Job Vacancy For Research Manager, Job Vacancy In Helen Keller International,

Research Manager

Job Purpose: According to the WHO-UNICEF Global Report on Assistive Technology (GReAT), over 2.5 billion individuals across the globe require one or multiple assistive products to enhance their daily lives. These products encompass items like wheelchairs, hearing aids, eyeglasses, as well as digital and mobile apps that facilitate communication and cognition. By utilizing assistive technologies (AT), people are empowered to lead healthier, more productive, independent, and dignified lives. Additionally, AT fosters increased engagement in education, the labor market, and civic activities. Unfortunately, those who are most in need of AT often face barriers to accessing these services, leading to inferior health outcomes.

Nepal has consistently worked towards improving the health and well-being of People with Disabilities (PwDs), embracing the principles of SDG3 as reflected in important policy documents like Nepal’s 15th Development Plan. However, despite these declared commitments, the availability of assistive technology (AT) remains insufficient and fails to adequately address the needs of the most marginalized individuals. The absence of a conducive environment that supports the growth of AT services, characterized by limited public awareness, organized advocacy, insufficient demand for services, and a lack of political will, poses significant challenges in making sustainable and strategic national-level investments in AT.

Helen Keller Intl aims to develop a thorough comprehension of the existing barriers that hinder access to assistive technology (AT) in Nepal. Furthermore, the organization seeks to foster consensus among key stakeholders regarding the necessary long-term strategy and investments needed to tackle the identified needs effectively. With this effort, it is expected that a more knowledgeable, organized, and dedicated constituency for AT services will be formed, leading to the establishment of an enabling environment. This environment, in turn, will facilitate the generation of sustainable investments, cultivate political will, and garner government commitment to enhance access to AT in Nepal.

Helen Keller International is seeking a Research Manager (RM) responsible for conducting a comprehensive analysis of the assistive technology (AT) situation specific to Nepal. The RM will utilize the AT-Assessment Capacity (ATA-C) assessment tool developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and leverage existing evidence, including findings from Rapid Assistive Technology Assessment (rATA), Systematic Assessment of Rehabilitation Situation (STARS) assessments, and relevant research studies, to identify gaps in the AT landscape. In addition, the Research Manager will play a crucial role in engaging and coordination with key stakeholders in Nepal and fostering a collaborative environment to enhance political will and support the development of a national strategy aimed at improving the AT ecosystem in the country.

Specific Roles and Responsibilities:

• Undertake an AT landscape analysis in Nepal through the lenses of national evidence, policy, and platform. This should include consideration of the following:
• Desk review of findings from rATA and STARS assessments and findings from available relevant research.
• National policy analysis (policy issues, policy environment, key actors, options for policy change/entry points, budget analysis)
• Raising awareness and advocacy among stakeholders
• Stakeholder mapping includes influencers, supporters, decision makers, opposition etc.
• Raise awareness to AT among key stakeholders and engage a core group of influencers and decision makers ready and willing to support Nepal build a favorable AT environment.
• Review relevant policies related to persons with disability and AT and make recommendations for advocacy
•  Conduct local AT investment case and costing analysis.
• Biweekly updates on progress.
• Responsible for communication related to projects to donors, regional office and global management.
• Responsible for writing all types of project reports related to projects to be submitted to Donor, Government and Country offices.
• Manage all consultancies under this process applicable to Helen Keller Procurement Policies

Qualifications and Competencies:

Educational Degree:

Should have at least master’s degree Education (PhD preferred) in disability or assistive technology or public health or community medicine or social science and other relevant field or equivalent professional experience with past experiences in research in disability and assistive technology or related field.

Experiences:

• Minimum seven years of experience working in INGO/development organizations and/or consultancies with INGOs, bilateral, or multilateral agencies.
• Work experience and strong understanding of the context of disability and assistive technology sector in the country.
• Should have sound experiences in advocacy and policies changes preferably in the field of disability.
• Ability to conduct landscape analysis independently.
• Prior experience of executing economic analysis will be an added advantage.
• Have extensive network of contacts within relevant bilateral, multilateral, government agencies and development organizations in Nepal in the field of disability, assistive technology.

Communication skills:

• Excellent written and spoken Nepali and English language skills

Flexible and multitask:

• An ability to maintain balance when under stress.
• Experience using Excel, Word, and PowerPoint and other software’s:
• Computer literate and proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and statistical software packages (qualitative and quantitative).

Others

• Willing and able to travel domestically.

Apply by COB JUNE 9, 2023 (Nepali Time)