
26 Apr Project Research Associate, Maternal Mental Health – Cambodia
Are you looking for a transformational opportunity? Do you want to expand your skillset, while contributing to an innovative development project? Do you have an interest in global health or projects with a focus on women and children? If so, the position below might be just what you are looking for!
Role: Project Research Associate – Maternal Mental Health
Partner: ADRA Cambodia
Location: Rovieng, Cambodia
Travel: Position is based at the EMBRACE project office
Duration: 6 months
Start Date: June/July 2018
Eligibility Requirements: Volunteer must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Application deadline: Applications will be received on a rolling basis until the position is filled
About EMBRACE
EMBRACE is a four-year project designed to improve the maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) of vulnerable women, girls and boys in Cambodia, the Philippines and Myanmar through improving access to essential health services, building the capacity of local health workers, and providing community education programs. Funded in part by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada, EMBRACE is a project led by ADRA Canada and implemented in partnership Youth Challenge International (YCI) and the Hincks-Dellcrest Centre (HDC).
About the opportunity
EMBRACE Cambodia is seeking a dynamic Research Associate to support a study into the prevalence of antenatal and post-natal anxiety and depression among pregnant women in Choam Kshan, Rovieng, Chey San, and Sandan Districts. The study will explore the risk factors associated with anxiety and antenatal depression in these regions and conduct a situational analysis of current mental health services in a primary care setting to facilitate the planning and promotion of future mental health services.
The volunteer will be based at EMBRACE project office in Rovieng and will live and work overseas in Cambodia for the duration of the role. The volunteer will receive a detailed project orientation at ADRA Canada’s Newcastle office and Youth Challenge International’s Toronto office and will be required to complete a mental health first-aid course prior to departure.
ADRA Philippines is a Seventh-day Adventist faith-based organization, employing professionals from different faiths. The volunteer is expected to respect and reflect the values and lifestyle of the organization while in the field.
What you will be doing:
Working in coordination with the research team, the ideal candidate will:
- Support the lead researcher in conducting and writing a literature review;
- Under the guidance of the lead researcher and supervising academic technical advisors, document the research methodology;
- Lead in the data collection, which includes interviews, focus group discussions, key informant interview and review of existing records;
- Support the participating health centres in developing a referral process/system to relevant support services;
- Support the lead researcher and academic technical advisors in analysing the findings;
- Research and initiate contact with prospective academic or industry journals that might publish the study report;
- Coordinate and schedule research committee meetings, including preparing agenda, documenting action points and required follow-up;
- Coordinate with EMBRACE Communications team so that qualitative research can contribute to the communications team outputs;
- Collaborate with YCI Knowledge Management volunteer on in field observations and documentation of project best practices;
- Assist the EMBRACE team in writing of annual workplans, semi-annual reports and annual reports;
- Assist ADRA EMBRACE Project Manager in editing internal plans and reports;
- Other duties as assigned by ADRA Cambodia EMBRACE Project Manager.
What you need to have:
- Bachelor’s degree in International Development, Social Sciences or related field;
- Demonstrated education, experience or interest in MNCH;
- Strong report writing and analytical skills;
- Experience or education in research methodologies and data collection;
- Demonstrated experience effectively documenting processes;
- Strong understanding of the RBM framework and Global Affairs Canada reporting requirements;
- Excellent written & verbal communication skills with well-developed interpersonal skills;
- Highly motivated and self-directed;
- Team-player;
- Flexible and adaptable to a challenging and high-pressure working environment and unpredictable workload;
- An ability and willingness to work in rural areas and new cultural and professional settings;
- Experience traveling, living, working or volunteering abroad.
What would be awesome to have:
- Master’s degree in health or social sciences with an emphasis on public health, international development or business administration;
- Certification or studies in public health, rural development, community development, project management or project monitoring and evaluation;
- Experience implementing health projects, with specific MNCH experience considered a strong asset;
- Health promotion or service delivery;
- Experience with monitoring and evaluation practices;
- Training and facilitation experience, particularly in a developing country context;
- Project planning and report writing experience;
- An awareness of gender sensitive behavior change strategies;
- Demonstrated experience conducting successful training and coaching;
- A strong understanding of process workflows and operating controls.
What we offer:
This is a 6 month subsidized skilled volunteer position. YCI will provide the volunteer with:
- Pre-departure training and debrief in Toronto (including travel and accommodation)
- In-country orientation
- Return airfare and visa/permit fees
- Vaccinations allowance (up to $300 CDN)
- Emergency medical and evacuation insurance
- Support and mentorship while in country
- $1,200 CAD/month stipend to cover accommodation, food, work-related communication and transportation
YCI does not cover the following:
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance (recommended)
- Social activities
- Personal travel
How to get involved:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. To apply for this position, please complete our volunteer application form. We thank all applicants for their interest, but will only contact those that have been selected for an interview. We will not accept any phone calls about this position.
About us:
Youth Challenge International (YCI) is a leading global youth development organization that promotes youth innovation to drive positive change. Over the past 25 years, YCI has supported youth-led initiatives and volunteer engagement with over 250,000 youth in 13 countries around the world. YCI’s programs are a unique and effective opportunity for individuals to participate in development programming. By combining the energy and skills of volunteers with local youth and partners, YCI provides volunteers with the opportunity to contribute to innovative programming while developing personal and professional skills.
Note: Program participation is completely voluntary and is by no means and shall not be construed as an employment contract and that he or she is not entitled to claim for any wages, indemnity, payment, notice of termination or pay in lieu of notice of termination, or any other benefits and agrees that he or she may not be considered as an employee under employment laws including the Act respecting, Labour Standards and the Civil Code of Quebec.