Gender Research Officer

Position description

Helen Keller Intl is an international Non-Profit Organization currently working in 14 countries in Africa, Kenya included. Helen Keller Intl was co-founded by Helen Keller. The organization is guided by her fierce optimism and belief in human potential. Since 1915, the organization has delivered life-changing programs that are proven and science-based targeting vulnerable families in places where the need is great but access to care is limited. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities each county faces, and we tailor our programs to provide actionable recommendations for improved health outcomes.

Helen Keller in partnership with Vitamin Angels and IDE are implementing “Transforming Lives through Nutrition” initiative across 12 countries aimed to improve maternal and child health through the delivery of evidence-based nutrition interventions and strengthening health and food systems at scale by putting women and children at the centre. Embedded within the Transforming Lives Initiative is the Global Affairs Canada funded Gender Responsive Health Services Project that comprises of a research study which aims to understand the range of gender-related barriers women face in seeking and accessing five lifesaving nutrition interventions from the health system (prenatal supplements, counselling and support for optimal breastfeeding and complementary feeding, vitamin A supplementation of children 6-59 months, and the early detection and treatment of acute malnutrition in children under five) to inform improved delivery models.

For the implementation of a mixed-method participatory action research study in Kilifi County in Kenya, Helen Keller is currently recruiting a Research Officer to support the Gender Research Manager and Data collectors. Reporting to the Gender Research Manager, the Research Officer will be engaged in data collection supervision, data collection activities (e.g., In-depth and key informant interviews, surveys, focus group discussions using participatory approaches), data documentation and data quality management. This position is based in Kilifi with frequent travel to the study sites at the sub counties.

Position: Gender Research Officer

Where: Kilifi

Level of responsibility: Reports to Gender Research Manager

Contract period; 1 year with the possibility to extend

Objective of the Gender Research Officer Position:

1. Ensure quality implementation of the Gender Responsive Health Services project project
2. Support in implementation of a gender participatory research and follow up on actions
3. Support in coordination of project stakeholders at the County and reporting of project results.

Key Responsibilities

1. Ensure quality implementation of the project

• Act as a focal and liaison person to the county, sub-counties, and other partners and support in organizing meetings with relevant county departments and stakeholders throughout the project.
• Develop monthly activity workplan and track the progress regularly
• Attend a five-day mandatory participatory action research methodology training (March17-22)
• Work collaboratively with Helen Keller program and M &E teams as well as consultants
• Assisting in the preparation of reports, presentations, learning events
• Through respect of Helen Keller procurement processes and procedures, make timely requests for supplies and commodities as per project budget and procurement plan.

1. Organize project coordination forums with external and internal stakeholders

• Represent Helen Keller in county coordination, other stakeholder meetings and any other forum as may be assigned.
• Work in collaboration with the communities and local leaders at all stages of project implementation

1. Monitor Project Progress and Document the achievements.

• Support enumerator data collection training
• On-site and direct supervision and management of data collection activities to ensure adherence to prescribed protocols and quality standards
• Facilitate Key Informant Interviews, In-depth Interviews, and Focus Group Discussions, and administer surveys using participatory approaches
• Support data cleaning and analysis.
• Support documentation of human-interest stories, and best practices from the project implementation for learning
• Any other responsibilities as assigned.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Quality Assurance and Quality Control

• Ensure consistency of information collected through KIIs and FGDs
• Conduct in-person adherence to prescribed data collection protocols
• Lead daily data collection debriefs to provide feedback and address challenges for data quality improvement
• Submit daily reports based on a standardized checklist developed to document adherence to data collection protocol and team performance.

Qualifications and Skills Required

• Master’s degree in social sciences, Gender Studies, or related from a recognized university. Ph.D. students will be considered.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience with participatory action research including participatory research methods
• Experience in community engagement, mobilization, and working directly with community groups.
• Demonstrated experience facilitating Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions and other qualitative data methods
• Demonstrated ability to write and speak English, Swahili and fluency in the local language
• Familiarity with GESI approaches and health systems in nutrition and health programming and local communities is an added advantage
• Ability to collaborate within teams and build equitable, trust-based partnerships with community stakeholders
• Experience working with cross cultural and multidisciplinary teams
• Demonstrated experience in understanding research ethics and safeguarding, particularly in community-based and participatory contexts, including consent processes and power dynamics.
• Must be willing to travel across sub counties, wards and work long flexible hours including some weekends
• Any other duties as assigned

Application instructions

Application package should include:

1. Updated CV
2. Application letter highlighting their experiences with participatory action research specifying data collection methods, engagement in facilitation of community groups and research participants, applying GESI approaches, leading / managing teams and data analysis. (Please combine the cover letter and CV and share as one document to [email protected])
3. Writing sample (preferably focused on participatory action research)
4. List and contacts of 3 professional referees

All candidates must be available to attend mandatory research training March 18-22, 2025. Candidates are encouraged to apply before the deadline, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

NB: HELEN KELLER INTERNATIONAL

• DOES NOT RECRUIT THROUGH A RECRUITMENT AGENCY;

• DOES NOT CHARGE ANY FEES OF ANY KIND TO THE CANDIDATE;

• DOES NOT REQUEST INFORMATION ABOUT CANDIDATES' BANK ACCOUNTS;

ALL RECRUITMENTS ARE FREE OF CHARGE

In the spirit of our namesake, Helen Keller is dedicated to building an inclusive workforce where diversity in all its forms is fully valued

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