Program Officer, Non-Communicable Disease Prevention

            Program Officer, Non-Communicable Disease Prevention

At the International Development Research Centre(http://www.idrc.ca/EN/Pages/default.aspx) (IDRC), we support research in developing regions of the world, financially and through capacity-building, to promote growth and development. The result is innovative, lasting local solutions that bring choice and change to those who need it most. Join our dynamic team of diverse professionals and build a career that will impact the world.

The Non-Communicable Disease Prevention(http://www.idrc.ca/EN/Programs/Global_Health_Policy/Non-Communicable_Disease_Prevention/Pages/default.aspx) (NCDP) program generates new knowledge to assist in informing the adoption and effective implementation of policies/programs that prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in low- and middle-income countries. Our focus is on “Best Buys” that reduce NCD risk factors: strategies that are low cost with a high impact on improving the health of the population.

Reporting to the Program Leader, NCDP this organized and analyticalProgram Officer works closely with senior program staff to manage and monitor a portfolio of research activities on policy research for the prevention of NCD risk factors (tobacco use, alcohol misuse, unhealthy -- healthy diets as well as physical inactivity.) Your project portfolio may cover several IDRC regions but with an emphasis in South and South East Asia. The Program Officer monitors grants and assists with institutional capacity development – building linkages and synergies across teams. You will also contribute to NCDP evaluation and learning activities and promote models/concepts across multisectoral communities of researchers and research users.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or higher, and a record of publication in relevant area of applied research in a pertinent health or social science discipline such as epidemiology, public health, economics, political science, anthropology or public policy
• At least three years of relevant experience to include: conducting applied research related to population health interventions; evaluating research in the form of proposals, projects, manuscripts, technical reports or theses; communicating research via presentations, reports and documents for both expert/non-expert audiences; and designing the delivery of activities to build capacity for conducting research projects
• A superior knowledge of English is essential
• A well developed and specific knowledge about health and economics in the context of the prevention of the four major NCD risk factors is required
• A working knowledge of key development priorities in low- and middle-income countries (especially Asia) and how these relate to issues of multisectoral policy developments for NCD prevention
• Good knowledge of academic, government and non-government stakeholders engaged in NCD risk factor reduction, especially in Asia
• Specialist knowledge of scientific evidence base related to at least one of the four major NCD risk factors
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills with strong planning, organizational, problem solving and negotiation abilities
• Flexible team player with both initiative and sound judgment
• Ability to work as a member of a virtual team and work well under pressure
• Ability to establish and monitor relationships with diverse stakeholders; and facility in working with multidisciplinary team of people from diverse cultures and expertise
• Sensitivity and awareness to individual, gender and cultural differences
• Travel is required up to 60-90 days per year

For more information about this rewarding career opportunity, please visit our website at www.idrc.ca/careers.

Application Deadline: August 14, 2013

IDRC encourages applications from qualified women, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities.