Research Assistant

Job title: Research Assistant (National Staff) – Strengthening the Vietnam Health Information System
Closing Date for Applications: Feb 8th, 2011

JOB DESCRIPTION:
TITLE: Research Assistant – Strengthening the Vietnam Health Information System
REPORTING TO: Program Officer, PC Viet Nam
LOCATION: Population Council Viet Nam office, Hanoi
ASSIGNMENT LENGTH: One year, renewable by mutual consent and availability of funding
STARTING DATE:  March 2011
SALARY: Locally competitive salary and benefits package that commensurate with qualification and experience of the successful candidate

- The Population Council Viet Nam is seeking to recruit a Research Assistant with a background in public health, economics, demography or related social science to assist in the coordination and implementation of the Population Council Viet Nam’s research activities in health system strengthening with particular emphasis on health management and information systems and the use of data for planning. The aim of the research is to generate new practical knowledge to improve access, service quality, and equity of the health system, in addition to build in-country research capacity.
- The successful candidate will assist the Program Officer, under general supervision of the Country Director, in coordinating and conducting various research and administrative activities related to the undergoing research, monitoring and evaluation of Population Council activities in Vietnam. The successful candidate will have strong quantitative skills and proven experience in data collection, management, and analysis. A strong background in statistics and econometrics and a superior knowledge of a statistical-programming package (e.g. STATA, SPSS) is desired. The successful candidate will be fluent in Vietnamese and also have strong writing and spoken skills in English. Knowledge of the evolution and current state of Viet Nam’s health system is desirable.

SCOPE OF WORK:
Under the direction of the Country Director and technical guidance and supervision of the Program Officer, the Research Assistant will undertake (but not limited to) the following key tasks:
a) Assist in the search and review of relevant literature and in identifying and locating appropriate datasets from local, national, regional and international sources both Vietnamese and English languages that are relevant to the Population Council’s research on healthcare information systems in Vietnam.
b) Assist in the collection, management and analysis of data from other sources including the government, commune health center facilities, private providers and population based surveys being collected by the Population Council and its partners.
c) Support data input management, cleaning, re-organizing, retrieval and analysis including assisting with descriptive, bi-variate and multivariate analysis. Statistical programming skills in using statistical software packages such as STATA or SPSS is essential.
d) Support in report writing, disseminating research material, developing proposals and other tasks (e.g. preparation and revisions of survey instruments and questionnaires) as requested.
e) Assist in the translation of research instruments and material from Vietnamese to English and vice versa. Very strong written and oral communication skills in English are essential.
f) Assist with other management, finance and administrative tasks related to research projects as required.
g) Preference will be given to candidates who have an advanced understanding of health systems in Vietnam and with experience in the field of public health.

Desired Profile and Qualifications of the Candidate:
a) Master’s or any equivalent post graduate degree in public health, economics, demography or related social science with a health related focus.
b) Energetic, positive, fast learner with the ability to meet tight deadlines and willing to work with minimal supervision.
c) Previous experience (minimum 2 years) working with large datasets and econometric data analysis.
d) Proficient in the use of analytical software packages like SPSS or STATA. Excellent econometrics and statistical skills.
e) Excellent Vietnamese and English skills (oral and written) including ability to translate complex technical documents.
f) Ability to work independently and in a team with demonstrated working style that includes initiative, teamwork spirit, high professional standards and personal integrity and flexibility.
g) Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and to work effectively with PCVN partners (government and donors).
h) Willingness to travel to Population Council research sites.

Compensation Offered: Competitive salary based on relevant previous work experience

Duration: 1 year contract, extendable as with consent of Population Council, contingent upon satisfactory performance and availability of funding.

Job Requirement
General:
Years of experience: 2 year(s)
Minimum career level: Masters level

Interested candidates are requested to submit detailed curriculum vitae(CV) with a letter of interest as well as copies of relevant certificates/degrees no later than 17:00pm on 8th February, 2011 to:
The Population Council
41 Le Hong Phong, Ba Dinh, Ha Noi
Email: [email protected]
Job code: RA 01
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews. Please do not contact via telephone. Dossier will not be returned