and, to conduct capacity building activities.

Scope of Engagement:

This full-time position will oversee all activities under the Nutrition Innovation Lab/Johns Hopkins University’s portfolio. This will involve overseeing the (a) implementation of a national study in 21 randomly selected Village Development Committees (VDCs) across the mountain, hill and terai zones to assess linkages between agriculture and nutrition, (b) coordination of activities with in-country partners, and (c) analysis, writing and dissemination of the research findings.  Further, a subset of 3 VDCs are assessed throughout the year enabling oversight of analyses of both annual and seasonal dynamics of food security, diet, health, nutritional status, markets and programs. It is required that this position work closely with subcontracted agencies carrying out field work, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (JHSPH), Baltimore-based investigative team and staff to assure the highest possible quality of data and staff and organizational development.  The position is also responsible for assessing and taking actions to assure budget integrity.

He/ she will be based in Kathmandu with periodic travel to several field sites across the country and in particular Jumla, Arghakanchi and Banke. He/ she will work closely and collaboratively with in-country partners. Placement into this position is contingent upon contract award.

Responsibilities:

The Project Scientist will have a wide range of responsibilities including research development, team and human resource management, day-to-day project coordination and administrative duties. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Development and management of research protocol, data collection tools, manuals of operation and ethical review applications in coordination with the JHSPH investigative team
  • Provide oversight of all research related field activities and in-country partnerships established to conduct data collection 
  • Analyze data and contribute to manuscript writing and development
  • Conduct dissemination at the national and district level in Nepal and also at global conferences & meetings
  • Manage an 8-10 member Kathmandu based team and; in collaboration with the Senior Field Manager, manage a 15-member community based data collection team.
  • Backstoptheprogram’sactivities includingmeetingcoordination,workplanandannualbudgetdevelopment and work closely with investigative and administrative staff in Baltimore
  • Maintain and establish relationships with donors, additional stakeholders and potential partners, including academic institutions and local research organizations as needed
  • Organizea national annual scientific symposium
  • Coordinatecapacitybuilding activities for graduate students, short-term trainees and employees

Qualifications:

  • Graduate degree in public health or related field, PhD preferred but not required
  • 3-5 years of relevant research and/or programmatic experience
  • Demonstrated excellence in written and spoken English, fluency in Nepali preferred
  • Strong quantitative data skills (proficiency in STATA, SAS or R preferred)
  • Management experience
  • Ability to work well in a demanding environment and one that is diverse
  • Ability to work well independently, to take initiative, to problem solve, and to think critically
  • Ability to travel regularly and be available for regular conference calls with Baltimore and other out-of-country partners
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Good communication skills

To Apply:

Please submit a cover letter, CV and 2 references to hr@nutritioninnovationlab.org.np. Deadline to apply is June 15, 2015.

 

Overview

Category Public Health
Openings 1
Experience 3+ years
Education Please check vacancy details
Posted Date 23 Apr, 2015
Apply Before 22 May, 2015
City Kathmandu