CONSULTANT VI – QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

1. BACKGROUND TO THE ASSIGNMENT:

International Medical Corps is a global first responder, delivering emergency medical and related services to those affected by conflict, disaster, and disease. Our mission is to improve quality of

life through health services and related interventions that strengthen underserved communities worldwide. With the flexibility to respond rapidly to emergencies, we also offer medical services and training to people at the highest risk, always working to strengthen local healthcare systems and promote self-reliance.

The Quality Assurance, Research, and Innovations department (QARI), provides leadership and technical oversight of International Medical Corps’ (IMC) global programs. The department’s Technical Unit (TU) hosts multiple disciplines that support program sector areas including, public health, health systems, Mental health and psychosocial support, child protection, gender-based violence, water, sanitation and hygiene, nutrition, and food security and livelihoods. The

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Unit complements the core sector expertise through providing advisory services for routine and formative program monitoring and evaluation.

The Research, Evidence and Learning (REL) Unit is a new addition under the QARI Department, building on IMC’s successful track record for applied research over the past ten years and further investing in shaping and creating the future of our evidence generation and learning.

The unit supports the design and implementation of a wide range of scientific and operational research alongside IMC country teams and established partners.

As International Medical Corps’ research and evidence portfolio expands, additional expertise is required on new research opportunities. The REL Unit is seeking an experienced researcher to provide technical support in study design, statistical analysis, and reporting.

2. PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

The Consultant will bring expertise and knowledge primarily in quantitative study design and statistical analysis. The consultant will be responsible for supporting: 1) the development of new research studies, 2) data analysis and 3) preparation of manuscripts.

The Consultant will work closely with all relevant REL focal points, as well as QARI department focal points for research. The consultant will be managed by the Senior Advisor, Global MEAL & Research with oversight by the Senior Director (QARI department).

3. SCOPE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

• Support the conceptualization, design, and development of new research studies.
• Perform quantitative data analysis according to analysis plans.
• Contribute to the write-up of manuscripts.

4. DELIVERABLES DESCRIPTION

1. New Research Study Development

• Support the conceptualization, design, and development of new research studies, including proposing suitable and contextually appropriate methods based on research questions and context.
• Support in drafting study proposals, protocols, and data analysis plans as needed.
• Perform sample size and power calculations for a variety of study design methods and scenarios.
• Support the ethical approval process for new studies at national and international levels as needed.

2. Data Collection and Analysis

• Support or lead the development of data collection tools based on the proposal.
• Develop protocols and code to automate data quality management systems.
• Summarize data using relevant univariable and bivariable analysis techniques.
• Perform advanced analyses including development of multivariable models.
• Prepare clear analysis files with step-by-step explanations and interpretation of output including creating graphics and tables displaying results.

3. Preparation of Manuscripts

• Assist in the preparation of manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, including writing methods and results sections as well as creating publication-quality tables and figures, and assisting with the revision of manuscripts.

Perform other duties as assigned. The duties and responsibilities listed above are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and are not necessarily all inclusive.

Deadlines to be determined when Consultant is identified. Additional hours of work are planned for internal onboarding procedures and routine communication.

4.1. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT DELIVERABLES

The Consultant will work independently, for an estimated 5 days/ month effective from November 15, 2023 – June 30, 2024 to achieve the deliverables outlined above.

5. SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Experience

• Masters (minimum 6 years of proven research project design, implementation and production of evidence) OR PhD (minimum 4 years in research project design, implementation and production of evidence) in Public Health or related field;
• Experience in quantitative study design and statistical analysis; research proposal development; study protocols and analysis plans; and manuscript writing.

Desirable: Advanced coursework in biostatistics, epidemiology, or a related quantitative field Experience with randomized trials; applied experience or capability to apply quasi-experimental methods in study design and analysis.

Competencies

• Strong research and analytical skills;
• Prior experience developing predictive and causal models;
• Expertise with Stata, SAS, or R (preferred) software for data analysis. (Note: consultant should have an existing license to use subscription- based statistical software as IMC will not provide this);
• Ability to present data visually through informative figures and charts;
• Demonstrated competency in writing quantitative research articles (please add references to CV);
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Desirable: Applied experience with multiple types of regression models, particularly logistic, poisson and cox regression and mixed effects models; Prior experience analyzing complex survey data from cross-sectional studies; Ability to perform survival analysis.

Language(s) Fluency in English, both written and oral, is required.

To perform this consultancy successfully, an individual must be able to perform each task with or without reasonable accommodation.​​​​​​​

Code of Conduct
As applicable to this position, an individual must promote and encourage a culture of compliance and ethics throughout the organization and maintain a clear understanding of International Medical Corps and donor compliance and ethics standards and adheres to those standards.

Safeguarding
It is all staff shared responsibility and obligation to safeguard and protect populations with whom we work, including adults who may be particularly vulnerable and children. This includes safeguarding from the following conduct by our staff or partners: sexual exploitation and abuse; exploitation, neglect, or abuse of children, adults at risk, or LGBTI individuals; and any form of trafficking in persons. Staff are also responsible for preventing violations to our Code of Conduct and Ethics, which may involve Conflicts of Interest, Fraud, Corruption or Harassment. If you see, hear or are made aware of any violations to the Code of Conduct and Ethics or Safeguarding Policy, you have an obligation to report.

Equal Opportunities
International Medical Corps is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.