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Overview

Tufts University, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, seeks a part-time Researcher to participate in a study of the sustainability of USAID-funded development project activities and impacts after the project itself ends. 

Established in 1981, the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy is the only graduate and professional school of nutrition in North America. Its mission is to improve the nutritional well-being of people worldwide through:

• The creation of new knowledge
• The application and dissemination of evidence-based information and
• The education and training of future leaders in the field

What You'll Do

This is a one-year grant funded, limited-term appointment with the possibility of extension based on available funding. Position to start as soon as possible. The study will involve desk review of RFAs, proposals submitted by successful applicant NGOs, related project documents (e.g., progress reports, evaluations, project modifications) and relevant BHA documents, as well as remote interviews with BHA staff, NGO staff, and project stakeholders. The Researcher will work under the guidance of the Senior Researcher and the PIs, participating in the design of study instruments and protocols and contributing to implementing these protocols: reviewing project documents and extracting data using the approved instruments. The Researcher will participate in the design of interview guides and conduct relevant interviews as appropriate. The Researcher will assist the Senior Researcher in conducting qualitative analysis of the interview transcripts and will contribute to the synthesis and write-up of the results.

• Assist in development of data collection instruments: data abstraction templates for documents and key informant interview guides.
• Review documents and complete data abstraction templates; synthesize results in written form
• Conduct interviews with BHA and project staff and stakeholders.
• Conduct qualitative analysis of interview data and contribute to write-up.
• Other duties as required relevant to the project.

What We're Looking For

Basic Requirements:

• Masters level degree or current enrollment in MS or doctoral degree program in social science field related to economic development, health and nutrition, agriculture and natural resource management, anthropology, or related field.
• Work experience in low-income developing country settings
• Experience with qualitative data collection and analysis
• Knowledge of international nutrition, food, and agriculture policy issues
• Proven ability to interact and effectively collaborate with diverse colleagues
• Proficient in use of Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to meet deadlines with efficiency and accuracy
• Ability to communicate with clarity, sensitivity, diplomacy, and tact with a range of international organizations, collaborating senior researchers, government stakeholders, and donor representatives.
• Ability to write clearly and effectively
• Capacity and commitment to function as part of a team

• Cultural sensitivity, patience, respect, and a helpful attitude toward resolving problems and answering questions are essential.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working on USAID-funded activities is highly desirable
• Experience using qualitative data analysis software
• Foreign language capability is a plus (French, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese)

Special Work Schedule Requirements:

• The PIs for this study are based in Boston, but this position allows for on-site, remote, or hybrid work.  Due to differing time zones, interviews may be scheduled outside of normal office hours.  Occasional research team meetings and project deadlines may also sometimes require working beyond normal office hours.