Connecting Research to Development (CRD) is a think tank that operates in the support, generation, and dissemination of evidence-based research from combined perspectives of public health and social science in the Middle East and North Africa, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe. CRD was officially established in 2014. In close cooperation with its partners, the specific goal is to apply scientific innovative know-how and to transform evidence-based data into programmatic actions. International donors, UN agencies, INGOs, universities, local organizations, and government ministries rely thereby on CRD’s expertise and deep understanding of the research environment.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Technical Guidance

1. Mapping and Assessment Planning

a. Lead the development of a detailed implementation plan for the country, including country engagement protocol and data collection protocol.

b. Conduct a comprehensive stakeholder mapping exercise to engage key participants from the country in the assessment process.

c. Undertake a thorough health facility mapping to identify suitable facilities in the country for inclusion in the assessment study in accordance with the set criteria.

2. Team Recruitment and Training: Facilitate the recruitment and training of assessment teams in the country, ensuring they are adequately prepared to conduct assessments in accordance with established protocols and standards.

Coordination and Oversight

1. Project Coordination:

a. Coordinate and supervise project activities in the country, encompassing tasks such as liaising with key stakeholders, managing the recruitment process for project participants, and facilitating collaboration with health facilities.

b. Lead and facilitate project implementation in the country in accordance with the work plan.

2. Stakeholder Engagement: Liaise with and foster a positive relationship with relevant stakeholders, including healthcare facilities, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other partners, to ensure their active participation and collaboration throughout the assessment process.

3. Monitoring and Evaluation: Monitor project progress in the country, identifying any challenges or deviations from the work plan, and propose corrective actions as needed.

Qualifications and Competencies:

The ideal candidate for the Focal Point role should possess the following qualifications and competencies:

• Advanced degree in public health, nursing, medicine, midwife or a related field.
• Extensive experience with at least 5 years experience in maternal and newborn health, with a focus on quality-of-care assessment and improvement.
• Strong understanding of maternal and newborn health policies, guidelines, and best practices.
• Proven experience in project management, including planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, including the ability to motivate and inspire teams to achieve common goals.
• Familiarity with ethical considerations and principles related to maternal and newborn health research and assessment.
• Fluency in English.