UNICEF recrute un spécialiste de la recherche (Cellule d’Analyse en Science Sociale- CASS), P-3, TA, Kinshasa, RDC

Background :

During the 2018-present Ebola outbreak in the DRC, UNICEF led the setup of an integrated, multi-actor social sciences analysis cell (Cellule d’Analyse en Science Sociale- CASS), which worked alongside the Epidemiological Analysis Cell to be able to provide real time, integrated Outbreak Analytics. The work of the CASS to provide rapid understanding of potential causal factors in epidemiological trends, in identifying secondary impacts of the outbreak and mapping changing community and public health during and after the outbreak. The study results are aimed to influence response actors, interventions and strategies. The CASS seeks to use evidence to influence and improve outbreak and public health interventions for greater public health outcomes

The success of the CASS and its ability to influence response actors (MoH, UN and NGOs) resulted in investment to model the CASS for future outbreaks; both in counties and as a small, global structure to support country teams in the set up, coordination and use of social sciences as part of outbreak analytics and outbreak response (including public health and other interventions resulting from secondary outbreak impacts)

The CASS has 3 main operational goals in the DRC :

1. Conduct real time operational social sciences research in public health emergencies and outbreaks across the country (measles, malaria, malnutrition, cholera, Ebola, covid…) to use evidence inform response and public health strategies ;
2. Strengthen local responses and capacities by rapidly providing enhanced information, evidence, continuous support and resource sharing with local governments, responders, community media and other local actors working across the spectrum of health, development and humanitarian programming ;
3. Coordinate and lead coordination with different social sciences, epidemiological health and other researchers (national academic institutions, NGOs and other actors/ UN) with an aim of better integrating data and analyses for a more comprehensive understanding of context and community health
4. Coordinate with different actors and across different locations to provide technical guidance, facilitate information, tools and documents sharing to and across different partners, country teams and groups for better quality studies, better use of results and influence and improved public health outcome.

Outside the DRC, the CASS :

1. Provide technical guidance, facilitate information, tools and documents sharing to and across different partners, country teams and groups for better quality studies, better use of results and influence and improved public health outcome ;
2. Provide rapid field support to country teams in setting up and using social sciences in outbreaks (including coordinating with epidemiologists and health data analysts as well as other research groups/ results) ;
3. Strengthen local responses and capacities by rapidly providing enhanced information, evidence, continuous remote mentoring support and resource sharing with local governments, responders, community media and other local actors working across the spectrum of health, development and humanitarian programming.

 The P3 research officer specializing in evidence-based programming has the specific objective to support CASS field teams in using evidence for action; working with partners (government, NGO and others) to collaborate evidence and ensure it can be communicated in ways which can result in action.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities (P-3) :

• Oversee and support field teams in the co-development of evidence-based recommendations and actions together with implementation partners ;
• Support social sciences research: deploy to new and existing locations to support in new and ongoing studies; specifically focusing on using existing data/ evidence ;
• Oversee the country-wide MONITO ;
• Contribute to country-wide integrated research exchange ;
• Ensure social sciences research results are shared across multiple for a in real time to facilitate use of recommendations and actively participate in various coordination meetings, representing the CASS ;
• Ensure knowledge management and data sharing.

Impact of Results :

The CASS contributes to an improved informed UNICEF response based on context and community knowledge and understanding, as well as strong research and understanding in short- and long-term potential impacts of outbreaks in the DRC. The CASS will contribute to UNICEF’s accountability to affected populations and appropriateness and quality of the overall response. Furthermore, the CASS and contributes to a greater understanding of community, context and social behavioural factors to improve the appropriateness outbreak response and public health strategies.

Recruitment Qualifications :

Education :

• A graduate degree with SOCIAL SCIENCES RESEARCH experience is required : public health, epidemiology, anthropology or another relevant technical field ;
• Additional relevant post-graduate courses that complement/supplement social sciences research in health is an asset.

Experience :

• Humanitarian : At least 5 years social sciences research experience, working in humanitarian and development context (with UN-Govt-INGO) is required ;
• Experience working in public health emergencies is required. Specific experience is using evidence to inform outbreak and humanitarian response is required ;
• Experience working in health research in humanitarian or development programmes is required.

Language Requirements : Fluency in French and English is required.  Knowledge of another official UN language or local language of the duty station is considered as an asset.