Research Officer – Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation

Research Officer – Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation

Department / Location: Program/ District Based (Banke and Rolpa, Lumbini Province)
Note: Please mention your choice district in the cover letter while applying for the position.
Duration: 10 months

Reports to:

Direct Line Supervision: Sr. Research Manager
Project: Introduction of Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) For Pregnant Women in Nepal
Collaboration with:
Internal: In Helen Keller with MMS project team
External: Provincial and local government, I/NGOs working in nutrition sector, and health facilities.

Job Purpose: Micronutrient deficiencies in pregnant women pose a significant and pressing public health challenge in Nepal. During pregnancy, there is an increased demand for essential micronutrients to support the growth and development of both the mother and the developing fetus. However, a substantial portion of pregnant women in Nepal continue to suffer from inadequate intake of essential micronutrients, such as iron, folic acid, vitamin A, and others. This deficiency risks the health of pregnant women and has a serious implication for the well-being of their newborns.

Within the context of maternal nutrition and micronutrient supplementation, there are evidence suggesting that the multiple micronutrient supplement (MMS) based on the United Nations International Multiple Micronutrient Antenatal Preparation (UNIMMAP) to addressing the complex micronutrient needs of pregnant women and improved birth outcomes compared to IFA supplementation.

Considering the evidence base, Helen Keller International in collaboration with various other stakeholders conducted landscape analysis in Nepal which recommended to conduct the implementation research for exploring the acceptability and adherence of MMS in the pregnant women. The evidence generated from this research will guide policymakers and stakeholders in the decision making for IFA to MMS transition.

Overall responsibilities: The Consultant – Research Officer position based in district of Lumbini province will coordinate with around twenty health facilities across different urban/rural municipality for research purpose, oversee three Research Associates and work together with them in data collection through households’ visits, key informant interview, focus group discussion, data quality control, data transcribing and translation for determining acceptability and adherence to multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) in pregnant women. The Research Officer will work in close coordination with Research coordinator and Research Manager. The Consultant – Research Officer will follow Helen Keller’s research ethics.

Specific roles and responsibilities:

• Coordinate data collection efforts at around twenty health facilities and communities for both quantitative and qualitative data.
• Oversee and support six research associate in data collection.
• Weekly review and verify collected data for accuracy and completeness.
• Conduct in-depth interviews and focus group discussions.
• Conduct transcribing, translation, and coding of qualitative data.
• Support on quality control for both quantitative and qualitative data collection.
• Ensure data collection activities in the field are executed efficiently and according to the research implementation plan.
• Collaborate effectively with research team members, stakeholders, and health facilities.

Qualifications and Competencies:

Educational Degree:

• Should have at least bachelor’s degree in public health, nursing, nutrition or relevant field.
• At least five years of past experiences in research related activities of I/NGOs in nutrition/health sectors.
• Sound knowledge on quantitative research methods.
• Experienced in conducting qualitative data collection, data transcribing and translation, and analysis.
• Experience working in the district-based position.
• Excellent written and spoken Nepali and English language skills.
• Computer literate and proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint.

In the spirit of our founder and namesake, Helen Keller is dedicated to building an inclusive workforce where diversity is fully valued.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, caste, age, disability, or any other status that has no bearing on the ability of an individual to perform the functions of the job. The deadline for the submission is until December 1, 2024.