The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Sexual and reproductive health is a core component of the IRC’s work with a comprehensive package aiming to ensure care before, during, and after pregnancy – including safe and respectful maternity and delivery services for women and newborns; access to clients’ contraceptive of choice; treatment of sexually transmitted diseases; post-abortion care; and clinical care for survivors of sexual assault. The IRC completed the implementation of the She Cares Program at the end of 2024 and under this project, evaluation research will be conducted to measure contraceptive uptake and equity compared to other traditional models as well as client experiences and other program insights to support scale to impact.

Job Overview: 

This position will be based in either the Yumbe or Lamwo offices and directly reports to the health manager but will receive technical support from the reproductive health manager. The Research Officer will be responsible for ensuring that the evaluation phase is implemented in accordance with program guidelines and work plans. Specifically, the  Research Officer will play a central research, and program management role for this project.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Research Officer will oversee research assistants who will be responsible for data collection working closely with the MEAL officer. The Research officer will be responsible for implementing the research protocol as per the design and will be responsible for monitoring progress against set objectives during the research period They will take leadership in establishing a MEAL strategy that links with the research objectives. They will be responsible for safe custody and ensuring that all research material is stored to maintain maximum safety  The Research officer will support the refinement of key tools and resources that can be used for such a program evaluation – including those that support program implementation They will work with research assistants and enumerators to conduct key informant interviews, client interviews as well as program staff interviews They will coordinate routine staff meetings to discuss implementation progress and course correction as per work plan and allocated time for tasksThey will support the research component of the project as a core member of the research teamThey will contribute to any research protocol development, IRB application submissions, and research tool development They will be responsible for executing and overseeing the process documentation component of the study They will lead any research/program learning dissemination events working with the advocacy manager and reproductive health manager.
KEY WORKING REALTIONSHIPS Position reports to: The Reproductive Health Manager Position directly supervises: Research Assistants.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct.  These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability.  In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

Gender Equality & Equal Opportunity

We are committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer generous benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances. We welcome and strongly encourage qualified female professionals to apply. IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. This position is only for Ugandan nationals to apply; IRC strives to attract, motivate, and retain qualified national staff in our programs.

Deadline for receiving applications is April 4th,2025