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Research Associate – Implementation Research

--FCT Abuja--

I.  Introduction

Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR) is an indigenous non-profit institution that works to accelerate positive health, social and economic reforms through high quality program design and implementation, capacity building, implementation science research and knowledge generation, as well as agenda setting and stakeholder convening across human development sectors. Our work seeks to benefit primarily disadvantaged and under-served populations. We implement transformation programs in Nigeria and are currently expanding our footprint to several West and Central African countries. To achieve our strategic growth agenda, SCIDaR is building a strong research team that generates actionable evidence to inform policy and practice at national, regional, and global levels.
SCIDaR is recruiting a Research Associate – Implementation Research for an upcoming project focused on improving access to family planning (FP) and comprehensive post-abortion care (PAC) through primary health care (PHC) services across multiple Nigerian states. The Research Associate – Implementation Research will support the design, execution, and dissemination of research that strengthens health service delivery, particularly in sexual and reproductive health.
Hiring for this position is contingent upon grant award to SCIDaR and funding availability.


II.   Description and Objectives
The Research Associate will focus on implementation research in service delivery sites, with emphasis on measuring clinical outcomes, documenting what works in real-world settings, and generating evidence to guide program improvement and scale-up. This role is best suited to a dynamic researcher with hands-on experience in sexual and reproductive health implementation research and an interest in producing high-quality scientific and policy outputs. The individual will contribute to strengthening evidence generation, research quality, and program learning across SCIDaR’s projects.


III.   Key responsibilities
​Implementation Research

  • Design, plan, and execute implementation research studies at SRH service delivery sites
  • Develop study protocols, tools, and methodologies, ensuring compliance with ethical and regulatory standards
  • Lead clinical outcome measurement, process evaluations, and cost-effectiveness analyses of interventions
  • Collaborate with local stakeholders, service providers, and government partners to embed research in routine program delivery

Evidence Generation and Translation

  • Analyze quantitative and qualitative data to derive actionable insights
  • Produce peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, and technical reports
  • Synthesize findings into formats tailored for policymakers, practitioners, and communities
  • Contribute to SCIDaR’s thought leadership by representing research findings at conferences, workshops, and policy dialogues

Learning and Adaptation

  • Use monitoring and evaluation data as inputs for research questions, but move beyond descriptive M&E to robust scientific inquiry
  • Facilitate structured learning reviews, after-action reflections, and adaptive program design processes
  • Support the institutionalization of a learning culture across SCIDaR and partner organizations

Capacity Building

  • Mentor and support junior researchers, enumerators, and program staff on implementation research methods
  • Build technical capacity among implementing partners to understand and apply research findings

Reporting and Communication

  • Prepare and present research findings to internal and external stakeholders
  • Contribute to the development of communication materials, case studies, and success stories


IV.   Qualifications

  • Minimum of a Bachelor's degree with a second-class upper qualification or Master's degree in public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, social sciences, or a related field. Advanced degree is a strong advantage
  • Proven track record of measuring clinical outcomes in health interventions
  • Experience with similar donor-funded projects will be an added advantage
  • Strong background in quantitative and qualitative research methods
  • Demonstrated authorship of peer-reviewed publications in reputable journals
  • Strong project management and analytical skills, with excellent attention to detail
  • Excellent communication skills (written and oral), with the ability to translate research into policy and practice
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multicultural team environment, working collaboratively across teams and with diverse stakeholders


 V.    Experience 

  • Experience: Minimum of five years (5) years of relevant experience in research, scientific writing and publication with evidence of authorship in peer-reviewed articles in reputable journals;
  • Professional credentialing: Experience using statistical analytical tools such as Excel, STATA, SPSS, SAS or other software is required. Demonstrated expertise in the development and deployment of digital data collection tools such as koboToolbox, Open Data Kit (Android), REDCap;
  • Consulting experience in strategy, research, and international development in reputable public health organization or development consulting firm is a major plus.


VI.    Non-acceptance of compensation for recruitment

​SCIDaR neither requires nor accepts any form of payment or compensation from candidates in connection with its recruitment or selection processes. If you are approached by anyone requesting payment on     ​behalf of SCIDaR, please report it immediately to info@scidar.org. Any such requests are fraudulent and not authorized by the organization.


VII.   Equal employment opportunity statement 

SCIDaR is an equal employment employer. We do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, colour, religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable laws.

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