Research Directorate: Nutrition, Environmental Health, and Non-Communicable Disease Research Directorate.
Type of Employment: Transfer from Academic Institute, Research Institute, or Ministries.
Contract Type: As per Government of Ethiopia employment regulations and EPHI human resource policy/Guideline.
Duration: Permanent
Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Regular and field travel to regions and project/program sites required.
Area of experts: Climate change & health, climate vulnerability & adaptation, climate-resilient health systems, and related environmental health areas.
Number of Positions: One (1)
The Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) is the leading public health research and policy advisory body in Ethiopia. Within its Nutrition, Environmental Health, and Non-Communicable Disease Research Directorate, the Environmental Health Research Division focuses on climate change and public health outcomes. This division integrates climate science into public health strategies to reduce risks and enhance health resilience. Climate change poses significant challenges to environmental and public health, including impacts on air quality, water resources, and diseases patterns. This position will play a vital role in understanding and mitigating the health impacts associated with climate change through scientific research, policy development, and collaborative initiatives. Candidates must submit a formal support letter from their current institution confirming willingness to transfer to EPHI.
The Researcher will provide technical leadership and programmatic direction in climate change and health, including leading vulnerability and adaptation assessments, coordinating air quality and health initiatives, translating evidence into policy, and building national capacity for climate-resilient health services. The candidate will lead efforts to analyze the connections and risks associated with climate change, developing adaptive strategies through research, fostering stakeholder engagement, and leading capacity-building initiatives. These activity will contribute to the formulation of policies that enhance resilience and promote sustainability in response to climate change.
Duties and Responsibilities
3.1. Research Design and Implementation
Lead planning and implementation of multidisciplinary research projects on climate-health interactions, ensuring alignment with EPHI priorities and national plans.
Design, and conduct studies including climate-health vulnerability and adaptation assessments, air quality and health assessments, and climate-sensitive disease surveillance and early warning.
Develop study protocols and implement data collection, drawing on public health and behavior change experience to integrate community engagement and risk communication components.
Coordinate collaborative research with Ministry, WHO, regional health bureaus, and academic partners; support joint proposal and grant development.
Conduct systematic literature reviews and gap analyses to set research priorities and inform policy.
Prepare scientific manuscripts, technical reports, policy briefs, training manuals, and national guidance documents based on study outputs.
3.2. Data Analysis and Evidence Synthesis
Lead quantitative and qualitative analyses of climate, environmental, surveillance, and program to assess health impacts and vulnerabilities.
Use appropriate tools (Stata/SPSS, SAS, R, GIS/ArcGIS) to model exposure, produce vulnerability maps, and generate evidence for planning.
Synthesize evidence into actionable policy recommendations, technical briefs, and manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
3.3. Project Coordination and Management
Coordinate project planning, implementation, and monitoring & evaluation including timelines, workplans, budgets, and donor reporting.
Supervise and mentor field teams and junior researchers during data collection and implementation.
Ensure timely reporting of project progress to EPHI leadership, ministry, partners, and funders.
3.4. Policy Support and Advocacy
Engage with policymakers, program implementers, and other stakeholders to promote the use of evidence in decision-making processes.
Prepare policy briefs, guidance documents, and presentations aimed at policymakers and program managers.
Represent EPHI in national and international forums, technical working groups, meetings, and advisory committees to advocate evidence-based interventions.
3.5. Capacity Building and Mentorship
Design and deliver trainings and TOTs on climate vulnerability & adaptation assessment, climate-sensitive surveillance, emergency WASH, IPC, risk communication, and behavior change.
Mentor junior staff, postgraduate students, and fellowsin research methods, data analysis, and scientific writing
Support curriculum development and short course modules in collaboration with academic partners.
3.6. Collaboration and Partnership Building
Strengthen partnerships with MoH, regional health bureaus, WHO, NGOs, donnors, and academic institutions to advance climate and health objectives.
Participate in multidisciplinary research initiatives and collaborative projects that address cross-cutting issues in Environmental and Public Health.
Contribute to the development of joint proposals and research initiatives with academic and research institutions.
Lead or co-lead collaborative multi-sectoral projects (one-health, air quality, emergency response) and contribute to joint research proposals.
3.7. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
Develop and apply monitoring and evaluation frameworksfor climate-health projects, track indicators, and evaluate impact.
Prepare and submit research technical reports, project reports, and policy briefs according to project timelines.
Job Requirements
4.1. Educational Background
master’s degree (MPH or MSc) in health related fields.
4.2. Professional Experience
Minimum 7 years of relevant public health experience with at least 5 years in climate and health related roles.
Proven experience in leading climate-health programs (design, coordination, monitoring), developing national guidance, and conducting operational research.
The candidate must have recent peer reviewed publications as either the lead author or second/senior author in the area of climate science or climate modelling. A proven track record of publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at scientific conferences is required.
4.3. Required Skills
Proficiency in research methodologies, including study design, data collection, and advanced statistical analysis.
Strong competency in public health research methods, vulnerability & adaptation assessments, and operational research.
Experience with GIS/remote sensing, basic climate modeling concepts, and statistical/data analysis tools
Experience in risk communication, community engagement, IPC in climat/epidemic contexts, and designing training materials.
Demonstrated scientific/technical writing and grant proposal development skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and collaborative environment.
Strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills.
Ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders and advocate for evidence-based policies.
Languages
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of additional local languages is an asset.
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their application letter, detailed CV, copies of relevant academic qualifications, and contact information from three professional references.
5. Application Process
6. Evaluation and Selection
The selection process will be based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and ability to fulfill the responsibilities outlined in this ToR. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview and may be required to present on a relevant research topic.
7. Reporting and Supervision
The Researcher will report to the Environmental Health Research Division, under the Nutrition, Environmental Health, and Non-Communicable Disease Research Directorate at EPHI and will coordinate closely with project coordinators, Ministry of Health focal persons, WHO technical officers, and other partners. Regular project updates and technical deliverables must be provided according to agreed timelines.
How To Apply
Note Interested applicants can register in Online through only THIS LINK send their CVs and relevant documents at the address given below within 07 days from the first appearance of the announcement
Ethiopian Public Health Institute
Remarks: Please attach copies of transcripts, academic degree, work experience letters together with the application. If not attached the copies you may be not short listed.
