Pact Vacancies: Research Manager

Pact South Africa seeks to appoint a Research Manager to provide leadership for the research component of a five-year USAID-funded capacity development support project in South Africa. The aim of the project is to support the goals of PEPFAR and those of the South African Government’s (SAG) National Strategic Plan to transition to country ownership by promoting sustainability of local organisations and provision of grant management support to develop local capacity. The project consists of three components – Grant Award and Management; Institutional capacity development of indigenous organisations; and Capacity development assistance to the SAG.

The Manager will work closely with the M&E Director and other key staff to support SAG and NGO partners in conducting operational research and impact studies. The Manager will have a strong research background related to health and social welfare issues in South Africa and will have experience providing technical assistance in research design and implementation.

Responsibilities:
Provide overall leadership in research for the project, including leading the formulation of the project’s strategic approach to strengthening research capabilities within SAG and NGO partners;
Support SAG and NGO partners in the execution of relevant research that will contribute to strategic planning and programming to meet desirable National Strategic Plan (NSP) outcomes;
Provide technical assistance in formative research, operational research and analysis on the effectiveness of programme interventions for clients;
Provide technical support to the SAG, with a specific emphasis on impact studies.

Education and Experience Requirements: 
Master’s-level degree in demography, statistics, public health, social sciences or a related field;
7+ years of experience in field research, particularly as it relates to formative research and impact studies on health and social welfare programming in South Africa.

Other Qualifications
Experience in qualitative and quantitative methods and analysis;
Experience designing and conducting operational research studies;
Experience managing analysis, synthesis, documentation and dissemination of lessons for a range of stakeholders;
Experience providing technical assistance in research design and implementation;
Proven ability to manage, motivate and mentor staff;
Thorough knowledge of OVC and HIV/AIDS, Malaria or TB issues;
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with various constituencies including host country government agencies;
Strong written and oral communication and interpersonal skills;
Must be a South African national;
Must be fluent in English and preferably local indigenous South African languages;
Must be in possession of a valid South African driver’s license.

 Application process:
Deadline for the applications: 31 August 2013;
Applications must be emailed to: [email protected]. Include a detailed CV with at least three references and a cover letter in one e-mail.
Please use the position title in the header of the e-mail;
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.