Research Associate, EatSafe (Sokoto) at the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) is a Swiss-based foundation launched at the UN in 2002 to tackle the human suffering caused by malnutrition. Working with both governments and businesses, we aim to transform food systems so that they deliver more nutritious food for all people. In particular, we aim to make healthier food choices more desirable, more available, and more affordable. GAIN’s mission is to advance nutrition outcomes by improving consumption of nutritious and safe food for all people, especially the most vulnerable to malnutrition.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Research Associate, EatSafe

Location: Sokoto
Classification: D3 - Associate
Travel required: 20%
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Duration: 24 Months

Job Description

• We are seeking a Research Associate, EatSafe to provide technical and coordination support for EatSafe project activities. This position will be based in Sokoto, Nigeria.

Overall Purpose

• The USAID-funded EatSafe: Evidence and Action Towards Safe, Nutritious Food program will be implemented by a consortium led by GAIN with the goal of generating evidence and knowledge of the potential of increased consumer demand for safe food to substantially improve the safety of nutritious foods in informal market settings in low- and middle-income countries.
• The EatSafe Research Associate will contribute to and support research and project implementation efforts, identify and liaise with local counterparts in Sokoto, and provide technical and coordination support for project activities.

Tasks and Responsibilities
Project implementation support and coordination:

• Working closely with the Head of EatSafe Country Programmes and project staff to support implementation of the project’s activities including but not limited to overseeing implementation of activities in the market, supervise data collection activities; verify data quality, coordinate local partners and support local stakeholder engagement
• Collaborating with colleagues to implement the project’s research activities (e.g., finalization of research design; help design, format, and ensure translation of research tools); supporting training for data collection; supervising data collection activities and verifying data quality
• Ensuring that all project activities are completed according to the implementation timeframe and budget
• Supporting the Head of EatSafe Country Programmes to implement strong project management processes, ensuring regular communication with partners and colleagues, and ensuring smooth and timely budget disbursements

Research implementation, communication, and application of research findings:

• Ensuring that the programme research activities and outputs are integrated and aligned with other country programme strategy
• Working closely with local research and implementing partners, contractors and consultants to ensure all research activities are completed as planned, on time, and with high quality
• Under the supervision of the Head of Eat Safe Country Programmes, carry out literature reviews, stakeholder consultations and other desk-review activities from development of the approach through to conduct, report writing, and report publication / dissemination
• Working with research staff and Head of EatSafe Country Programme to support preparation of materials and planning for meetings and workshops
• Supporting research translation and dissemination, including but not limited to preparation of presentations and abstracts, technical briefs, journal articles, case studies, success stories, and/or blogs
• Handling the measurement and testing of programme interventions in Sokoto State, the stakeholder engagement processes
• Responsible for the tracking and monitoring of programme implementations.

Key Organisational Relationships

• Reporting to the Head of EatSafe Country Programmes
• Act as a member of the GAIN Nigeria Country team, EatSafe in Nigeria team and the global EatSafe and Knowledge Leadership teams
• Working closely with Finance, HR, IT and Legal teams in representative offices and country offices as required
• Collaborating with project partners and other key external stakeholders as required

Job Requirements
Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Safety, Microbiology, Nutrition, Public Health, Anthropology, Sociology, Economics, or a suitable equivalent.
• A Postgraduate qualification (Master’s Degree) in relevant disciplines would be an advantage

Experience:

• Demonstrated work experience in project management and research programmatically relevant area
• Experience in food safety research or closely related fields/research in the food and agriculture space
• Experience in implementing research activities; data analysis, visualization, and reporting
• Experience working across disciplines and with both qualitative and quantitative or mixed methods research would be an advantage
• Knowledge in overseeing the implementation of project activities on time, on budget and of high quality
• Experience developing and managing successful partnerships
• Understanding of issues related to food safety and traditional markets in Nigeria.

Competencies:

• Strong analytical and technical abilities
• Knowledge of research techniques, including both qualitative and quantitative methods
• Data analysis and reporting skills
• Ability to use initiative, prioritize, multi-task, and work well under pressure to meet deadlines
• Negotiation and advocacy skills
• Ability to manage contractors to deliver high-quality results
• Clear and systematic thinking that demonstrates good judgment, expert problem solving, and creativity
• Strong communication skills in multicultural, multi-lingual environment
• Flexible and goal oriented
• IT literate, with excellent MS Office skills; experience with data analysis software such as Stata a plus
• Skilled with organization, planning, and time management
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written)
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work alone and in a team setting.

Other requirements:

• Resident in Sokoto, Sokoto State
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Hausa essential.

What GAIN Offers

• Salary: The starFrom NGN6,100,478 - NGN6,966,279 per annum, depending on experience.
• Flexible working hours
• Friendly working environment
• Professional development opportunities

Application Closing Date
28th February, 2022.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Click here for more information (PDF)