International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
As a Senior Program Specialist based in New Delhi, India and under the supervision of the Program Director, you will contribute to implementing program strategy and achieving program outcomes by developing, managing and monitoring a portfolio of activities in Asia.
COVID-19: Depending on the evolution of the situation, the selected candidate may be expected to start their position virtually and should be ready to work in person at our offices once this is permitted.
Job Overview
The Global Health Program Division strengthens health systems and policies so they can deliver better maternal and child health, improved sexual and reproductive health and rights for women and girls, and more effective and equitable preparedness and responses to epidemics.
As a Senior Program Specialist based in New Delhi, India and under the supervision of the Program Director, you will contribute to implementing program strategy and achieving program outcomes by developing, managing and monitoring a portfolio of activities in Asia. You will identify opportunities to analyse, synthesize and communicate findings to a variety of audiences: technical, general and policy. You will identify and exploit opportunities to develop programming in collaboration with other IDRC programs. You will maintain productive working relationships with partners, researchers and government institutions. You will maintain and extend the program’s strategic relationships and influence with various agencies and donors in the region and internationally.
Your experience in managing multi-disciplinary research initiatives in the global south would span several of the following areas:, determinants of health, maternal and child health, sexual and reproductive health and infectious diseases particularly epidemic preparedness and response in Low and Middle Income Countries.
Candidate Profile
Education
Graduate degree, preferably a Ph.D., and record of publications in a relevant area of applied research for development such as Medicine, Public Health, International Development, Health Economics, and Demography or Health Systems.
Experience
This position requires a minimum of eight years relevant experience, which includes:
• conducting applied research in global health in Asia or similar contexts in the global south) with significant related experience in international development policy
• conducting and managing research projects in developing regions, from project design to project implementation and evaluating research grant-making
• assessing and strengthening organizational capacities
• consulting with decision-makers and policy actors to identify research needs
• establishing and building partnerships with organizations conducting research
Note: Candidates with a PhD with less experience (min. of 5 years) may be considered for appointment at the level of Senior Program Officer ($86,426 - $104,128).
Language
• Fluency in English is essential for this position
Knowledge
• Must have well developed and specific knowledge about policy in in the context of global health
• Must demonstrate cultural sensitivity and the ability to adapt to changing policy environment in own area of expertise and geographical region
• Must have good experience of Canada’s development agenda and the Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP)
• Must have good knowledge of key development priorities in Asia and how these relate to issues linking health, economic development, and poverty reduction
• Good knowledge of governance and institutional dynamics in Asia in the some of the following areas: policy, health, development
• Knowledge of and links to existing research networks in Asia and beyond
In addition, knowledge of some of the following would be considered an asset:
• public health and development issues, such as nutrition or infectious disease control, and related institutions in Asia
• impact of climate change on development, including One Health
• systems thinking, transdisciplinary research, equity issues including gender, sustainable development or ecosystem approaches to health (or similar)
Competencies
• Strong creativity, innovation, leadership and initiative skills
• Strong planning, organizing, and coordinating skills under pressure
• Flexibility and superior teamwork skills
• Analysis and synthesis, problem solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal, facilitation and verbal/written communication skills
• Ability to manage a complex international portfolio of activities while traveling or in the field
• Sensitive to cultural, gender and personal differences
Additional Information
This position requires a willingness to travel internationally, an average of 60-90 days per year. For more information regarding primary duties or responsibilities, view Job Details.
We appreciate your interest, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
IDRC is committed to creating and fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment that reflects the people’s lives we impact and the Canadian community we work within, where everyone is comfortable being their authentic selves. We welcome Indigenous peoples and persons from all races, ethnicities, gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, and physical or mental abilities to be part of our team.
We strive to ensure barrier-free selection processes. If you are contacted regarding a job opportunity, testing or interview, please advise the HR representative of the accommodation measures that must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner.
Application process Frequently Asked Questions.
Who can apply? The general public - national and international populations.
