Senior Research, Learning and Evidence Advisor

About the role

The Senior Research, Learning and Evidence Advisor will provide strategic leadership for the research, learning and evidence agenda of the RISE and ASCEND HRH activities, supporting Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health to strengthen human resources for health in underserved settings.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of the project’s research, learning and evidence agenda, aligning with national HRH strategies and donor priorities.
• Identify and prioritize national HRH research topics in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, higher education institutions and professional associations.
• Design and oversee implementation research, operational research, program evaluations, mixed‑methods studies, rapid assessments and workforce analyses, ensuring high‑quality protocols, tools and statistical analysis plans.
• Coordinate research consultants and partner institutions, monitor data quality throughout the research lifecycle and ensure timely delivery of study outputs.
• Promote implementation‑science approaches that inform adaptive management, policy development and service improvement.
• Strengthen national research capacity and foster sustainable institutional ownership of HRH research systems.

Required profile

• Senior‑level researcher with extensive experience in implementation research, operational research or program evaluation within health systems.
• Proven track record of leading multi‑partner research initiatives and translating evidence into policy or program recommendations.
• Strong understanding of human resources for health, primary health care and health workforce information systems.
• Experience working with government ministries, public health institutes, academic institutions and professional bodies.
• Excellent analytical, writing and stakeholder‑engagement skills.

Required skills