Research and Learning Officer
Job Id: req57468
Location: Dhusamareeb, Galguduud
Country: Somalia
Category: Technical Units
Employee Category: Fixed Term
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Arrangement: In-person
Open To Expatriates: No
Currency: United States Dollar
Compensation: Annually
About IRC
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that responds to the world’s most pressing crises. Established in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC provides life-saving assistance and long-term support to refugees, displaced populations, and vulnerable communities in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities.
In Somalia, IRC focuses on health, education, economic development, and protection programs. The Research and Learning Officer will play a key role in monitoring, evaluating, and improving maternal and newborn health (MNH) services in Dhusamareeb, supporting both host communities and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Position Overview
Under the supervision of the Research Project Coordinator, the Research and Learning Officer will oversee the monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) activities of a community-based maternal and newborn care (CBMNC) project. The project integrates user-centered design, behavioral insights, and evidence-based research to improve maternal and newborn healthcare in low-income, conflict-affected settings.
The Research and Learning Officer will work closely with community health staff, local authorities, research partners, and government agencies to ensure that program activities align with national and international health standards.
Key Responsibilities
1. Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Leadership
- Serve as the M&E focal point for the CBMNC project in Dhusamareeb.
- Develop and implement monitoring frameworks to track MNH interventions.
- Analyze health indicators and program performance, ensuring alignment with national and international health guidelines.
- Oversee baseline studies, progress assessments, and impact evaluations.
- Conduct data collection, validation, and reporting for project activities.
2. Technical Support & Capacity Building
- Provide technical oversight and mentorship to community health staff.
- Develop and implement supervision tools and training programs for community health workers.
- Support research partners in designing and executing high-quality data collection processes.
- Build partner capacity through on-the-job coaching and formal training sessions.
3. Reporting & Knowledge Sharing
- Prepare high-quality analytical reports on program performance, challenges, and recommendations.
- Consolidate village-level data and provide feedback to technical teams and stakeholders.
- Document and share lessons learned, best practices, and success stories.
- Ensure findings contribute to evidence-based programming and policy advocacy.
4. Government & Partner Engagement
- Participate in review meetings with government agencies, NGOs, and health partners.
- Support the integration of research findings into national MNH strategies.
- Collaborate with local health authorities and partners to enhance program effectiveness.
- Advocate for MNH improvements based on research and project learnings.
5. Data Management & Digital Tools
- Maintain a centralized data platform for tracking project indicators.
- Utilize Microsoft Excel and other M&E software for data analysis and visualization.
- Ensure the accurate and ethical collection, storage, and reporting of research data.
Minimum Qualifications
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Development Studies, Research Methods, or Statistics from a recognized institution.
- At least 2 years of experience in health, community health programming, or research.
- Strong background in M&E, especially quantitative research for maternal and newborn health (MNH) or community health.
Technical & Professional Skills:
- Advanced proficiency in English (oral and written) and Microsoft Excel for data analysis.
- Experience in developing and implementing M&E systems.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
- Ability to train and motivate teams.
- Experience working with government agencies and local partners.
- Willingness to travel to field locations and work in challenging environments.
Professional Conduct & Equal Opportunity
IRC Core Values:
The IRC Way upholds principles of Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality. Employees must comply with global humanitarian and safeguarding standards, including:
- Child Protection & Beneficiary Protection Policies
- Workplace Harassment & Anti-Retaliation Policies
Gender & Disability Inclusion Commitment
IRC is committed to gender equality and leadership diversity. The organization provides parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols, and inclusive workplace policies to support women and marginalized groups.
Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply. IRC will provide reasonable accommodations for interviews and workplace adjustments as needed.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications via the IRC Careers Portal.
🛑 Application Deadline: Rolling basis until the position is filled.
📍 Location: Dhusamareeb, Somalia (In-person role)
