Call for expression of interest – Health Systems Researcher Consultancy
Fee: To be negotiated
Location: Freetown, Sierra Leone
Consultancy length: 14 days in total
About the consultancy
In the past decade, several countries in sub-Saharan Africa have undertaken assessments of their eye health systems. These assessments are vital for understanding the relative strengths and weaknesses of the eye health system within the wider health system. In Sierra Leone, the first assessment was conducted in 2013 just before the outbreak of Ebola in the country.
The study will be conducted in two connected phases, and this consultancy will cover phase one. Phase one will focus on a systematic desk-based review of documents (print or electronic), analysis and interpretation of data. This will be a complimentary but comprehensive analysis to answer the research questions set out in the study protocol (see approved study protocol).
The purpose of this consultancy will be to conduct document analysis and write-up, as the first component of study activities for the Sierra Leone Follow-up Eye Health Systems Assessment. This will be guided by a stand-alone activity plan to be developed by the consultant in consultation with Sightsavers and is mostly going to be about interpretation (and not description) and update of the baseline eye health systems assessment conducted in 2013. The ability to interpret and glean understanding, as well as to construe the big picture and provide new understanding would be the focus of this consultancy. Analysis of data derived from documents is about the search for explanation and understanding, not description.
Skills and Experience
As the ideal consultant you will have experience of engaging stakeholders in the eye health sector to access documents (print and electronic) that are required to complete the assignment in a timely manner. You will also have excellent knowledge of technical issues and the politically sensitive strategies that one must take to negotiate access to documents and datasets so that work can be successfully conducted.
Further requirements include:
- Master’s in a discipline related to public health, health economics, social or behavioural science, or relevant fields, with expertise in HSR. PhD preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to gain the trust and rapidly engage with stakeholders in the eye health sector to access documents (print and electronic) that are required to complete the assignment in a timely manner.
- Substantial prior experience leading and conducting HSR studies in Sierra Leone.
- Proven ability to prepare compelling written products including reports is required.
- Excellent written and analytical skills are required.
This consultancy work is a highly varied and involved role and the above is not an exhaustive list of duties or required professional skills. Please see the Terms of Reference (ToR) for full details.
Candidates are welcome to demonstrate their ability to match the person specification by expanding on how their experience, training and/or qualifications might have provided them with the knowledge or skills required for the role. Successful candidates will be appointed on merit.
How to apply
To apply for this exciting new opportunity, please complete our Expression of Interest form via our recruitment portal, along with uploading your CV and any links or documents showing previous similar work.
We are particularly interested in learning of your motivations for applying. We anticipate that remote interviews will take place during the week of 17 March and the evaluation process will include an oral interview, to be completed by shortlisted candidates.
Closing date: 9 March 2025
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. Our workforce will be truly representative of all sections of society and we will actively promote the inclusion of individuals with a disability. Sightsavers is a Disability Confident Leader and qualified people with a disability are particularly encouraged to apply.
Sightsavers is an employer that does not tolerate any form of harassment and has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. All potential candidates will be subjected to rigorous background checks and controls.