Further Particulars Post Doctoral Researcher: Health systems, health markets and the diffusion of innovation (Ref 543)

Transcription

1 Further Particulars Post Doctoral Researcher: Health systems, health markets and the diffusion of innovation (Ref 543) Full time, 35 hours per week Fixed term for two years Salary: 32,808-35,231 per annum, depending on experience in Grade 7 pay scale About IDS IDS is a leading global charity for research, teaching and information on international development. Our vision is a world in which poverty does not exist, social justice prevails and economic growth is focused on improving human wellbeing. We believe that research knowledge can drive the change that must happen in order for this vision to be realised. Founded in 1966, IDS enjoys an international reputation based on the quality of our work and our commitment to applying academic skills to real-world challenges. Our theory of change is at the heart of what we do. We think that knowledge should be generated by sound methodology and in partnership with other development and non-development actors. IDS hosts six dynamic research teams, nine popular postgraduate courses, and a family of world-class knowledge services. These three spheres are integrated in a unique combination as a development knowledge hub, IDS is connected into and is a convenor of networks throughout the world. The Institute is home to approximately 100 researchers, 70 knowledge services staff, 65 professional staff and about 200 students at any one time. But the IDS community extends far beyond, encompassing an extensive network of over 250 partners, 1500 alumni and hundreds of former staff across the development community worldwide. The Knowledge, Technology and Society Team The Knowledge, Technology and Society Team puts forward the premise that science and technology offer crucial ways to reduce poverty and increase social justice by improving agricultural livelihoods, tackling ill-health and sustaining the environment. The team therefore works to understand and influence the institutions and power-knowledge relationships that link technology, ecology and society; while simultaneously seeking to connect global debate with local realities through interdisciplinary research, networks and partnerships, teaching and training. The KNOTS team believes that an interdisciplinary approach to science and technology which takes seriously both science and society is critical. Our approach focuses on four core programme areas, Agriculture, Health, Water and Sanitation, and Environment, looking specifically at how to promote poverty reduction and social justice in these areas. Each programme has developed its own distinct research agenda, but collectively KNOTS researchers explore the following six core analytical themes: Knowledge, Power and Policy Risk, Uncertainties and Dynamics Governance and Regulation

2 Access, Rights and Citizenship Livelihoods and Security Critical Engagements Research, Communications and Influence In order to achieve our aims and to situate scientific and technological knowledge in relation to indigenous, local, bodily or other kinds of knowledge, the KNOTS team encourages disciplinary diversity and is made up of specialists with anthropological, sociological, geographic, economic, ecological and medical expertise. The team also experiments with and uses distinctive research methodologies involving detailed local fieldwork and collaborative partnerships in order to enhance our understanding of dynamic social and ecological changes. The team s work focuses on development contexts in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Nonetheless, we also research issues and track debates in European contexts, not only because these have significant bearing on development policy but also because of the importance of North-South connections in today s globalised world. Our work on health is jointly undertaken with the Future Health Systems Consortium of research institutes in the United States, Uganda, India, Bangladesh and China, the STEPS Centre and the newly established Centre on Business and Development. We are also a partner of two EU-funded ARCADE projects, which are producing online teaching material for doctoral students, to strengthen research on health systems and the social dimensions of health. One major focus of our work is on the implications for health systems of the spread of health markets, rapid changes in the knowledge economy and the emergence of a variety of disease-related civil society organisations for the development of health systems with the capacity to meet the needs of the poor. Much of our work focuses on settings in Africa, Asia or Latin America, but we also track issues and debates in European contexts, recognising the importance of North-South connections in today's globalised world. For further information visit:

3 APPOINTMENT: Post Doctoral Researcher: Health systems, health markets and the diffusion of innovation (Ref 543) REPORTING TO: Gerald Bloom, KNOTS Team Job description: The IDS plans to appoint a post doctoral Researcher to join a programme of work on health systems, health markets and the diffusion of innovation. This programme is being jointly undertaken by the Future Health Systems Consortium, based in the KNOTS Team, the STEPS Centre and the newly established Centre on Business and Development. The IDS is also a partner of two EU-funded ARCADE projects, which are producing online teaching material for doctoral students, to strengthen research on health systems and the social dimensions of health. The post doctoral Researcher will undertake an agreed programme of work for the Future Health System and ARCADE projects and will also contribute to the development of new research projects. He or she may also undertake consultancy assignments directly related to their area of expertise. The Future Health Systems Consortium completed a study of the informal markets in which poor people in many low and middle-income countries purchase health-related goods and services, during its first phase of work. It launched a second five-year phase in 2011, in which its partners in Africa and Asia are implementing innovations aimed at improving access by poor people to safe, effective and affordable health services. The post doctoral Researcher will work closely with consortium partners and senior researchers at the IDS to design and undertake a study of the diffusion of these innovations. He or she will work on all aspects of the study, including the eventual production of high quality publications. We are looking for someone who combines excellent research skills, a knowledge of the messy contexts within which poor people seek health care and drugs and a desire to find practical ways to improve health system performance. He or she should have special expertise in one or more of the following topics: intervening in health markets, analysing institutional development in the health and social sectors, studying diffusion of pro-poor innovations. They should have a very good knowledge of development and development challenges in Africa or Asia. Fluency in one of the languages of the partners of the Future Health Systems Consortium would be an asset. The post-doctoral Researcher will be a member of the KNOTS Team and will have opportunities to participate in activities of the STEPS Centre and the Centre for Business and Development. The post doctoral Researcher will have opportunities to develop and seek funding for other research studies with partners in low and middle-income countries and to contribute to postgraduate teaching and the production of on-line teaching material. The post is fixed term for two years, as funding for this project is time limited. However with support and training the aim is for the post doctoral Researcher to develop their own portfolio of work. It is anticipated that for the right candidate this role could eventually lead to a Fellowship position at IDS, subject to a vacancy arising and to the procedures at the time.

4 Person Specification Post Doctoral Researcher, Ref 543 Requirement Essential Desirable Method of assessment Educational qualifications Have obtained a social science or public health doctorate; OR Demonstrable analytical and programme experience to equivalent level in an appropriate field. Demonstrate appropriate record of academic outputs Doctoral research involving field work in a low or middle income country Application, documentary evidence Knowledge Broad, varied and in-depth knowledge of the theoretical and practical literature on formal and informal markets for goods and services used by the poor and of interventions to improve their performance Understanding of literature on institutional development, regulation and the changing roles of the state Knowledge of debates concerning reform and development of the social sector in low and middle income countries Fluency in spoken and written English Knowledge of literature on health systems and health system strengthening Knowledge of literature on the diffusion of innovation Knowledge of ICTs for development Knowledge of evaluation methods Good command of at least one other language used in Africa, South Asia and/or East Asia Application Written submissions Experience Skills Substantial work, research and/or programme experience in low and middle-income countries Experience of production of research outputs, demonstrated by appropriate record of working papers and reports. Excellent analytical, research methods (qualitative and/or quantitative) and writing skills, demonstrated by a record of projects, publications and reports Ability to translate academic knowledge into policy and practicerelevant outputs Strong interpersonal skills, including: Experience in the development of research proposals Experience of teaching at university level and development of teaching materials Experience in undertaking evaluations of institutions and institutional development Experience of advisory work in low or middle-income countries Production of teaching materials for post-graduate students Use of ICTs for dissemination of research methods and findings Spoken and written communication abilities for a range of audiences Application Written submissions Application Written submissions

5 Attributes Health/other - Ability to work with researchers from a variety of backgrounds and in a variety of contexts, including overseas - Ability to work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary and mixed skill teams (e.g. researchers and practitioners); - Skills in negotiation, problem-solving and decision-making Self-motivated, goal-oriented, enthusiastic and entrepreneurial attitude Demonstrated capacity for leadership and innovation in the field Commitment to team and collaborative working Problem-solving approach Willingness and ability to travel internationally Languages (spoken and read beyond English) Application references

6 Post Doctoral Researcher (Ref: 543) Information to Candidates Closing date: 18 January 2013, midday Interview date: W/C 04 February 2013 The following information is intended as a useful guide to applicants considering joining the Institute. Full details are supplied with an offer of appointment. MEDICAL As part of the Institute s selection procedure for employment, we ask all prospective employees to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire. The purpose is to ensure we fulfil our responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and ensure that the proposed employment does not present any risks from a medical point of view. Further details about this will be sent to you following the initial interview. REFERENCES An offer of employment will be subject to the receipt of satisfactory references. We require two references, one of which must be from you present or most recent employer. The Institute reserves the right to contact your previous employer before an offer is made. Unless your permission is granted, your present employer will not be approached until after an offer of employment has been made. PROBATIONARY PERIOD The first 12 months of your employment with the Institute will be counted as a probationary period. During this time the Institute will make an assessment of your suitability for acceptance to a permanent position. SALARY Initial appointment will be between 32,808-35,231 per annum, depending on experience in the IDS Grade 7 pay scale Salaries are paid on the last working day of the month by credit transfer to a bank or building society account. Any cost of living increases are normally awarded on 1 st August. Subject to satisfactory performance automatic incremental progression occurs on the 1 st October, except if appointed between 1 st April - 30 th September inclusive, then the first increment will occur on 1 st October the following calendar year, until the top of the grade is reached. Further details will be available on appointment and are contained in the Incremental Progression Policy.

7 PENSION The post holder is eligible to join the Institute s USS pension scheme. HOURS OF WORK The normal working hours are 35 hours per week, (normal office hours are 9am 5pm, with one hour for lunch). HOLIDAYS The annual leave entitlement is 24 days, (2 days for each complete month worked). The Institute s holiday year runs from 1 st October to 30 th September. In addition to the normal public holidays and 24 normal working days as annual leave (pro rata for part-time), the post-holder is eligible for up to 6 non-negotiable closure days. NOTICE During your probationary service the period of notice to terminate your employment is one month. Following successful completion of your probationary period, the notice period you are required to give the Institute becomes 3 months. ANNUAL REVIEW The Institute operates an annual appraisal system, further details available on appointment. OTHER BENEFITS Upon satisfactory completion of your probationary period, a number of benefits are available to the post holder including loans for a variety of purposes, including travel loans and bicycle loans, and support in the attainment of a relevant professional qualification in line with the Professional Development Policy, further details available on appointment. The Institute offers a Child Care Voucher Scheme and a Childcare Fund. Staff of the Institute are eligible to use the University of Sussex gym and sporting facilities at staff rates. LOCATION The appointment is located at the Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, Brighton; employees are required to reside with 20 miles of the Institute s premises in the University of Sussex. About Brighton and Hove IDS is located on the University of Sussex campus, on the edge of the beautiful Sussex Downs and just 10 minutes from the lively south-coast city of Brighton and Hove. Just 50 miles south of London, Brighton and Hove is a popular destination for visitors seeking respite from the capital on its long promenade, its famous Pier and its pebbly beach. The intellectual life of the university is enhanced by Brighton and Hove s reputation as a city of culture for example as host to one of Europe s largest annual arts festivals each May--and heritage.

8 APPLICATIONS ON OFFICIAL FORM ONLY TO (CVs are not accepted): Human Resources Institute of Development Studies Brighton BN1 9RE Alternatively please your application to We would recommend that electronic applications are sent 24 hours in advance of the deadline, to ensure there are no technical difficulties. Please ensure that you quote the correct reference number Owing to the large number of enquiries received and consequential processing/postage costs, regretfully, it is not possible to enter into further correspondence with all applicants. Therefore, if you do not receive any communication by the interview date, please assume that, on this occasion, your application has not been successful. IDS values diversity and is committed to equal opportunities; applications are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates who meet the stated criteria. Thank you for your interest in working with the Institute of Development Studies