Field Coordinator for the Cash for Prevention of Acute Malnutrition in Somalia (C4PAM) Study

About Us:

This role involves coordinating and managing implementation of a research study funded by the World Food Programme (WFP) in partnership with Evidence for Change (e4c).

e4c is a local humanitarian research organization based in East Africa that promotes innovative approaches to humanitarian action. The research study, entitled “Cash for Prevention of Acute Malnutrition in Somalia (C4PAM),” aims to assess the impact of adding top-up cash or supplementary feeding with special nutritious food to relief cash on improving diet diversity and reducing the risk of acute malnutrition in children aged 6-59 months and pregnant and lactating women (PLWS) during a humanitarian crisis in southern Somalia. The study will investigate the effectiveness of these interventions against risk factors for acute child malnutrition. Subject to ethical and administrative permissions being granted by the Ministry of Health, the study will take place among cash beneficiaries of WFP in Baidoa and Mogadishu districts in Somalia.

Start Date: To Be Confirmed

Purpose:

The post-holder will be responsible for coordinating and managing study implementation in the field, including participant recruitment, data collection, team management, and compliance with ethical guidelines. These include:

Study Planning and Implementation:

• Assist in the development of study protocols and procedures.
• Coordinate and oversee the implementation of the randomized study in the field.
• Ensure adherence to study timelines, procedures, and ethical guidelines.
• Plan and schedule participant recruitment, enrolment, and follow-up activities.

Participant Recruitment and Retention:

• Develop and implement strategies for participant recruitment and retention.
• Liaise with relevant stakeholders to identify potential study participants.
• Conduct outreach activities to inform and engage potential participants.
• Screen and assess eligibility of participants based on study criteria.
• Maintain communication with participants and address any questions or concerns.

Data Collection and Documentation:

• Coordinate data collection activities in the field.
• Train and supervise data collection personnel
• Ensure accurate and complete data collection according to study protocols.
• Monitor data quality and resolve any discrepancies or issues.
• Maintain proper documentation of study-related activities, participant records, and consent forms.

Field Team Management:

• Supervise and manage field staff involved in the study.
• Provide guidance and support to field team members.
• Coordinate team schedules and ensure efficient deployment of resources.
• Conduct regular meetings with the field team to discuss progress and address challenges.
• Foster a positive and collaborative team environment.

Compliance and Ethics:

• Ensure compliance with ethical guidelines and regulations.
• Maintain confidentiality and privacy of participant information.
• Adhere to data protection and confidentiality protocols.
• Monitor and report adverse events or ethical concerns as per established procedures.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Liaise with local communities, organizations, and relevant stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key partners and collaborators.
• Coordinate meetings, workshops, or events involving stakeholders.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration between the research team and stakeholders.

Study Reporting and Documentation:

• Prepare regular progress reports on study activities and milestones.
• Contribute to the preparation of study-related manuscripts or reports.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of field study activities.
• Assist in the preparation of presentations or materials for dissemination of study findings.

Problem-solving and Adaptability:

• Identify and troubleshoot field-related challenges or issues.
• Implement appropriate solutions and adapt study procedures as needed.
• Exercise judgment and make decisions in complex or unforeseen situations.
• Remain flexible and responsive to changing study needs and priorities.

Security and safety:

• Monitor available information on the security situation in the study area. Communicate any new and significant information to your supervisor within e4c.
• Ensure that data collection teams comply with relevant security and safety procedures.
• Comply with security and safety instructions issued by e4c.

The ideal candidate will:

1. Have MSc in health/nutrition related background
2. Have min of 5 years of experience conducting research in humanitarian settings
3. Be fluent in Somali and English. Ideally, the candidate will also speak Maay and/or other Somali dialects/languages.
4. Be willing to travel to and work in those areas, while abiding by the security restrictions and procedures of our partner organizations.
5. Be competent in conducting online and face-to-face training sessions and be experienced in using MS Office applications such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.