Implementation Research

Purpose of Activity/Assignment:

The Primary Health Care and Health Systems Strengthening (PHC-HSS) Unit in the Health Section of UNICEF Headquarters in New York is devoted to providing technical leadership to strengthen implementation research (IR) and the use of data for action to ensure that maternal, neonatal, child and adolescent health (MNCAH) programmes are evidence-based and equity-focused. PHC-HSS unit works closely with UNICEF country and regional offices to translate research into action and impact. While supporting implementation research, the unit also collaborates with implementers, policymakers, research institutions and other implementation partners to ensure the best evidence is available to inform action for children.

The Implementation Research Consultant will support the execution of implementation research in countries within the designated region or regions. The incumbent will provide guidance and support to generate evidence from implementation research embedded in MNCAH programs to improve coverage and equity in priority countries (e.g., Gavi, GFF, Global Fund). The incumbent will also work to disseminate findings from embedded implementation research and build capacity within countries in the designated region or regions, within both UNICEF and partners on the methodology and approach to undertake embedded implementation research that leads to timely improvements in programme delivery of MNCAH services. The incumbent works in close

collaboration with other members of PHC-HSS Unit, the Immunization Unit, DHIS unit, and other health colleagues, particularly in country offices, as well as partners, in particular those within countries, such as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and WHO (e.g., the Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research, TDR).

Scope of Work:

Provide support to undertaking embedded implementation research within countries, with a particular focus on primary health care

• Help support PHC-HSS team and work with national, regional and global partners to identify key priorities for embedded implementation research within priority countries for child health service delivery, with a particular focus on primary health care.
• Conduct relevant literature and systematic reviews on different IR topics to expand knowledge in the area.
• Provide technical support to facilitate capacity building activities for the development of protocols for implementation research within countries, and to the execution of ensuing research studies

Support dissemination and application of findings from existing implementation research activities.

• Help support facilitate workshop(s) and other fora to disseminate the findings of implementation research.
• Support the write-up in peer reviewed publications of the results of implementation research, with a particular focus on PHC.
• Support the write-up of policy briefs, infographics and other context specific dissemination products based on the results of implementation research on PHC

Help support capacity building activities within countries and within UNICEF and partners to undertake embedded implementation research

• Conduct capacity building activities within countries for implementation research, including protocol development workshops.
• Support the development of courses, including e-courses, for implementers and researchers undertaking implementation research.
• Support UNICEF staff to build capacity for implementation research and document the model UNICEF is employing with partners to undertake implementation research.

Terms of Reference / Key Deliverables:

• Finalized IR handbook and an implementation plan developed for the handbook. – By 30 Oct 2024.
• Draft report and a manuscript for journal publication based on the results. Update pro-equity immunization and gender learning database based on the results. – By 30 Nov 2024
• Training course developed and launched. – By 30 Jan 2025
• capacity building session facilitated. – By 15 May 2025
• Draft manuscript for publication based on the findings. – By 28 Feb 2025
• Update all sections of the IR website in every 3 months. – By 15 Jun 2025
• Report highlighting integrated and multi-sectoral UNICEF programming. – By 30 Mar 2025
• This consultancy involves international travels (approx. 2 months at country level) as needed. Should travel be requested, it will be covered by UNICEF as per policy. For agreed country visits, the consultant will be responsible in administering their own travel. UNICEF will reimburse travel related expenses based on actual costs or on the below criteria whichever is lower and upon presentation of receipts. Any travel involved should be budgeted according to UN Travel Standards as a ceiling.

Qualifications

Education:

• A Master´s degree in public health, epidemiology, health systems, health policy or related fields

Work experience:

• Have more than 5 years of work experience in the areas of public health, and expert knowledge on maternal, new-born, child and adolescent health issues and of health programs in low and middle-income countries.
• Experience in conducting implementation and health systems research and have adequate knowledge on program management, knowledge translation, and policy communications.
• At least 5 publications in peer-reviewed public health journals.

Source: https://jobs.unicef.org/en-us/job/572140/consultant-implementation-research-req-572140