Vacancy: Global Health and Research Professional — NLR

Do you want to make an impact for people who need it most?

Working for NLR (in the Netherlands better known as Leprastichting) means working towards a world without leprosy and its consequences. NLR is a NGO that has been one of the major change-makers in the fight against leprosy in the past 50 years.

A world without leprosy is a concrete and realistic goal. Our ambition is to work towards zero leprosy in 2040. We believe that ambitious goals can inspire and encourage us along this journey. We continue until No Leprosy Remains! Will you join us?

We have reached a critical time in the fight against leprosy. The World Health Organization has identified leprosy as one of the three neglected tropical diseases that can be eliminated in the near future. To achieve that, preventive treatment is key. If better treatment becomes available and is widely implemented, the number of years to achieve zero leprosy will decrease. NLR is working on an enhanced regimen, PEP++, that is expected to be 80-90% effective. To scale up prevention of leprosy supported by PEP services research, innovation and building up an evidence based track record are required.

To strengthen our international research team we are looking for a:

Global health specialist with interest in and experience with quantitative research

The global health specialist drives the NLR Alliance’s strategic objectives by expertly guiding the development and execution of quantitative research projects. This professional not only manages, analyzes, and reports on research data following stringent scientific standards but also collaborates closely with colleagues and partners to ensure precision and integrity. Additionally, the specialist plays a crucial role in disseminating research findings, bolstering NLR’s evidence-based reputation, and enhancing the Alliance’s quantitative research capacity and skills.

What will you do?

You guide and provide input for the development of research proposals, protocols and research grant applications in support of NLR’s strategic goals, and in accordance with established procedures and scientific standards.
During the implementation of research projects, you monitor the progress and quality of data collection, safeguard scientific integrity and identify bottlenecks.
You contribute to collecting, analysing and interpreting geographic data to visualize health trends and patterns.
At conferences and congresses you take part in discussion groups and give presentations, and you write scientific papers to disseminate research results.
You advise on translating research results into policy and practical interventions.
You continue to build NLR’s evidence-based track record.
You actively contribute to research capacity strengthening within the NLR Alliance and in collaboration with partners, by transferring knowledge and expertise.
By keeping yourself updated on external developments in the global health research field you ensure that the organisation’s research policy remains relevant and up-to-date.

Your profile and experience

As a global health and research professional, you have an accurate and systematic way of working. You have a proactive and approachable attitude and are willing to further develop and share your learning, knowledge and expertise. You have demonstrated ability to work in an international environment and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in various countries. The following competencies are essential for this position: analytical, results oriented, flexible and a supportive nature. Furthermore we are looking for a candidate with:

A PhD in quantitative research in a Global Health field, preferably in infectious diseases especially, neglected tropical diseases, including leprosy;
At least 5 years of relevant experience;
Proven experience with the development, and implementation of research projects and grant applications;
Proven experience with the management, cleaning and analysis of large datasets;
Proficiency in statistical methods and tools (e.g., Stata, SPSS, R);
A proven track record of scientific publications in international peer-reviewed journals;
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English (other languages are advantageous);
Willingness and ability to travel internationally.

We offer

At NLR you will be part of a very committed, passionate and international team, collaborating towards a world without leprosy. You have the opportunity to develop within an international and people-oriented working environment.

A one-year contract with the possibility of extension.
Salary indication: (min. € 4.919 max. € 6.872 gross for 38 hours per week) depending on experience.
8% holiday allowance and 4% year-end bonus.

NLR will provide you with a laptop, working from home remuneration, travel compensation and a budget for professional/personal growth. We are located in Amsterdam, next to Amstel train station. At NLR, you have the freedom to alternate working from home and in the office, including a budget to set up your home workplace. We value a healthy and positive work environment, offering optional weekly yoga sessions in the office and additionally we provide high-quality coffee (with oats/regular milk), sparkling water and fresh office fruit delivered weekly.

Join our team!

Please respond before 1 September 2024 and send your CV and motivation to vacaturesNLR@leprastichting.nl. The first interview-round is scheduled for 10 and 11 September. Should you be unable to attend on these dates, please let us know.

For more information, please contact Liesbeth Mieras, cluster coordinator Research & Advocacy, via e-mail L.Mieras@NLRinternational.org.

NLR strives for equal opportunities for everyone. We expressly encourage candidates from various backgrounds to apply. If you relate to the profile, we would like to meet you and hear your story. Strong preference will be given to candidates who are based in the Netherlands – or willing to relocate – and who have permission to work in the country. In case of equal suitability, our preference is for an internal candidate.

About NLR

Leprosy still exists today. This ancient disease impacts the lives and futures of hundreds of people every day. Leprosy affects the most marginalized communities. Every two minutes, someone is diagnosed with leprosy, leading to being ostracized by family, household members, friends, and neighbours. They become socially isolated and give up on their education, work, and dreams. Disabilities caused by leprosy fuel stigma and discrimination. Social exclusion is a direct result of a lack of awareness, knowledge and understanding about the disease and how the bacteria causing leprosy spreads. Totally unnecessary. The solutions are already available. We can cure leprosy. We can even prevent leprosy. No one needs to give up their life or dreams for this. With warmth and respect, we can help persons affected by leprosy. With knowledge and collaboration, this disease can be eliminated within a generation. Our generation. After all these centuries, we are almost there. A world without leprosy and its consequences.

With a total of 250 employees worldwide, NLR fights leprosy in cooperation with organisations in India, Brazil, Indonesia, Mozambique, Nepal and an international office in the Netherlands. The international office and the national NGOs form the NLR Alliance, working towards our vision: a world without leprosy.

For more information visit our websites: https://nlrinternational.org and www.leprastichting.nl