The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) is a premier research-to-policy institution, generating evidence, strengthening research and related capacity in the African research and development ecosystem, and engaging policy to inform action on health and development. APHRC seeks to drive change by developing strong African research leadership and promoting evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) across sub-Saharan Africa.

APHRC is seeking to recruit a senior researcher, one recognized as an international leader in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) research to serve as a Research Associate in the SRMNCAH (Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health) Unit.

Responsibilities:

The Research Associate will lead the development of a research program in SRHR in humanitarian contexts, provide technical and strategic guidance to SRHR projects being implemented by the Sexual Reproductive Maternal Newborn Child and Adolescent Health (SRMNCAH) Unit, foster engagements with researchers, funders, and other partners that can lead to collaborative opportunities, and support research fundraising, research governance, and research capacity strengthening. S/he will be based in our Nairobi office and will work with researchers in the SRMNCAH Unit:

• Lead the development of a research program on SRHR in humanitarian contexts;
• Serve as a high-level technical and strategic advisor for the Baobab Research Programme Consortium (RPC): Filling Gaps in Evidence to Enhance SRHR among Vulnerable Populations in Refugee Settings in the East and Horn of Africa;
• Provide strategic guidance and capacity building for the Business Development Unit to develop and implement resource mobilization strategies aligned with priorities of development agencies such as the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the United States Government (USG) and other corporate/foundation funders;
• Engage in networking activities and foster engagements with other researchers and institutions that can lead to collaborative opportunities;
• Collaborate with the Center’s research and business development teams to identify relevant funding opportunities and cultivate donor relationships;
• Lead fundraising initiatives for the SRMNCAH Unit, leveraging own experience to secure funding for research projects from funders like FCDO and USG;
• Provide quality control through reviews of proposals, knowledge products and other strategic documents;
• Give seminars, lectures, or workshops on one’s area of expertise, enriching the Center’s academic environment; and
• Contribute to global scientific knowledge generation and dissemination through peer-reviewed scientific publications and participation in relevant technical advisory bodies.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Doctoral degree in the social sciences, public health, or other related fields with extensive experience in research on SRHR in Africa.
• Expert knowledge of business development, with a proven track record in securing funds from USAID, FCDO and other funders as the lead.
• At least 15 years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrable experience leading and managing research consortia.
• Willingness to grow the next generation of researchers.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills and ability to work in a culturally diverse team.
• Excellent English written and oral communication skills with a strong record of publications.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as necessary.