Head of Research and Impact

About Global Health 50/50

Global Health 50/50 (GH5050) provides rigorous data and insight in the pursuit of gender equality within global health and across other sectors, systems and frameworks. Established in 2017, GH5050 operates as an independent, evidence-driven initiative with charitable status registered in the UK. Our ethos revolves around the principles of human rights, particularly in relation to gender equality, and we are resolute in our commitment to effecting meaningful change.

At GH5050, we embrace an authoritative, analytical approach, underpinned by a genuine concern for social justice and equity. Our work transcends borders, drawing upon a wealth of data-led insights to inform policy, shape discourse, and drive tangible progress. As a trusted source of information and analysis, we serve as both catalyst and convener, fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders to drive [KB1] reform.

While founded to monitor and act on inequalities and inequities in the global health sector, GH5050 is now embarking on an ambitious expansion into new sectors, including law and justice and finance and economics building upon our proven model of data-driven advocacy. By leveraging partnerships, particularly in diverse geographies, engaging stakeholders, and amplifying marginalized voices, we aim to make enduring contributions to the global pursuit of gender parity and social justice.

Context

Through our flagship report and Gender and Health Index, GH5050 provides the only birds-eye view of gender, inclusion and equality in the global health system today. The report assesses 200 organisations annually across a core set of variables on policies and practices to tackle power and privilege imbalances within the workplace, the gender and geography of organisational leadership, and whether gender is considered in any organisations' external-facing programmatic or policy work.

In addition to the annual report, GH5050 also produces a range of other evidence-informed outputs, including thematic reports relating to equality and diversity in the workplace (e.g. on gender pay gap), and policy briefs about strategies for organisational change. 

GH5050 is expanding into new sectors beyond health and will increasingly support analysis at the country level. The successful candidate for this post is expected to play an integral role in contributing to the growth of GH5050, as well as taking a leading role in developing these new areas of work and leading and managing research staff across three sectoral workstreams.

Role Summary

This is an exciting opportunity to play a leadership role in a world-leading gender accountability and advocacy initiative. You will join a small and growing team of staff working at GH5050, taking responsibility for a large body of research and its associated impact. This role will be instrumental in exercising leadership for research and impact as GH5050 expands into two new sectors and more work at the country level.

We are looking for a motivated, dynamic, proactive, organised and experienced team player to assume this key leadership role. We encourage applications from people who meet the person specification and are interested in taking on the tasks and responsibilities as well as identifying and grasping new opportunities in this key position in GH5050.

Role Responsibilities

Ensure delivery of rigorous and impactful research outputs across several thematic sectors at global and country levels: Overall responsibility for production (research design, coordination, time management, analysis, writing, production) and dissemination of rigorous research outputs including reports, indices and data visualisations. This will include identifying, liaising with and guiding external writers that may be required to support the delivery of outputs.

Manage, develop and motivate a diverse team of dispersed multisectoral and multidisciplinary researchers: Responsible for line management of sector specialists (health, law/justice and economics/finance) and their teams which include consultant researchers dispersed across the globe. This will entail recruitment, performance management, talent development and team building of GH5050 researchers as well as capacity building of researchers in partner organisations.

Manage a range of partnerships: Responsible for developing, maintaining and growing research and advocacy partnerships with external teams across the globe, through the application of principles and practice of equitable research partnerships.

Report to external stakeholders: Ensuring timely and accurate reporting of activities and impact to GH5050 donors using specified templates for reporting.

Ensure internal communications: Provision of regular updates on research progress, including identifying and flagging risks to achieving research objectives. Identification of risk mitigation or management strategies as appropriate.

Ensure external communications-including stakeholder engagement: In collaboration with GH5050 communications and engagement specialists, ensuring that research outputs are disseminated for maximum impact. Developing and maintaining regular engagement and communications with organisations included in the sectoral reports (at global and national levels). Willingness to travel to present at external conferences, stakeholder meetings, and other events as appropriate.

Track impact: Develop and maintain a rigorous system to track the impact of GH5050 research and engagement. Work with communications and advocacy staff to capture and communicate impact and stories of change.

Ensure sound financial management: Budget responsibility for research projects and activities. Regular liaison with head of operations and head of budget in GH5050 to ensure that spend and projections are on track to be balanced. Ensure that research teams report expenditures according to agreed budget parameters and regulations (set by UK Charity Commission, donors, auditors).

Support resource mobilisation: In collaboration with the rest of the senior team, cultivate relationships with existing and potential supporters of the work of GH5050 and identify opportunities for new research work and collaborations. Take ownership of grant and to a limited degree peer-review academic grant proposal development.

While peer-reviewed publications are not a primary aim of GH5050, we encourage our researchers to publish in the academic literature and when they do so to practice equitable partnership practices in relation to authorship.

Any other tasks that may be reasonably required.

Person specification

·       PhD level qualification preferred. If Masters level qualification then equivalent and demonstrable relevant professional level experience

·       Recognised thought leader in research, preferable in relation to gender equality

·       Experience conducting mixed methods research, including innovative methods of data collection, indicator development, database management, and qualitative and quantitative analysis and interpretation

·       Experience in research project management, ideally within an academic and/or policy environment

·       Experience in policy analysis and developing recommendations based on this analysis

·       Knowledge of gender and its relationship to: (i) research/evidence methods (e.g. policy analysis); iii) opportunities/discrimination in the workplace; (iii) and/or approaches to organisational change, would be an advantage

·       Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, and experience producing clear, concise, engaging and evidence-led written outputs such as reports, policy briefs, academic papers and op-eds

·       Experience of effectively managing a team, with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build collaborative professional relationships with a wide range of partners across diverse contexts, including whilst working remotely

·       Experience working independently and effective decision making to manage competing priorities and ensure projects are delivered on time and to a high standard

·       High level of proficiency in MS Excel and experience in using a wide range of software, including data visualisation packages

Competencies

·       Attention to detail and high level of accuracy

·       Excellent organisational and planning skills

·       Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team

·       Knowledge and experience in at least one research method relevant to the work of GH5050 

·       Ability to work to deadlines

·       Self-starting skills

·       An organised approach to time and project management

·       Strong cultural competencies with experience in developing and maintaining research partnerships across a variety of settings and contexts

·       A commitment to social justice and gender justice

All Staff are required to:

●      Demonstrate commitment to GH5050’s organisational values, including exercising high ethical standards with attention to teamwork, collaboration and integrity

●      Ensure that they have read and understood all mandatory policies and procedures

●      Uphold the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and Anti-Harassment and Bullying Policies, ensuring effective implementation in all aspects of their work for the Charity

●      Act always within the Charity Rules, Policies, Procedures, and any other statutory requirements

●      Be proactive, bring ideas, suggestions and contribute to the improvement and development of the charity

●      Undertake training as required

●      Attend staff and team meetings as required

●      Observe health and safety procedures in the workplace to ensure personal safety and to safeguard the interests and safety of colleagues and visitors

●      To establish, foster and maintain close working relationships with other functions to allow swift resolution of issues and sharing of knowledge

●      Undertake other duties and responsibilities as appropriate since all staff are expected to work flexibly within their skill level to respond to changing priorities

Our generous staff benefits include:

·       28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays. In addition, we may provide 3 days leave over the Christmas and New Year period

·       Flexible working arrangements – mainly remote working and with at least 1-2 days per week in the Cambridge office

·       5% employer pension contribution

·       Employee assistance programme (EAP) via Health Assured

·       Professional development and training