Project Background

WFP collaborates with the Government of Ethiopia to provide nutrition treatment for children aged 6 to 59 months with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) and pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls (PBW/G) experiencing wasting. Ethiopia's National Guidelines recommend Ready to Use Supplementary Food (RUSF) and Super Cereal Plus for these individuals. However, global challenges in the supply of Specialized Nutritional Feeding (SNF) have impacted the country's ability to meet demand. To address this, WFP Ethiopia proposes piloting alternative treatment methods for MAM in children and wasted PBW/G. Drawing on evidence supporting the effectiveness of Community-Based Treatments (CBTs), including successful voucher programs for Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and MAM, this initiative aims to explore new approaches. Additionally, existing literature suggests formulating nutrition baskets with augmented family foods for acute malnutrition management.

The project aims to evaluate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of using cash/voucher schemes versus specialized nutritious foods (SNF) for treating child wasting in Ethiopia. This involves conducting a randomized controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of cash/voucher and SNF treatments. Additionally, a qualitative study will identify barriers and facilitators to implementing voucher-based treatments, while an economic evaluation will estimate the costs and cost-effectiveness of the voucher program compared to the SNF approach. Concurrently, a market analysis will assess local market dynamics, including production, availability, access, and food pricing.

Job Overview

The Research coordinator will be responsible for supporting the designing, and leading the implementing, and managing research activities to achieve the study’s objectives. The role involves overseeing a randomized controlled trial, qualitative studies, economic evaluations, and market analysis to inform the project's outcomes and scalability.

Key responsibilities

Technical and Research Support:

Provide comprehensive technical and administrative support for the research project's implementation.

Offer expertise in developing assessment tools, methodologies, training guidelines, and other research-related materials.

Coordinate closely with local health authorities, WFP, and MOH to ensure smooth study implementation.

Data Collection and Management:

Oversee data collection activities to ensure strict adherence to established protocols.

Train and supervise field data collectors and enumerators, ensuring high performance and accuracy.

Maintain data quality through regular monitoring and validation checks.

Operational Support:

Collaborate effectively with implementation partners and regional, zonal, and woreda health offices.

Conduct regular reviews with the research team to assess progress and address challenges.

Develop and adapt work plans to respond to the evolving needs of the research

Manage the day-to-day operations of the research project.

Prepare and submit periodic progress reports.

Reporting and Dissemination:

Prepare comprehensive reports and publications based on research findings.

Ensure timely dissemination of research results to inform policy and program decisions.

Position Location: The position is full time contract at the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of public Health, College of Health sciences, Addis Ababa University, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with frequent travel to study sites

Funding Source:  The World food Program (WFP)

Term of employment:  12 months

Salary: As per the Project scale 

Education Background and work experience  

• MPH in Nutrition or health and health related fields, and minimum of 5 years of related experience.

• Demonstrated experience in designing and managing large-scale field studies, particularly RCTs and evaluation studies

• Familiarity with the CMAM program in Ethiopia is a plus

• Strong analytical and statistical skills, with proficiency in statistical software (e.g., STATA).

• Excellent project management and organizational skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English

• Strong personal motivation and willingness to travel to study sites/districts (more than 50% of the time).

• Willing to participate in other academic activities in the department

• Female applicants are encouraged to apply

How To Apply

• Interested and qualified candidates for the position stated above are invited to apply

• Addis Ababa University College of Health Science School of Public Health Human Resource Management & Development Office No 218 (Sefere-selam Compass)

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

• A cover letter detailing relevant experience and qualifications.

• A current CV with contact information for at least two professional references

• A written recommendations form referees on relevant experience

• Copies of relevant academic certificates