SPECIAL VACANCY NOTICE Open to Internal and External Candidates Position Title: Lead Researcher (Consultant) Vacancy No : SVN/IOMSO/107/2016 Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya Classification: Ungraded equivalent to USD 400-450 per day (depending on the qualification) plus DSA when travelling to Somalia Type of Appointment: 5 months between 15 January 2017-15 June 2017 Organizational unit :Migration Health Division Reporting directly to : Health programme officer Overall supervision: Migration Health Division/Preparedness and Response Coordinator Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible Closing Date: 10th January 2017 Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants. Context: The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is one of the leading organizations in Somalia in the field of research on Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) as well as related programming for key populations. Since 2007, IOM, together with key stakeholders including the Ministries of Health as well as Somali National AIDS Commission (SNAC), Somaliland National AIDS Commission (SOLNAC) and Puntland AIDS Commission (PAC), has conducted a total of nine HIV studies on key populations. This includes the HIV key population size estimate and mapping study which is the critical preparatory study for the HIV and STI Biological and Behavioural Surveillance (IBBS) Study that this consultancy is for. In this context, IOM, with support and in collaboration with key stakeholders, will conduct an IBBS Study to target key populations and their clients such as uniformed services and truck drivers in Hargeisa, Bossaso and Mogadishu in order to assess Syphilis and HIV prevalence as well as behavioural risks in order to contribute to improve the effectiveness and efficiency for the current STI/HIV response in the country. This study will be a cross sectional study using mix method (both qualitative and quantitative). For qualitative data collection, IOM will conduct key stakeholders in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to understand the proxy factors correlated to unsafe sexual behaviours. For quantitative survey, IOM will be using the standardized representative sampling methods including Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS) that has been used to successfully recruit hard- IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment. Internal and external candidates are eligible to apply to this vacancy. For the purpose of the vacancy, internal candidates are considered as first-tier candidates. Page 2 / 4 to-reach key populations in various studies worldwide including two IOM IBBS Studies in Somaliland in 2008 and 2014. Main tasks and responsibilities Under the overall supervision of Chief of Mission of IOM Somalia and under the direct supervision of the Senior Management of Migration Health Division (MHD), in close collaboration and consultation with various key stakeholders, the incumbent will lead the entire IBBS Study including technical management, stakeholder coordination, data team supervision, field data collection and data management in order determine HIV and STI prevalence among the key populations in Hargeisa, Bossaso and Mogadishu. Specific tasks to be performed include: 1. Examine the relevant background literature, policies and operational plans, reports of HIV and STI studies and interventions for the key populations and any other relevant reviews, assessment and evaluations done by national or international organizations in Somalia and similar contexts; study and examine all tools, guidelines and scientific publications on research particularly, on mapping and size estimation among the key populations to inform preparation of background information and determination of appropriate methodologies for the study; meeting relevant persons including UNICEF, WHO and UNAIDS to guide protocol development, previous studies like the mapping and size estimation among the key populations and the IBBs conducted in Hargeisa in 2008 and 2014. 2. Prepare the detailed protocol and implementation plan including monitoring plan: prepare the detailed research protocol describing the methods in detail, data collection tools and formats, data collection plan etc. based on international guidelines and recommended standard methods and adapted to the cultural context; prepare the implementation schedule with timelines; plan for data quality, security and monitoring plan. 3. Conduct an IBBS Study in the key populations in Hargeisa, Bossaso and Mogadishu suing RDS after obtain ethical clearance from the relevant committees with support of the Technical Working Group (TWG); conduct field work maintaining quality and accepted norms and standards; conduct regular meeting with TWG for consensus and resolving issues; prepare a draft report based on preliminary data analysis and submit to TWG for approval. 4. Produce a comprehensive final report with recommendations to support HIV interventions for the key populations and how to strengthen access to critical prevention, treatment, care and support services for the key populations. 5. Disseminate the findings to stakeholders both in Nairobi and in the three zones. 6. Prepare the findings of the study in a format for publication in recognized international journals. Deliverables and Remuneration: Detailed work plan (by the 7th day of the consultancy) Finalized study documents including research tools, protocols, and manuals (by the 30th day of the consultancy) Interim report (by the 70th day of consultancy after conducting the field data collection) Submission of final research report for dissemination (by the last day of consultancy) Payment schedule First instalment: upon signing of contract (50%) Second instalment: upon submission of the interim report (20%) Final instalment: upon submission of the final report of the consultancy (30%) Required Qualifications and Experience Page 3 / 4 Experience A minimum of two years’ experience undertaking qualitative/quantitative social research in the field of HIV and AIDS, including research on key populations at higher risk of HIV Experience in working with the government, in particular the Ministry of Health Practical experience in leading research projects at field level in collaboration with government and stakeholders Experience in training research staff and in research methods and maintaining confidentiality of study respondents Knowledge on professional ethics and confidentiality in research and HCT/VCT settings Experience with RDS methodology and previous participation in IBBS Study an asset Education Degree in public health and/or anthropology, applied social research, or related background required Advanced degree in related field an asset Computer Skills Microsoft Office (word, excel, power point, etc.) required Experience with Epi Info, SPSS, STATA or RDSAT an asset Skills and Competencies Ability to work independently, with flexibility, and meet deadlines Demonstrated ability to identify, approach, and coordinate with stakeholders of diverse backgrounds and levels of expertise Understanding of qualitative and quantitative approaches in social science research Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal Excellent negotiation and management skills Ability to work in a team and good interpersonal skills Ability to work under time constraints and deadlines in difficult settings Languages Excellent command of spoken and written English Fluent in Somali Required Competencies Behavioural Takes responsibility and manages constructive criticism; Works effectively with all clients and stakeholders; Promotes continuous learning; communicates clearly; Takes initiative and drives high levels of performance management; Plans work, anticipates risks, and sets goals within area of responsibility; Displays mastery of subject matter; Contributes to a collegial team environment; Creates a respectful office environment free of harassment and retaliation, and promotes the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA); Incorporates gender-related needs, perspectives, and concerns, and promotes equal gender participation; Displays awareness of relevant technological solutions; Works with internal and external stakeholders to meet resource needs of IOM. Technical Delivers on set objectives in hardship situations; Effectively coordinates actions with other implementing partners; Works effectively with local authorities, stakeholders, beneficiaries, and the broader community to advance country office or regional objectives Page 4 / 4 Other Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment and verification of residency, visa and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.
HOW TO APPLY:
How to apply: Interested candidates should submit CV and a cover letter indicating the Vacancy Notice Number (SVN No) with three professional referees and their contacts (both email and telephone) to: recruitmentsomalia@iom.int Closing Date: 10 January, 2017. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Posting period: From 29.12.2016 to 10.01.2017
