RESEARCH COORDINATOR

Organization: King Faisal Hospital Rwanda Foundation (KFHRF)

Location: Kigali, Rwanda

Reports To: Principal Investigator

Employment Type: Full-time

Contract Duration: 1 year, renewable

About the Position

The Ministry of Health, in partnership with other organizations, is implementing a research project titled “Evaluating Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Nutrition and Health (MNCNH) Innovation Impact in Rwanda.”

The study supports the objectives of Health Sector Strategic Plan V (HSSP V, 2024–2029) and focuses on evaluating important interventions designed to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes and reduce maternal and neonatal deaths.

The interventions include:

• Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS)
• Calcium Supplementation
• Intravenous Iron
• Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH) Bundles
• Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS)

The Research Coordinator will provide scientific and technical leadership for the multi-site implementation research project, ensuring high research standards, ethical compliance, quality data, and effective use of research findings in health policy and practice.

The successful candidate will be seconded to the Ministry of Health and work under the strategic direction of the Project Steering Committee.

Key Responsibilities

Research Design and Implementation

• Lead the development, review, and implementation of research protocols and study methodologies.
• Develop and oversee appropriate sampling approaches and analytical frameworks.
• Ensure research methods and procedures are applied consistently across participating hospitals and health centres.
• Develop statistical analysis plans and support interpretation of research results.
• Ensure the scientific quality and methodological integrity of the study throughout implementation.

Ethics and Compliance

• Coordinate submissions and follow-up with the Rwanda National Ethics Committee.
• Ensure that research activities continuously comply with ethical requirements and data protection regulations.
• Ensure adherence to national research policies and regulations.
• Safeguard the scientific, technical, and ethical standards of the project.

Team Coordination and Technical Supervision

• Provide technical supervision to Clinical Field Supervisors and Technical Assistants.
• Coordinate the work of Post-Doctoral Fellows, Graduate Students, Research Assistants, and Provincial Data Managers.
• Support continuous capacity building in clinical research methods, digital health tools, and data quality management.
• Promote consistent research practices across all study sites.

Data Management and Research Quality

• Oversee data management and quality assurance activities.
• Support the effective use of digital health and research data systems.
• Monitor data quality and ensure reliable research outputs.
• Guide advanced analysis and interpretation of health research data.

Reporting and Knowledge Dissemination

• Coordinate the preparation of peer-reviewed scientific publications, technical reports, and policy briefs.
• Support the conversion of research findings into practical recommendations for the health sector.
• Contribute to the development of national guidelines, decision-support tools, and health policy recommendations based on study evidence.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Act as the main technical link between the Ministry of Health, Rwanda Biomedical Centre, academic institutions, and research partners.
• Provide scientific and technical advice to the Project Manager on research implementation requirements.
• Maintain effective collaboration among government institutions, researchers, and development partners.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should have:

• A Master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Data Science, or a related discipline.
• In addition, applicants must have either:
• 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.
• At least 5 years of progressive professional experience in research, epidemiology, health data analytics, or maternal and child health programs.
• Demonstrated experience working with government institutions, research organizations, or development partners on large-scale public health or implementation research projects.
• At least 2 peer-reviewed publications in Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (RMNCH), with the applicant serving as first author.
• Strong experience in data management, quality assurance, and coordination of multi-site research projects.
• Demonstrated ability to use Python and/or R for advanced health data analysis.
• Familiarity with health information systems and digital health platforms.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of Kinyarwanda is an added advantage.

Key Skills and Competencies

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong research and analytical capabilities.
• Experience in epidemiology, health data analysis, or maternal and child health research.
• Ability to coordinate complex multi-site research activities.
• Strong data management and quality assurance skills.
• Proficiency in Python and/or R for health data analytics.
• Knowledge of digital health systems and health information platforms.
• Strong scientific writing and publication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with government, academic, and development partners.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and leadership skills.
• Strong understanding of research ethics and regulatory requirements.

Why Join the Project?

The position offers an opportunity to:

• Contribute to nationally important research focused on reducing maternal and neonatal mortality in Rwanda.
• Generate evidence that can support national health policies, clinical guidelines, and decision-making.
• Work alongside government institutions, researchers, academic institutions, and development partners.
• Contribute to strengthening Rwanda’s capacity in implementation research and digital health innovation.
• Participate in research with direct potential impact on maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their required application documents through the online application form.

Application deadline: Thursday, 15 October 2026 at 23:59 CAT

Apply Online – Research Coordinator

For inquiries: hr@kfhrf.org