FHI 360 is seeking applicants for the Research and Design Lead of an anticipated USAID Title II Development Food Security Activity (DFSA) program in Kenya. The program will use an integrated, multi-sectoral approach to sustainably reduce acute malnutrition levels among vulnerable groups in northern Kenya. Program implementation will utilize a phased approach with the first 18 to 24 months focused on a research and collaborative design phase, followed by a second phase of systems-driven implementation and institutional strengthening.
The Research and Design Lead will provide technical leadership to formative research activities, refinement of the Theory of Change, and development of a locally adapted programmatic approach to sustainably reduce levels of acute malnutrition in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) in Kenya within the USAID Title II Food for Peace funded Development Food Security Activity (DFSA) program. This role will additionally ensure the appropriateness and rigor of research methods, overseeing data collection and analysis related to formative research, and ascertain whether research results are useful and applicable for making decisions on program design. The Research and Design Lead will be based in Nairobi and reports to the Chief of Party.
- Provide technical leadership to the formative research activities during the project.
- Design, adopt and refine theory of change (TOC) in alignment with food security project interventions.
- Ensure the appropriateness and rigor of research methods and oversee data collection and analysis.
- Ensure research results are useful and applicable for making program design decisions.
- Consolidate research results/outcomes to facilitate program decision making and integration of learning to project.
- Define program quality standards and accountability systems and ensure they are adhered to.
- Spearhead coordination and collaboration of program, research and technical staff / experts and other key stakeholders including Government of Kenya, USAID and partners.
- Ensure close coordination of research activities across all program activities to ensure synergistic operation.
- Work closely with the Strategic Learning Lead and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Lead to ensure learning and knowledge application is on course through-out project life.
- Participate in regular senior management meetings and provide insights to inform technical and operational decisions.
- Develop and implement a research dissemination strategy, feedback adaptation and advocacy initiatives.
- Provide technical support to project teams in the development and distribution of research tools, materials, and reports.
- Ensure representation in various research and networking forums.
- Education and experience in designing and evaluating nutrition implementation research is preferred.
- In-depth understanding of applied research methods and project design.
- Experience in programming USAID Title II development programs, including developing learning agendas
- Understanding of USAID’s CLA Framework and how it can improve programming.
- Demonstrated experience gathering research data, developing adaptation strategies, and communicating findings to internal and external stakeholders.
- Field work experience in research, design and evaluation, especially in the area of acute malnutrition.
- Working knowledge of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive programs.
- Demonstrated experience in food security, knowledge management, organizational learning, and capacity strengthening.
- Excellent organizational skills, ability to plan and coordinate work; ability
- Self-manage a diverse and dynamic set of responsibilities.
- Demonstrated computer operating skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office products, and virtual technologies
- Ability to interact positively with all levels of the organization and across organizational and cultural boundaries.
- Proven ability to work creatively and independently both in the field and in the office.
- Knowledge of adaptive management techniques.
- Ability to travel up to 50% of time per year to remote project sites in northern Kenya.
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