Implementation Science & Research Specialist, LEAP Center

Description

Job Title: Implementation Science & Research Specialist, LEAP Center Reports to: Cluster Lead, Implementation Science Cluster (once hired); interim reporting to Deputy Director, LEAP Center Department: LEAP Center Location: Preference for Kigali or Butaro, Rwanda; open to remote work (ideally from another country of Partners In Health operations)Position overview The Implementation Science & Research Specialist will play a crucial role in launching and scaling the newly established Center for Leveraging Equity and Advancement in Practice (LEAP Center) within the University for Global Health Equity (UGHE). As a key early member of the LEAP Center’s Implementation Science Cluster, this role will champion the integration of research findings into programmatic strategy and delivery, ensuring that evidence directly informs improvements in service quality and health outcomes. The Specialist will work closely with implementer teams (especially at Partners In Health care delivery sites) to define research agendas, strengthen existing data systems, establish processes for data-driven quality improvement, and mentor colleagues in implementation science skills. The Specialist will also play a key role supporting the implementation of the new PIH Research Strategy, working in close collaboration with the Impact & Planning and Strategic Information Systems teams at the PIH US Coordination site. The Specialist will convene research leads and dissemination specialists across PIH sites to establish shared research priorities, strengthen processes for knowledge exchange, and provide targeted support to research and dissemination efforts for top priority topics. ResponsibilitiesSteward the PIH Research Strategy into Implementation

• Establish and facilitate cross-site research working groups: Bring together staff from multiple PIH sites to collaborate throughout the research life cycle, including research priority-setting, question development, study design, IRB protocol writing, study implementation, and manuscript preparation for peer-reviewed journals.
  • Facilitate a research quality assurance board: Under guidance from LEAP Center and PIH leaders, provide coordination and facilitation for a PIH/UGHE technical review board dedicated to upholding best practices and ensuring high quality research outputs across PIH sites and UGHE.Build Research Capacity
    • Train and mentor staff on research methods and academic writing: Deliver targeted training workshops and provide hands-on coaching to strengthen research skills and academic output across a range of necessary tasks, including study design, sample size calculations, survey tool development, data management, quantitative analysis, qualitative analysis, and manuscript development.
    • Support research grant writing: Provide hands-on assistance in developing grant proposals aligned with PIH/UGHE priority areas, increasing the organization’s ability to secure funding for high-impact research.Support Practical Implementation
      • Drive evidence-based program improvements: Work closely with care delivery teams to translate research results into actionable, evidence-based changes in program design and implementation.
      • Provide technical support on program design: In coordination with cross-functional teams, support care delivery teams in evidence-based program design for high-priority projects, including those supported by the Paul E. Farmer Legacy Fund.
      • Improve routine data systems to support implementation science: Work closely with Strategic Information Systems colleagues globally to improve the quality of routine data system implementation such that data outputs from these systems are high enough quality to utilize for effective evaluation and research.Strengthen Collaboration across PIH and UGHE
        • Promote cross-site learning: Collaborate with Impact & Planning and Strategic Information Systems (SIS) teams to develop and disseminate tools, resources, and communication products to ensure research learnings are accessible and actionable across Partners In Health.
          • Build UGHE-PIH collaboration: Seek opportunities for joint research and training and aim to reduce siloing between UGHE and broader PIH. Qualifications & Experience
            • Advanced degree in implementation science, public health, epidemiology, or related field.
            • Minimum 5 years’ experience in applied research, preferably in global health, including experience in the tools and approaches of implementation science
            • Strong skills in research design, implementation, analysis, and academic writing.
            • Experience mentoring and training staff in research methods and scientific communication.
            • Proven ability to translate research findings into programmatic improvements and policy recommendations.
            • Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with diverse, cross-functional teams.
            • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; fluency in English required, French, Spanish, or other relevant languages an asset.
              • Interest in social justice and commitment to global health and/or health equity research Working conditionsTravel: anticipated 10-20% Benefits of Working at UGHE At the University of Global Health Equity, we invest in your well-being and professional growth from day one. Below is a range of our benefits;
                • Medical Insurance (employee and legal dependents)
                • Life Insurance (employee only)
                • 13th Month pay cheque
                • 23 vacation days
                • Communications allowance including home internet
                • Employee wellness program (Gym membership for employee only)
                • Subsidised meal plan while in Butaro
                • Shared housing while in Butaro
                • Relocation allowance for employee and their legal dependents (where applicable)
                • Work permit fees and processing (employee and dependents)
                • Leave flights back home for employee and legal dependents (where applicable)
                • Professional development opportunities to help you advance your careerChoose UGHE for a benefits package designed to empower you-personally and professionally-so you can focus on what matters most: making a global impact in health equity. At UGHE, you will collaborate with a diverse team sourced from different corners of the world-gaining fresh perspectives, expanding your professional network, and accelerating both your personal and career growth through cross-cultural learning and diverse expertise.How To apply Applicants should provide: (1) a resume, (2) a cover letter, (3) names and contact information of three professional references who can attest to work experience, and (4) copies of all degrees earned. Please upload your cover letter and copies of degrees as a single PDF file under \"Additional Files\" on the application page. University of Global Health Equity is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Organizational Profile UGHE is a new kind of university focused on training the next generation of global leaders in health care delivery. The university launched in Rwanda in September 2015. Through an academic experience uniquely rooted in the values of equity, students are empowered to both ease suffering at the bedside and drive transformational, systemic changes to the health system. UGHE is an initiative of Partners In Health (PIH), an internationally recognized non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a preferential option for the poor in health care. Members of the UGHE community are tenacious and resolute in our drive to attain social justice, make common cause with those in need, listen to and learn from others, and operate with honesty and humility as we uphold academic integrity and intellectual curiosity. The University of Global Health Equity seeks individuals committed to these values to join the team. Commitment to Safeguarding and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Sexual Harassment: At UGHE, we are committed to ensuring that those who benefit from our work- including community members – as well as our students, contractors, staff, and visitors to our campus are treated with dignity and respect and protected from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment and any form of systemic abuse, whilst reducing risk and vulnerabilities. A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with UGHE’s policy. UGHE will request information from applicants’ previous employers about any findings of fraud, harassment, sexual harassment and any form of systemic abuse or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By applying, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.