Research Associate (Monitoring and Evaluation), Community Outreach Division

Fairview International School; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cancer research organization in Kuala Lumpur is seeking a Research Associate for its Community Outreach Unit. The successful candidate will monitor data collection processes, enhance reporting frameworks, and collaborate with teams to support cancer prevention initiatives. A Master’s degree in a relevant field and at least 5 years of experience in project monitoring are essential. Proficiency in statistical software is required, along with excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• At least a Master’s degree in epidemiology, public health, implementation science, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in project monitoring and evaluation.
• Demonstrated experience in designing tools and strategies for data collection.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and enhance the performance of data collection systems.
• Develop and strengthen monitoring and evaluation procedures.
• Assist in preparing Quarterly/Annual reports on project progress.

Skills

Project monitoring

Data analysis

Statistical software proficiency

Communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in epidemiology or related field

Tools

SPSS

Stata

R

Job description

Research Associate (Monitoring and Evaluation), Community Outreach Division

Overview

Cancer Research Malaysia is the country’s only independent non-profit cancer research organization, focused on conducting impactful research on cancers common in Asians and delivering evidence-based solutions to reduce the cancer burden in Malaysia. The purpose of the Community Outreach Unit at Cancer Research Malaysia is to reduce the burden of late-stage cancer through cancer prevention and early detection, delivered via innovative community-based programmes. By working in close partnership with government hospitals, NGOs, and local communities, the Unit also supports patients in navigating complex healthcare systems—enhancing access to timely diagnosis and ensuring compliance to treatment. Through these efforts, we aim to close the cancer care gap and improve outcomes, particularly for underserved populations.

SCOPE / PURPOSE OF JOB

The Community Outreach Research Unit is looking for a dynamic and motivated Research Associate (Monitoring and Evaluation). Under the overall guidance of the Head of the Community Outreach Unit, the Research Associate will be responsible for monitoring and enhancing the performance of systems established for the routine collection of data, establishing a framework for programme monitoring and ensuring high quality and timely inputs and reports; and for ensuring that the project maintains its strategic vision and that its activities meet the planned milestones in a cost effective and timely manner. The Research Associate works in close collaboration with the Donor Engagement team for preparation and submission of reports to appropriate stakeholders.

Responsibilities

1. Monitor and enhance the performance of systems established to collect data (such as the Joget system), including
   • Being responsible for ensuring data collection completeness, and analysis of different data in relation to the project activities
   • Assisting the navigatos with monitoring and evaluation tools and in supporting them in their use
2. Develop and strengthen monitoring, inspection and evaluation procedures, including:
   • Monitor all project activities, expenditures and progress towards achieving the project output;
   • Review the logic framework together with the Head of Department and to recommend further improvement of the logic framework;
   • Develop monitoring and impact indicators that define project success;
   • Propose strategies to improve efficiency and assist Head of Unit in implementing these
   • Provide feedback to the Head of Unit on project strategies and activities;
   • SugGEST strategies to the Project Management for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the project by identifying bottlenecks in completing project activities and developing plans to minimize or eliminate such bottlenecks;
3. Assist the Head of Unit in preparing Quarterly/Annual reports on project progress, and publications associated with the project
4. Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications/Requirements

Academic Qualifications

• At least a Master’s degree in epidemiology, public health, implementation science, data science, health informatics, or a related field with strong emphasis on data analytics
• Additional certifications in Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E), data management, or health systems research are an advantage

Experience and Expertise

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in project monitoring and evaluation, preferably in
• Demonstrated experience in designing tools and strategies for data collection, analysis, and reporting
• Proven ability to analyse data using statistical software (e.g., SPSS, Stata, R)
• Experience in developing or managing digital data collection and monitoring platforms
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals commensurate with years of experience

Other Competencies

• Understanding of M&E methodologies, qualitative and quantitative research approaches
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Bahasa Malaysia
• Strong project management and facilitation skills
• Proactive, self-motivated, and able to work independently
• Demonstrated ability to manage complexity, multitask, and meet deadlines

We are an independent and non-profit cancer research organisation based in Malaysia. Funded by donations and research grants, we conduct research in niche cancers often found in our Asian population.

Cancer — the big ‘C’ — continues to be a stigma, only spoken about in hushed whispers; how it’s bad karma, how much it costs, and that nothing could be done.

Confronting this stigma head on, CRM has been reversing this language of cancer, transforming the big ‘C’ to a little ‘c’, and we plan to develop tools backed by good research to ensure that we can truly fight cancer on all fronts.

We believe that we will reverse the grip of cancer in our lives. We want researchers to win the war against cancer by turning it around with new ways of prevention and cure. We want to empower the public through impactful outreach programmes, with the hopes that Malaysians will respond differently to cancer by coming forward for screenings and going through with treatments.

Our driving force is held together by these goals:

• Improving the survival rates of Asian cancer patients, focusing on neglected areas of research.
• Empowering Asians to have the proper screening and treatment.
• Improving survival rates by being more accessible, focusing on providing existing cures to patients rather than sit on inaction and potentially losing lives.
• Making affordable and timely treatments by repurposing drugs, acknowledging the reality that developing new cures are costly and risky.
• Putting Malaysia in the global spotlight for cancer research by collaborating with top scientists around the world, and working to nurture the next generation of Malaysian cancer researchers.