About NACOSA:
We started as a convention intent on bringing together organisations working on HIV. We now render services and disburse funds towards a coordinated response to HIV, TB and GBV as public health threats. As an organization, we work at national, provincial local and community levels and strive to embody the ideal spirit of NACOSA. We strive to live our values and philosophy in every interaction and task.
Our Values
We recognize and respect the agency, dignity and strength of communities and people, we are connected to and grounded in communities, we value and embrace inclusion, diversity, and transformation, we put people first,
The duties and responsibilities of the Research and Learning Specialist will include, but not limited to:
- Lead on the identification, design, and commissioning of external programme evaluations and other operational research studies for the Global Fund Programmes.
- Drive an evaluation agenda, including the identification of evaluation and research opportunities, development of research protocols, oversight of data capture for research projects, and write up of findings for publication.
- Manage all evaluation and research studies for GF programmes, including contract management, oversight and project management of external evaluators and researchers.
- Provide technical input on evaluation design and methodologies, review evaluation deliverables from internal teams as well as external service providers.
- Lead the coordination of relevant evaluation advisory committees to ensure efficient communication between stakeholders and adherence to project governance structures.
- Oversee and manage (together with SANAC and Global Fund) the evaluation plan and budget for NACOSA’s GF programmes.
- Write or contribute to publications and conference papers
- Disseminate research findings internally and externally including presentations at research days and conferences
- Coach and train team members to ensure the acquisition of knowledge and skills required by the organisation
- Lead or contribute to technical components of proposals
- Stay abreast with relevant research findings
Required qualifications, skills and experience
- Post Graduate degree or equivalent in the Public Health or Social Sciences sector (Monitoring and Evaluation qualification preferred)
- Minimum of 5 years’ evaluation and research experience in public health or related field, preferably in HIV and AIDS.
- Demonstrated qualitative and quantitative evaluation skills, including sample design, mixed method designs, and instrument development
- Proven expertise in quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methodologies, implementation research approaches, data quality improvement, health management information systems, data visualisation and reporting.
- M&E experience in infection prevention and control, HIV/AIDS, TB, health systems strengthening, disease surveillance.
- Familiarity with South Africa’s health management information system and other national M&E systems
- Experience with bilateral and multilateral donor M&E requirements including experience in maintaining donor relationships and communicating with donors
Personal Competencies
- Experience in evaluation and research studies in the HIV and AIDS sector and knowledge of the public health landscape in South Africa.
- Demonstrated experience with data analysis software
- Definite inclination to keep abreast of technical developments in the HIV, AIDS and TB fields.
- Strong technical skills regarding evaluations and research with the ability to support colleagues using this expertise and facilitate knowledge transfer
- Strong planning, time management and project management skills
- Analytical thinker who is able to interpret quantitative and qualitative data to share relevant insights for programming and grant performance.
- Experience in working and communicating across all levels, including effective interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to work independently, effectively and efficiently in a fast-paced, high stress environment
- Results-oriented, professional, accountable and proactive. Must be able to work with little supervision and take ownership of the grants
- Proficiency in English and excellent written and report writing skills
- Valid drivers’ license, own reliable vehicle and willingness to travel within South Africa.
Preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants who are members of the designated groups in line with the employment equity plan and targets of NACOSA. We also encourage people with disabilities to apply. NACOSA is guided by the principles of Employment Equity. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply and an indication in this regard will be appreciated
In the event that you do not hear from us after 2 weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. NACOSA reserves the right to amend and/or withdraw adverts at any time without notification. NACOSA respects the privacy of its stakeholders and will treat all personal information provided in line with our recruitment policy and in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act