Job Description

About ZHI
Zimbabwe Health Interventions (ZHI) is a local non-governmental organization registered as a Private Voluntary Organization (PVO). ZHI’s mission is to develop and deliver innovative and sustainable high-impact integrated health interventions with local communities while working with and strengthening existing institutions. ZHI is looking for the services of research consultants with a track record in dynamic study designs (including cohort studies), implementation science, and long publication history for the design and implementation of a cohort study anticipated to start in mid-2025.

Purpose of the assignment
ZHI seeks to engage the services of consultants to be part of a team that is developing a research proposal that ZHI will submit in response to a research funding opportunity. The consultants will work under the close supervision of the Executive Director. This consultancy is contingent upon awarding of a grant by the funder.

Objectives
The objectives of this assignment are as follows:
1. To support design, development, review, and finalization of the research funding proposal.
2. To support all aspects of study implementation including capacity building and deployment of study team, data collection supervision, data analysis, report writing and dissemination of findings.
3. To provide high-level technical support during research implementation including study monitoring and reporting of any adverse events to relevant institutions per protocol.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of work
In support of the Chief Investigators, the consultants will provide technical expertise to all aspects of the research including:
1. Development (including study design and interventions), review and finalization of research funding proposal and budget,
2. Development of the research project implementation plan,
3. Review of study documents before submission for local and international ethics review,
4. Support all aspects of study implementation including capacity building and deployment of study team, data collection supervision, data analysis, report writing and dissemination of findings.
5. Provide high-level technical support during research implementation including study monitoring and reporting of any adverse events to relevant institutions per protocol.
6. Provide cohort study research expertise to the ZHI research proposal development, review, and finalization; the consultant will provide high level of expertise and experience in all aspects of the proposal.

Deliverables
Consultants will support chief investigators with achievement of the following deliverables:
1. Research proposal development (including study design, interventions, analysis plan)
2. Research proposal meeting all requirements of the funder,
3. Research project implementation plan,
4. Research budget,
5. Risk management plan,
6. Research project milestones and performance indicators,
7. Monitoring and evaluation including regular study implementation reports,
8. Clean study dataset,
9. Draft study report, scientific outputs (manuscripts) and
10. Final study report.

Reporting and Coordination
The consultants will report to the Knowledge Management Advisor at ZHI. Regular coordination meetings with ZHI Senior Management Team (SMT) will be scheduled to review progress, provide feedback, and ensure successful completion of the consultancy.

Evaluation and Selection
Proposals will be evaluated based on relevant experience in research studies; expertise in the specified category/sector; track record of successful research studies or related work; references and client feedback, availability/flexibility of schedule, and proposed rate structure.

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidates should possess the following qualifications, expertise and experience:
1. A minimum of master’s degree in public health, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, or other clinical and public health fields; a PhD will be an added advantage.
2. The cadre should have a track record in HIV prevention, care and treatment related research including aspects of HIV and mobility/migration will be an added advantage.
3. At least 10 years of progressively responsible and relevant professional work experience in the design and implementation of large clinical trials and cohort studies in Zimbabwe and southern Africa.
4. High level of expertise and experience in all aspects of clinical trials and or cohort studies.
5. High level of influence and strong network to contribute to the proposed cohort study.
6. Have at least 10 years of research achievement that is of outstanding international standards i.e., research achievement, quality and productivity.
7. Have outstanding national and international reputation in clinical trials and cohort study methodology and relevant research fields.
8. Have at least 10 publications (in peer-review journals) in the past 10 years that are relevant to clinical trials and cohort studies; priority should be those related to HIV research and aspects of mobility/migration.
9. Excellent research, analytical, and strategic thinking skills.
10. Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner.
11. Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and funding agencies.
12. Well-informed of the Zimbabwe and Southern Africa regional context with previous experiences working in different countries in the SADC region.

How to Apply

Individuals with the required qualifications, experience, skills and expertise in the above assignment should submit following:
1) Detailed CV/Resume and three (3) professional references of organizations where similar services of the consultant were utilized including contact details and title of the assignments.
2) Cover letter/Capacity Statement detailing full understanding of the TOR and ability to handle the assignment
3) Three (3) Samples evidence of previous work done related to this consultancy
4) Financial proposal: Providing a breakdown of costs associated with the consultancy and any other related costs i.e. daily/hourly rate.

The above should be submitted on or before Friday, 12 July 2024 by 5pm to ZHI Procurement on [email protected], with the subject line stated as “Research Consultancy for A Cohort Study”.