Research Coordinator
Project Orbis International IncJOB TITLE: Research Coordinator – STRIDE Project
JOB GRADE: Select and option from the dropdown
BUSINESS UNIT: Orbis Global Programes
EMPLOYMENT TERMS: Regular/Permanent Full-Time
COUNTRY OFFICE/DEPT: Ethiopia
APPROVED BY:
DATE: February 26
PROJECT OVERVIEW:
The STRIDE project aims to strengthen Ethiopia’s response to Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) by integrating NTD services into primary health care (PHC), improving coordination and sustainability, and advancing evidence-based implementation through collaborative research. The Research Coordinator plays a central role in coordinating the implementation research aimed at generating evidence to support the sustainable scale-up of NTD integration into primary health care (PHC). The research will document the integration process, identify key enablers and barriers, and assess the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of integrating NTD services within the PHC system.
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JOB SUMMARY: The Research Coordinator plays a central role in coordinating the implementation research aimed at generating evidence to support the sustainable scale-up of NTD integration into primary health care (PHC).
LOCATION: The position is primarily based in Addis Ababa or other designated project locations within Ethiopia. Travel to study sites in the Oromia, Sidama, and Amhara regions will be required as necessary. Remote work arrangements may be considered based on project needs.
REPORTING & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
The Research Coordinator reports to the Senior Program Manager who is a principal investigator for this project.
CONTRACT DURATION:
24 months, with possible extension based on performance and funding.
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ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS / KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY List the most important responsibilities first.
- Lead day‑to‑day coordination and management of implementation research activities, ensuring delivery against agreed work plans, timelines, and milestones.
- Support the design, refinement, and implementation of research protocols, tools, and SOPs in compliance with approved methodologies and ethical standards.
- Coordinate planning and execution of fieldwork, including logistics, training, deployment, and supervision of research staff across multiple study sites.
- Ensure high‑quality data collection and management through systematic monitoring, quality assurance processes, and use of digital data collection tools.
- Maintain compliance with regulatory and institutional review board (IRB) requirements, including preparation and submission of ethics and progress documentation.
- Facilitate effective collaboration and communication with key stakeholders, including government bodies, academic institutions, partners, and donors.
- Build capacity of research teams through recruitment, onboarding, mentoring, and promotion of ethical, safeguarding, and gender‑equitable research practices.
- Track project progress and documentation, and contribute to reporting, data analysis, dissemination products, and preparation of publications and presentations.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
- Master’s degree (MPH, MSc, or equivalent) in Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Sciences, or a related discipline is required; a PhD is considered an additional asset.
- At least 5 years of progressive experience in research coordination or project management within multi-site health or implementation research projects, preferably in low-resource settings.
- Experience with mixed-methods research, digital survey tools (e.g., ODK), and health systems strengthening is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex timelines, coordinate teams, and deliver high-quality outputs under tight deadlines.
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, with a proven track record of stakeholder engagement.
- Experience with data quality assurance, ethical research practices, and regulatory compliance.
- Prior demonstrated experience in peer review journal publication.
- Proficiency in English; knowledge of Amharic or other Ethiopian languages is an asset.
SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Project planning and coordination
- Team leadership and capacity building
- Data management and quality assurance
- Stakeholder engagement and partnership facilitation
- Problem-solving and adaptability in dynamic environments
- Commitment to equity, gender, and safeguarding in research
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To learn more about Orbis, go to http://www.orbis.org
Orbis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
We encourage applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, particularly those underrepresented in the international nonprofit sector. Orbis is proud to foster an environment where everyone can contribute meaningfully and thrive.