JOB DESCRIPTION FOR THE RESEARCH COORDINATOR

Location: Ministry of Health, Kigali, Rwanda
Reports To: Principal Investigator
Contract Type: Full-time
Duration: One Year renewabke

Position Overview:
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with partners, is implementing the research project titled “Evaluating Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Nutrition and Health (MNCNH) Innovation Impact in Rwanda.” This study aligns with the Health Sector Strategic Plan V (HSSP V, 2024–2029) and seeks to assess high-impact interventions aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal mortality, including Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS), Calcium Supplementation, Intravenous Iron, PPH Bundles, and Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS).

We are seeking a highly qualified and experienced Research Coordinator to lead the scientific and technical implementation of this multi-site implementation research project. The successful candidate will ensure methodological rigor, ethical compliance, data quality, and effective translation of findings into policy and practice. The position will be fully seconded to the Ministry of Health and will operate under the strategic oversight of the Project Steering Committee.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, refinement, and implementation of research protocols, study designs, sampling strategies, and analytical frameworks.
• Ensure standardization of research methods and procedures across all participating hospitals and health centers.
• Develop and oversee statistical analysis plans and guide interpretation of study findings.
• Lead submissions and follow-ups with the Rwanda National Ethics Committee and ensure continuous compliance with ethical standards and data protection regulations.
• Provide direct technical supervision to Clinical Field Supervisors and Technical Assistants.
• Coordinate the supervision of Post-Doctoral Fellows, Graduate Students, Research Assistants, and Provincial Data Managers.
• Ensure continuous capacity strengthening in clinical research methodologies, digital health tools, and data quality assurance systems.
• Coordinate preparation of peer-reviewed manuscripts, technical reports, and policy briefs.
• Oversee translation of research findings into national guidelines, decision-support tools, and health system policy recommendations.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Ministry of Health, Rwanda Biomedical Centre, academic institutions, and research partners.
• Provide scientific guidance to the Project Manager on operational and implementation implications of research requirements.
• Ensure adherence to national research regulations and maintain the scientific, technical, and ethical integrity of the project.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Data Science, or a related field.
  • In addition, applicants must hold at least one of the following:

• A Medical Degree (MBBS/MD), Nursing, or Midwifery degree with a valid license to practice in Rwanda; or
• A PhD in a relevant health or biomedical field.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of progressive professional experience in research, epidemiology, health data analytics, or maternal and child health programs.
  • Proven experience working with government institutions, research organizations, or development partners on large-scale public health or implementation research projects.
  • At least two (2) peer-reviewed publications in Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (RMNCH), with the applicant as first author.
  • Strong experience in data management, quality assurance, and multi-site research coordination.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in Python and/or R for advanced health data analytics.
  • Familiarity with health information systems and digital health platforms.
  • Fluency in English; knowledge of Kinyarwanda is an added advantage.

Skills & Competencies

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive professional experience in research, epidemiology, health data analytics, or maternal and child health programs.
• Proven experience working with government institutions, research organizations, or development partners on large-scale public health or implementation research projects.
• At least two (2) peer-reviewed publications in Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (RMNCH), with the applicant as first author.
• Strong experience in data management, quality assurance, and multi-site research coordination.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Python and/or R for advanced health data analytics.
• Familiarity with health information systems and digital health platforms.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of Kinyarwanda is an added advantage.

Why Join KFHRF?

• Contribute to nationally prioritized research aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal mortality in Rwanda.
• Play a key role in generating high-quality evidence to inform national health policies and clinical guidelines.
• Work in a high-impact, multidisciplinary environment with government, academic, and development partners.
• Strengthen Rwanda’s capacity in implementation research and digital health innovation.

Application Instructions:
Interested candidates should submit all required documents via this link by Wednesday, March 19, 2026, 23:59 CAT. Questions can be directed to hr@kfhrf.org.