Illinois
Chicago, IL-Hybrid Workplace
College Station, Texas
Posted: 07-Nov-23
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Type: Full-time
Salary: Open
Internal Number: A-136088-4
General Description
Background:
We seek a full-time Research Associate under Data for Decisions in Nutrition (DataDENT), an initiative funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation that aims to build strong nutrition data value chains to support multisectoral nutrition policy and program decision making within and across low and middle income countries (LMIC).
You will lead the knowledge management, advocacy and communications (KMAC) activities for DataDENT and actively facilitate the Data for Nutrition (DfN) Community of Practice. DfN provides members from diverse contexts with opportunities to share their knowledge, experience, and questions relevant to strengthening the nutrition data value chain.
You will be responsible for implementing the DataDENT KMAC Strategy including managing social media presence and website content, supporting design and production of external DataDENT outputs, and engaging DataDENT partners and external initiatives around collaborative action (e.g., designing convenings and/or campaigns). For the CoP, you will implement the existing strategy by supporting the design and implementation of member engagement activities and actively networking with individuals and institutions to strengthen engagement with the platform.
You will work closely with the JHBSPH faculty and staff, country focal points in Ethiopia and Nigeria, and colleagues from partner institutions, including International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and Results for Development (R4D) who will lead related technical work.
The position will be based in Baltimore, MD, USA with a faculty appointment in the JHBSPH Program for Human Nutrition (PHN) in the Department of International Health.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities:
1. DataDENT Knowledge Management Advocacy & Communications (45%)
The candidate will execute and refine the existing DataDENT Knowledge Management Advocacy and Communications Strategy by:
Knowledge Management
- Develop and maintain a comprehensive knowledge management system to collect, organize, and disseminate DataDENT internal and external outputs.
- Creating and maintain a cross-partner repository of DataDENT outputs and supporting technical documents.
- Collaborating with partner teams (JHU, IFPRI, R4D) to capture best practices, lessons learned, and success stories.
Communications & Advocacy
- Craft compelling content for various communication channels including the DataDENT website, social media (X, LinkedIn), and blog. Engage partners in process as appropriate/required.
- Manage DataDENT's online presence, including updating and maintaining the website and social media platforms
- Collaborate with DataDENT partners to support design, production and dissemination of technical outputs
- Review and routinely update the project wide communications workplan and support development and implementation of output specific dissemination plans
- Facilitates and assists in the preparation of presentations and communication materials for multiple audiences including donors, implementing partners and various committees and working groups.
- Engage with external partners and stakeholders to build relationships, foster collaboration, and support dissemination and uptake of DataDENT outputs
- Contribute to the development and implementation of annual advocacy actions in collaboration with other external nutrition data stakeholders
2. Data for Nutrition CoP Facilitation (45%)
- Actively facilitate a community of practice focused on nutrition data and information systems, that brings together experts, practitioners, and stakeholders.
- Monitor CoP and topic-related communications channels to identify content relevant to and/or produced by members and facilitate its sharing through various CoP platforms (e.g., Mobilize Community Platform, DfN Social Media Platforms: X, LinkedIn, YouTube)
- Identify interests and priorities of CoP members and support development of collaborative outputs and capacity strengthening opportunities
- Organize monthly virtual webinars or other knowledge-sharing events to foster collaboration and the exchange of expertise and experience across CoP members.
- Act as a liaison between the community and DataDENT team, ensuring alignment with overall goals.
3. Monitoring & Evaluation (10%)
- Develop and implement metrics to measure the effectiveness of knowledge management, community of practice, and communication strategies.
- Regularly assess the impact of communications efforts and community engagement activities and make adjustments as necessary.
Qualifications
Mandatory Qualifications:
- Master's Degree in human nutrition, public health, communications or related field plus at least 3-5 years of relevant work experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Strong writing, editing, and presentation skills.
- Content knowledge related to public health nutrition and/or information systems in low and middle-income countries
- Proficiency in digital tools and software for content creation and management.
- Familiarity with video conferencing, online forums, and other virtual communication tools
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship building / networking skills
- Strong project management and organizational abilities.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior experience within community management, facilitation, or a related role
- Experience working in cross cultural teams in LMIC setting
Special Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Ability to work independently to complete tasks, work with others to problem solve and ask for support as required.
- Ability to multi-task, adapt to changing circumstances and respond to the needs and interests of project and community members
- Culturally sensitivity and how to engage across potential cultural differences in communication and collaboration
Application Instructions
Recruitment will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should upload a statement of interest, curriculum vitae and names of three references in Interfolio. If any issues with submission, please email Anna Moronta-Rodriguez, Administrative Coordinator, Institute for International Programs ([email protected]). Please title the e-mail subject line as "DataDENT RA Position - KMAC & CoP"