Somalia: Local Research Coordinator Consultant

SPECIAL VACANCY NOTICE Open to Internal and External Candidates Position Title: Local Research Coordinator Consultant Vacancy No : SVN/IOMSO/103/2016 Duty Station: Bossaso, Puntland, Somalia Classification: Ungraded Consultancy Contract 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 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 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 been used to successfully recruit hard-to-reach key populations in various studies worldwide including two IOM IBBS Studies in Somaliland in 2008 and 2014. Nature of the consultancy Lead the coordination as well as field data collection of an IBBS study in Bossaso under the direct supervision of the Lead Researcher. Objective of the project: to establish baseline data on key HIV risk behaviours and STI and HIV prevalence among key affected populations in Somalia Tasks to be performed under this contract: Working under direction of the Lead Researcher and in close coordination with IOM staff and consultants, the incumbent will serve as the research coordinator on the ground, based in Bossaso, responsible for managing and participating in data gathering, overseeing quality control of interviewing, and ensuring data delivery to the Lead Researcher. The incumbent will be trained in RDS methodology, if not done so, and must have a thorough understanding of all components of RDS, including enrolment and eligibility procedures, interviewing processes, management and payment of the incentive, coupon management and steps involved in the collection and management of biological samples. Most importantly, the incumbent oversees the quality of the assessment process and ensures that staff members are following the protocol. The incumbent has broad management responsibility of the field team and is responsible for ensuring that staff members are conducting their jobs effectively. The incumbent will undertake the following tasks: a) Assist in recruitment of data gathering teams and training of new field staff (interviewers, screeners, coupon manager) b) Assist in locating and equipping appropriate RDS site, including procurement of test kits and other equipment and supplies c) With assistance of local IOM staff, liaise with local community leaders, government officials and other stakeholders in order to gain access to target groups and permission to undertake data collection d) Maintain close and constant communication with IOM support staff in Nairobi and Bossaso e) Data entry as required, and/or supervision of data entry staff f) Ensure prompt delivery of all data to the Lead Researcher g) Oversee quality assurance of the interview process and biological sample collection and performance of the interviewers, screener, and coupon manager. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring that the study protocol is strictly followed h) Fulfil the tasks of other RDS staff if required and therefore be capable of undertaking the tasks and responsibilities of other staff members (i.e., coupon manager, screener, interviewer) when needed i) Ensuring that the RDS interview sites are well stocked with supplies j) Filing, transporting, and maintaining documents while respecting the confidentiality of respondents at all times k) Ensure that all forms and questionnaires (electronic and paper based) are properly data entered and e-mailed to Principle Investigator for verification l) File and store in a locked file cabinet all data according to operating procedures on a daily basis, while respecting the confidentiality of respondents at all times m) Coordinate with and oversee collection of specimens and oversight of biological specimens and paperwork transport n) Coordinate and facilitate validation workshops with stakeholders o) Other duties as may be assigned by the Principle Investigator Page 3 / 4 Duration and Remuneration  Travel within Bossaso to data collection site will be required  Flexible hours (possibly very early mornings or late evenings) as dictated by the research requirements (and possibly subject to change part way through the contract)  Remuneration will be determined based on skills and experience Required Qualifications and Experience 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; Page 4 / 4  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 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: 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