Implementation Research and Learning Lead at CeNHRI – Ekiti State

CeNHRI seeks an Implementation Research and Learning Lead in Ekiti State to design and direct research examining how newborn health interventions are adopted, delivered and sustained in routine care. Reporting to the Executive Director, the lead will bridge field implementation, evidence generation, clinical practice and policy.

Research strategy and delivery

• Lead the Centre’s implementation research and learning agenda in line with institutional and programme priorities.
• Develop feasible study designs, research protocols, field tools and ethical-review submissions using recognised implementation science frameworks.
• Oversee multi-site data collection, analysis, research fidelity and data quality with research assistants, the MEL team, the Biostatistician and programme partners.
• Maintain sound research documentation, audit trails, data protection practices and ethical compliance.

Learning and evidence use

• Run structured learning reviews with programme staff, facilities, field teams and clinicians.
• Translate emerging findings into recommendations for mentoring, quality improvement, programme decisions and clinical practice.
• Document barriers, enabling factors and implementation lessons to inform scale-up.
• Lead production of scientific papers, abstracts, evidence summaries, technical reports, policy briefs and practical guidance, working with the communications team on dissemination.
• Build research and learning capability through coaching, supervision and training in research methods, ethics and scientific writing.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Medicine, Nursing or a related discipline. A master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Implementation Science, Health Systems or a related area is an advantage.
• At least five years’ professional experience in implementation, health systems or operational research, including leading research studies.
• A track record of peer-reviewed publications in public health, newborn or maternal and child health, or health systems.
• Experience with mixed-methods research, ethics approval, scientific writing and statistical and qualitative analysis tools.
• Strong research leadership, mentoring, communication and stakeholder facilitation skills.
• Familiarity with reference-management software, Microsoft Office, DHIS2 and digital collection tools such as KoboCollect, ODK, REDCap or SurveyCTO.
• Willingness to travel within Ekiti and elsewhere as required. Donor-funded research and grant-proposal experience are advantages.