Job Description

Job Description of Research Manager under the BPSN Study in Jharkhand

About NLR India Foundation (NLRIF): NLR India Foundation (NLRIF) is a non-profit, non-religious, non-governmental organization registered as a public charitable trust as per the Indian Trust Act in 1999. NLR India Foundation is certified for the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) in 2004 and received tax exemption under section 80G of IT Act, 1961. In addition, NLR India Foundation is a member of the International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations (ILEP). Our vision is “Creation of an inclusive society free from Leprosy, allied skin NTDs and related Disabilities”. We are working in eight states, namely, Assam, Bihar, Delhi, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and West Bengal.

Our vision: Creation of an inclusive society free from Leprosy, allied skin NTDs and related disabilities.

Our values: Openness, Collaboration, Commitment, and Compassion.

GLRA India is an implementation partner of this project. GLRA India, a non-profit Indian entity, has been working for the cause of Leprosy, Tuberculosis, Disability, and Humanitarian crises since 1966. For the past 5 decades, GLRA India’s constant endeavor has been to provide medical and social rehabilitation to those affected by the above-mentioned diseases and conditions. Through the evolution of its work and the implementation of 382 plus projects in 23 states and 3 UTs, it touched the lives of more than 2.5 million people and enabled them to live a life of dignity. GLRA is one of the founding members of ILEP India, the counterpart of the ‘International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Association’.

Project background:

The mental wellbeing of persons affected by NTDs is often compromised, relating to disabling consequences, stigma, and discrimination. Mental health and human rights are not systematically integrated into the public health system and are rarely assessed for their effectiveness. One of the key reasons is the limited research capacity for intervention-based studies.

To bridge this gap, NLR India conducted a proof-of-concept study in 2021/22, to evaluate the effectiveness of the Basic Psychological Support for Persons Affected by NTDs (BPS-N). This intervention, delivered by peer supporters (PS), targeted persons with disabilities due to leprosy and lymphatic filariasis (LF). Over a 3-month intervention, the study demonstrated promising outcomes in mental wellbeing and stigma reduction.

To identify a complementary, effective and sustainable way of achieving mental well-being and generate rigorous evidence, we will now test the efficacy of the BPS-N intervention through a cluster- randomised controlled trial (c-RCT) during the period from 20025-2027. The c-RCT will take place in two high-endemic districts in Jharkhand (Palamu and Garhwa). Findings of the study and recommendations will help in replication of BPS-N into the health care system.

Position: Research Manager – (number: 1)

Location - Garhwa, Jharkhand

However, the manager will manage the project implementation in both Garhwa and Palamu Districts.

Supervisor – National Research Coordinator, NLR India

Responsibilities:

• Oversee overall coordination of the research project

• Supervise project staff

• Ensure adherence and compliance with ethical and methodological guidelines

• Coordinate meetings with project partners and track decisions taken in these meetings

• Oversee participant recruitment, ensuring eligibility criteria are met

• Coordinate training sessions for peer supporters and research assistants

• Supervise data collection processes, ensuring accuracy and consistency

• Manage REDCap database entries and monitor data quality control

• Oversee the qualitative and quantitative data analysis processes

• Facilitate report writing and synthesis of key findings

• Coordinate stakeholder engagement and dissemination activities, including policy briefs and academic publications

• Organize advocacy and communication activities for the scale-up of the intervention

• Follow the project’s Gantt chart, tracking progress against milestones

• Ensure timely completion of project deliverables, including training modules, data reports, and final recommendations

• Monitor risk factors and adjust timelines where necessary

• Undertake other responsibilities as requested by the supervisor and the CEO

Eligibility Criteria:

• Educational Qualification: Master’s degree (or higher) in Public Health, Epidemiology, Science, or a related field.

• Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in M&E and coordination of projects, preferably in health or social sciences research.

Skills Required:

1. Strong project management and organizational skills.

2. Experience with research methodologies, study design, and data management.

3. Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., SPSS, STATA) and data management tools (e.g., REDCap).

4. Excellent communication and report-writing skills.

5. Ability to liaise with multiple stakeholders, including government and NGOs.

6. Willingness to travel to field sites as needed.

Compensation Offered: Compensation offered shall be commensurate with the qualifications, experience/relevant skills and salary history of the selected candidate.

Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply; any such applicant meeting the job requirements will be given priority over others. Females, who fulfil the above criteria, will be given preference.

Values and Ethics:

The candidate should have a high level of integrity, accountability, and punctuality and a strong commitment to the project. S/he should also demonstrate and be exemplary in portraying NLR values and ethics.

How to apply:

Eligible candidates interested in the position are requested to apply using the link: https://forms.gle/dZcL5VMaW73YEE7y5 and mention position applied for ‘‘Research Manager”. Upload your CV by using the link along with your cover letter which explains your track record in development sector and motivation that makes you eligible for this position. Apply for this position at the earliest, we will screen and interview on an ongoing basis. The last application date is 17th April 2025; in case, we get a suitable candidate early, the position will close before 17th April 2025.

No telephone queries and clarification will be responded to/ answered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

About Company

NLR India (NLRIF), New Delhi is an ISO 9001:2015 certified, Non-Profit, Non-religious, Non-Government Organization. NLR India works for persons and families affected by Leprosy, other Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs). The Foundation has a track record of serving the leprosy cause since the year 1999.

With its noble vision and Leprosy oriented efforts spread across a time period of over two decades, NLRIF supports the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) in achieving Zero Transmission, Zero Disability and Zero Exclusion. NLR India works in five different thematic areas, namely, Health, Education, Livelihood, Empowerment and Research.

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