icddr,b is a Bangladesh-based international health research institute that strives to solve key public health problems through high-quality scientific research and innovation. Established 60 years ago, we continue to provide life-saving services to the people of Bangladesh, and to nurture the next generation of global health leaders.

icddr,b invites applications from suitable candidates for the position of Senior Research Investigator (Gender Equality) in the Maternal and Child Health Division (MCHD) for a project funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development (DFATD). The appointment will be made on Fixed Term basis for 2 years which is renewable depending on performance and availability of funds.

Position description: 
The Advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (AdSEARCH) project of icddr,b aims to improve sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes and realise rights among different population groups with distinct SRH needs in Bangladesh. To be implemented by researchers from different divisions of icddr,b, this research project will explore, understand, and assess some key components of SRHR among different population groups who have the highest-burden, distinct needs and vulnerabilities. These groups include adolescents and young adults, newly married couples, pregnant women, neonates and under-five children, women working in the RMG sector and some key populations for their particular vulnerability and/or marginalisation. The project will be focusing on generating new evidence related to family planning, abortion, post-abortion care, STI/RTIs, reproductive cancers and maternal and neonatal health.

The Senior Research Investigator (Gender Equality) will provide technical assistance for incorporating gender equality and rights in research, policies and practices within AdSEARCH, and monitor the implementation of gender equality aspect in AdSEARCH research aligned with the guidelines provided by the Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP), icddr,b’s Human Resources Strategy, and organisational values and guidelines (such as Institutional Governance Framework - IGF and Gender Diversity Guidelines). S/he will report to the Gender, Equity and Rights (GER) expert and will sensitise all AdSEARCH team members and collaborating partners on gender equality and rights issues and Canada's FIAP. S/he will also support the project in achieving gender equality outcomes. S/he should be proactive, dynamic, and capable of working independently.

Duties and responsibilities: 
The specific areas of duties and responsibilities are detailed below:

Programme Management in Gender Equality and Rights:

• Understand strategic objectives of AdSEARCH; derive implications for gender equality and rights;
• Assess internal challenges and progress on achieving gender equality and rights objectives;
• Set gender equality and diversity goals for each project component, monitor the progress of work plans and achievements of gender equality and diversity goals and direct AdSEARCH team and take appropriate corrective actions.

Research Proposal and Protocol Development:

• Work with AdSEARCH researchers in incorporating FIAP approach, gender equality policy and icddr,b’s gender framework into research protocols.
• Circulate the protocol drafts internally and externally and seek feedback and modify accordingly.
• Assist AdSEARCH researchers in incorporating gender equality and rights into the protocol and getting approval from Research Review Committee (RRC) and Ethical Review Committee (ERC) of icddr,b.
• Contribute to other colleagues' research protocols in order to develop effective protocols that meet the research objectives by considering all gender/ FIAP aspect.

Translation of Gender Equality and Rights related research and practices:

• Write up research results for scientific audience; Develop innovative plans for translation of gender equality and rights sensitive SRHR related research and programmes and strengthen relationships with external stakeholders for knowledge sharing (e.g. in developing a gender & diversity analysis framework);
• Plan events to encourage gender equality and rights activities across AdSEARCH research team as well as icddr,b; Partner with relevant teams for execution;
• Identify various communication platforms.

Capacity building for incorporation of Gender Equality and Rights into AdSEARCH research, policies and programme:

• Design training curriculum and contents on gender equality and rights for AdSEARCH. Prepare annual training calendar for AdSEARCH project staffs, partners, gatekeepers of different cohorts; Oversee arrangements of the training;
• Deliver training programmes as per schedule; Obtain training feedback and modify course content, if required;
• Ensure that all training tools, materials, curricula and programs developed under AdSEARCH are gender-responsive, inclusive, and tailored to the local context.

People Management:

• Interview candidates and make hiring recommendations, if required; Promote a spirit of collegiality and gender equality and rights amongst AdSEARCH researchers and in the organisation;
• Address and resolve any gender equality and rights related issues; Set goals and conduct appraisals for the team;
• Set high standards and confront poor performance where needed; Mentor young professionals and prepare them for higher responsibilities;
• Identify and reward high performers;
• Recommend promotions; Take appropriate actions to manage poor performance (such as creating Performance Improvement Plans, coaching, job rotations, planning separations from icddr,b).

Requirements:
Young, bright individuals who meet the following criteria and are aspiring to develop their career as a Gender Equality and Rights researcher in public health in an international research organization such as icddr,b are encouraged to apply.

Education and relevant experience:

• Master's degree in Gender Studies/ Public Health/ Sociology/ Anthropology / Development Studies/ Mass Media/ Communication/ Law with excellent academic record from a reputed university.
• 8 years of experience working in gender equality and rights in research and/or programme specially focus in health
• Preference will be given to the candidates who have demonstrated exceptional gender research skills and/or publications in international peer-reviewed journals with significant contribution.
• Strong interpersonal and excellent communication and writing skills in English.
• Strong skills in critical thinking and identifying creative solutions to problems independently with minimum supervision
• Should be proactive, dynamic, and capable of working in multiple team with diverse background 

Core Competencies:

Innovation

• Excellent analytical and abstract reasoning skills;
• Ability to make new and feasible ideas work;
• Ability to persuade others to follow;
• Ability to deal with ambiguity;

People Management

• Ability to improve performance and satisfaction;
• Demonstrated leadership ability and team management;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to build consensus and resolve conflicts.

Comunication

• Ability to listen, adapt, persuade, and transform;
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills;
• Fluency in English and proficiency in Bangla.

Delivery

• Excellent organization skills;
• Ability to get things done while exercising good judgment;
• Possessing a drive for excellence;
• Superior decision-making skills.

Functional/technical competencies:
Knowledge of -

• Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP)
• Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+)
• Gender-based Analysis Tools
• Theory of Change/Logic Model, Performance Measurement Framework, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning plan
• Review of scientific literature
• Regulatory Compliances
• Project Management Skills
• Computer operations (MS Office, Statistical programme).

Duty station – Mohakhali Campus, Dhaka

Number of vacancy: 01 post

Salary: Annual Tk. 17,12,810/- inclusive of house rent and conveyance allowances and other admissible benefits.

Benefits/facilities: 14.8% provident fund contribution, income tax paid by icddr,b, children allowance @Tk.1,917/- per child per month, festival bonus, contributory healthcare support including dependent spouse and children, group life insurance and subsidized canteen. Transport and daycare facilities are subject to space availability.

Interested candidates who fulfill the requirements should submit online applications using icddr,b website: career.icddrb.org by February 21, 2022. Internal candidates must mention their Identification Number in the application and their performance appraisal of last 3 years will be evaluated.