Health Systems Researcher Consultant

Call for expression of interest - Health Systems Researcher to support data collection, analysis and report writing for the Uganda Eye Health Systems Assessment. 

Title: Health Systems Researcher

Consultancy length: 32 days, over 5 months

Location: Uganda, hybrid working - Home working, office based, and field work (north and west Uganda, and Kampala)

Sightsavers is seeking an experienced and motivated Health Systems Researcher to support the data collection, analysis and report writing for a study which aims to assess the relative strengths and weaknesses of the eye health system. The results of this assessment will support the Ministry of Health and partners to (i) plan, prioritize key weakness areas, and identify potential solutions or recommendations for eye care interventions, (ii) include eye health systems interventions in eye care programme design and implementation, and into the general health system in Uganda.

The study is being conducted in two connected phases - the first phase, a desk-based review and analysis of existing documents and data, is complete and the report will be shared with the selected consultant. Phase 2 will be informed by the findings of Phase 1. Phase 2 will primarily involve collecting primary data using in-depth qualitative interviews with purposively selected stakeholders, analysing the data, and writing a combined report to address the aims of the assessment, and synthesise recommendations for improvements. A detailed study protocol for both phases is available and will be shared with the selected consultant.

This consultancy will support the second phase of the study - conducting in-depth interviews and FGDs (Focus Group Discussions), analysing these data, and writing the study report. The consultant will be expected to undertake detailed and rigorous analysis of the data and provide a study report. The consultant will work with the study investigators to review the analysis, synthesise conclusions and recommendations, and write the report.

This call is for an individual consultant, not a team. The consultant will be expected to participate in an initial assessment review meeting with the study investigators, which will take a half-day, followed by 13 days of data collection, 12 days of coding, analysis and report writing. Regular feedback and communication with the study team lead is expected to ensure quality and consistency. The consultant will then meet with the study investigator team to present and discuss the findings of the analysis for a further half-day; followed by 5 days to address any further questions, and 1 day to review and make any final edits.

In total, the consultancy will be for 32 days spread over 5-months. The consultant's work is envisaged to start in July 2024 and may continue until December 2024.  

This is an ideal consultant will possess a post-graduate degree in discipline related to public health, health economics, social or behavioural science, or other relevant fields.

Further requirements include:

• Strong demonstrable expertise in health systems research. 
• Familiar with, and demonstrable experience, in exercising concepts related to research ethics such informed consent, and confidentiality, and local laws and guidelines pertaining to research involving human subjects.  
• Demonstrable experience in conducting i) qualitative interviews, ii) qualitative data analysis, and iii) writing up study reports. 
• Proven ability to prepare compelling scientific presentations and written reports for a range or audiences. 
• The consultant will have experience as a primary author on at least two peer-reviewed journal publication.

This is a varied and involved consultancy and the above is not an exhaustive list of duties or required professional skills. Please see the for full details.

To apply for this exciting consultancy, please submit your CV and complete the online Expression of Interest (EOI) form via our application portal, we are also keen to receive examples of peer-reviewed journal publications or other past peer-reviewed written work as part of your application (links to online examples can be included in your EOI form). Applications will be considered based on all of these documents.

We will be reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview during the advertisement of this role, so the advert may close early if the successful candidate is found, please therefore do not hesitate to submit your application early to avoid disappointment.

Closing date: 7 July 2024

As a global equal opportunities employer, Sightsavers is committed to embracing diversity throughout our workforce by creating an inclusive environment that reflects the many cultures and locations where we work. Sightsavers is a Disability Confident Leader and qualified people with a disability are particularly encouraged to apply.