Research in NGO Settings A Brief Overview of CRS’ Experience Paul Perrin, MPH, PhD(c) Senior Technical Advisor for Operations Research in Health November.

Research in NGO SettingsA Brief Overview of CRS’ Experience

Paul Perrin, MPH, PhD(c)Senior Technical Advisor for Operations Research in Health

November 14, 2012

A Common Goal

A correct understanding that will translate into improving lives with

limited resources

Failed Expectations

Instructions

• With your table, discuss and list the motivators and expectations that drive university faculty and students (10 minutes)

• With your table, discuss and list the motivators and expectations that drive staff in development and humanitarian organizations (10 minutes)

Opportunities for Engagement

• Conceptual Framework

• Literature Review• Research Questions

• Methodology• Proposal development• IRB approval

• Field team coordination

• Data collection protocol

• Statistical Analysis• Interpretation of

Results

• Report Writing• Article(s) for peer-

reviewed publication• Presentations

Stage 1Problem Definition

Stage 2Research Design

Stage 3Data Collection

Stage 4Data Analysis

Stage 5Dissemination

Partnership

NGO Perspective: General Research Challenges

• What questions to ask?• Research skills or

motivation• Extra burden to country

program• Ethical Approvals

NGO Perspectives: Partnership Challenges

• Varying timelines• Contextual

understanding• Expense• Volunteer

management

• Student involvement• Proper attribution• NGO/international

inexperience• Conflicting values or

mission

CRS’ Solutions

• Hiring TAs with advanced research training and experience

• Innovations funds • Research and ethics guidance• Formal engagement with

university departments• In-country research institutions

Example: The Orphan Wellbeing Tool

• Responding to a stated need from a global meeting of HIV staff

• Process led by and involved staff with advanced research training

• Funded through innovation fund• Piloted in five countries• Involved affiliates of Johns Hopkins

and Duke Universities

Engaging Academia: Lessons Learned

• Relationships important, but deliverables a priority

• Departments vs. individuals• Clear ToR and timeline that takes into

account expectations• Be selective of students• Focus on mutual needs, interests &

values• Involve researchers with international

or in-country experience

Thank you

For more information:

[email protected] visit

crsprogramquality.org Photo by Lane Hartill/CRS