Job Description: Research Director

Project: HealthyStart
Duty Station: Gicumbi District / Kigali, Rwanda
Reports to: Principal Investigator / Project Leadership
Contract Type: One-Year Renewable (One Position)

Position Overview

The Research Director will provide strategic scientific leadership and oversight for the HealthyStart Project, a research-based initiative focused on improving maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes and reducing childhood growth faltering (stunting) in Gicumbi District.

The Research Director will lead the design, implementation, analysis, and dissemination of high-quality research findings that inform project strategies, health policies, and evidence-based interventions. The position requires strong leadership in research methodology, data analysis, scientific publication, stakeholder engagement, and research capacity building.

Key Responsibilities

Research Design and Strategy

• Develop and implement comprehensive research strategies aligned with HealthyStart project objectives. 
• Design study protocols, research methodologies, sampling strategies, and analytical frameworks for maternal, newborn, child health, and nutrition research. 
• Ensure research activities are aligned with national health priorities and international best practices. 
• Lead preparation and submission of research protocols for ethical and regulatory approvals. 
• Ensure compliance with national and international research standards. 

Research Implementation and Oversight

• Provide overall leadership and technical guidance for research activities. 
• Oversee field research activities, including surveys, interviews, clinical assessments, and biological sample collection where applicable. 
• Ensure research activities are implemented according to approved protocols, timelines, and quality standards. 
• Monitor research progress and provide technical solutions to implementation challenges.

Data Management, Analysis, and Interpretation

• Provide oversight of research data management systems to ensure accuracy, security, and confidentiality. 
• Guide quantitative and qualitative data analysis processes. 
• Apply advanced statistical and research methods to interpret findings. 
• Translate research findings into practical recommendations for improving maternal, newborn, and child health interventions. 
• Ensure data quality and scientific rigor throughout the research process. 

Scientific Publication and Knowledge Dissemination

• Lead the development of scientific reports, policy briefs, research manuscripts, and other knowledge products. 
• Promote publication of findings in peer-reviewed journals. 
• Present research findings at national and international conferences, workshops, and stakeholder forums. 
• Translate complex scientific findings into accessible information for policymakers, partners, donors, and communities. 
• Support evidence-based decision-making through research dissemination. 

Team Leadership and Capacity Building

• Provide technical supervision and mentorship to research staff, field teams, and data analysts. 
• Build research capacity among project staff and local institutions. 
• Promote a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. 
• Support development of research tools, guidelines, and training materials. 

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

• Establish and maintain strong partnerships with government institutions, universities, research organizations, NGOs, and donors. 
• Collaborate with the Ministry of Health, Rwanda Biomedical Center, academic institutions, and other project partners. 
• Represent the project in technical meetings, research forums, and stakeholder engagements. 
• Contribute to national and global knowledge-sharing initiatives related to stunting reduction and maternal-child health. 

Quality Assurance and Research Ethics

• Ensure all research activities comply with ethical principles, approved protocols, and regulatory requirements. 
• Implement quality assurance systems for research implementation, data collection, and analysis. 
• Promote responsible research conduct, transparency, and scientific integrity. 
• Ensure protection of research participants and confidentiality of study information. 
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Principal Investigator or Project Leadership.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• PhD in Public Health, Epidemiology, Biomedical Sciences, Data Science, or a related field.

OR

• Medical Doctor qualification, including specialization in Obstetrics/Gynecology, Pediatrics, or related fields, with substantial maternal and child health research experience. 
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience leading maternal, newborn, child health, nutrition, or public health research projects. 
• Strong record of scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals. 
• Demonstrated expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods. 
• Proven experience managing multidisciplinary research teams. 
• Experience obtaining ethical approvals and managing research partnerships. 
• Strong understanding of research methodologies, data analysis, and scientific reporting. 

Preferred

• Experience conducting research in Rwanda or similar low- and middle-income country settings. 
• Experience working on maternal, newborn, child health, nutrition, or stunting prevention programmes. 
• Experience collaborating with government institutions, universities, and international partners. 
• Experience leading multi-site research projects. 

Required Technical Skills

• Advanced research methodology and study design. 
• Quantitative and qualitative data analysis. 
• Scientific writing and publication. 
• Research protocol development. 
• Statistical analysis and interpretation. 
• Research ethics and regulatory compliance. 
• Data quality assurance and research monitoring. 

Core Competencies

• Strong scientific leadership and strategic thinking. 
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and team management abilities. 
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills. 
• Ability to work independently and manage complex research environments. 
• High ethical standards and commitment to research integrity. 
• Strong commitment to community engagement and evidence-based healthcare improvement. 

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English is required. 
• Good command of Kinyarwanda is an added advantage. 

Working Conditions

The position requires regular engagement between Gicumbi District field sites and Kigali project offices. The Research Director will be required to conduct field visits, engage with research teams and stakeholders, and provide technical leadership throughout project implementation.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should apply via this link by July 24, 2026