Research Consultant

POSITION: RESEARCH CONSULTANT (or Potential PhD Candidate) - RC/LVCT/01/2013
REPORTING TO: RESEARCH MANAGER
LOCATION: LVCT HQ (NAIROBI)

The importance of addressing the broader social and economic factors influencing health is well recognised. Economic vulnerability, gender inequalities, and gender-based violence are key inter-acting factors that impact on a range of health issues, including HIV/AIDS, and maternal and child health.  The IMAGE Programme (Intervention with Microfinance for AIDS & Gender Equity), South Africa, combines group-based microfinance with a gender and HIV training curriculum and aims to improve the economic well-being and independence of communities, reduce vulnerability to both HIV and gender-based violence, and foster robust community mobilization to address priority health concerns.

Project title: Expanding the IMAGE model through South to South learning
LVCT requires a consultant for a short-term engagement of 5 months.  The consultant will assess the options; provide recommendations for the adaptation, implementation at scale, and evaluation of an adapted IMAGE model for Kenya.  The IMAGE model for Kenya will include a component on vulnerable girl’s populations.  The consultant will develop a full proposal for funding based on the results of the assessment.

This position is also open to a researcher who is interested in undertaking a PhD project in this area under the LVCT PhD Fellowship Programme.  The researcher will be required to undertake the assignment outlined below.  Following successful funding for the project, the researcher’s contract may be extended and they will be eligible for undertaking project implementation as their PhD project. 

Assignment period: 5 months

Scope of work:

1. Review and evaluate the success factors for the IMAGE model in South Africa and define key parameters for its implementation and scale up in Kenya
2. Review the research study design, methodology and measurements utilised for the evaluation of IMAGE, the evaluation of the Tanzania IMAGE project, and make recommendations for evaluation of the Kenya model.
3. Review international literature and on-ground implementation of cash transfer and economic empowerment programmes targeting vulnerable girl’s populations in Kenya and identify the key success factors.
4. Collate the information from the reviews of the IMAGE model, evaluation design, and cash transfer programmes and make recommendations for an adapted IMAGE model that can be implemented and evaluated in Kenya.
5. Identify and make recommendations for potential partners in Kenya for the delivery and evaluation of an adapted IMAGE model including organisations involved in micro-finance for women, cash transfer programmes, HIV and gender training.
6. Develop a strategy for adapting and the IMAGE model to Kenya and developing the IMAGE Kenya programme into a best practice learning site.
7. Investigate existing economic empowerment and skills building based models including conditional cash transfer for young women and adolescents.
8. Develop a proposal for funding the adapted IMAGE model for Kenya with the possible inclusion of an innovative component specifically aimed at young women and girls.

Deliverables: 

1. An inception report that outlines a common understanding of the project requirements.
2. Trip reports for visits for Tanzania and South Africa itemising critical learning points and areas for consideration for the project.
3. A comprehensive report detailing the assessment process and outcomes including making recommendations for adapting IMAGE with a cash transfer option.
4. A full funding proposal for implementation and evaluation of the proposed project.

Qualifications and qualities:

1. A Master’s degree in a relevant field with 5 years’ experience in programme design, implementation and evaluation.
2. Demonstrable technical knowledge in the development and evaluation of structural interventions related to health.
3. Experience building partnerships across diverse groups and working with multidisciplinary teams.
4. Experience in implementing multi-country programmes or Africa specific regional experience.
5. Experience with grant writing and proposal development.
6. Self-driven and able to work under pressure.
7. Ability to engage with and provide technical assistance to policy makers and programme staff.
8. Willingness to travel in–country and regionally.

Qualified applicants are invited to send their cover letter and detailed CV along with contacts for three referees, Salary history and expectations to the Human Resource Division (details below) by 22nd March 2013.  Please indicate RC/LVCT/01/2013 in the subject line of all email/communication.

Human Resource and Administration Division,
Liverpool VCT, Care and Treatment,
P.O Box 19835, 00202 Nairobi, Kenya
Or email: recruitment@lvct.org  

Note: Only short listed applicant will be contacted. Failure to follow the above instructions will lead to automatic disqualification.

LVCT is an equal opportunity employer