Aga Khan University Hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan and Nairobi, Kenya are private, not-for-profit institutions providing high quality health care. The Main Hospitals serve as the principal sites for clinical training for the University’s Medical Colleges and Schools of Nursing and Midwifery in Pakistan and East Africa.

Job Summary

The Research specialist will play a key role in the planning and implementation of research studies. These roles will include study design, protocol development, ethical and government approval processes, data collection, analysis, and reporting. S/he will contribute to existing qualitative research studies as well as lead sub-studies applying primarily qualitative methods.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement a community engagement strategy and plans for each research project and adapt these as necessary through the study cycles. This includes approaches for mobilisation, follow-up, and tracing of research participants.
• Engagement with Kilifi county department of health – This includes health administrators and managers and staff at health facilities and public health settings
• Supervise the community engagement team of staff i.e. Community based enumerators.
• Oversee setup and implementation of study awareness campaigns through community meetings, radio talks shows, posters, flyers, and other IEC materials.
• Support prudent allocation of resources to community and county engagement activities.
• Be the link between PROTECT research team and other COEWCH / AKU studies in the Coast sites and other research partners.
• Any other responsibilities as assigned by the PI.

Requirements

• Bachelors’ degree in community health, public health, social sciences, or a related field.
• Computer literacy with competence in Microsoft Office applications.
• At least 3 years’ progressive experience in community liaison or similar role is essential.
• Relevant experience in a health research environment including community and public health facility settings is essential.
• Experience in qualitative research methods, including data collection, analysis, and reporting, is essential.
• Demonstrated excellent analytical, planning, management, and communication skills are essential.
• Relevant experience in large multi-country projects will be an added advantage.
• Previous experience working in AKU will be an added advantage.
• Good verbal skills in Swahili & Mijikenda will be an added advantage.

Personal Characteristics and Behaviour

• Good organizational and management skills.
• Attentive to detail and quality.
• Ability to work independently/ with minimum supervision and within stipulated deadlines and schedules.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent mediation skills.
• A team player and able to work in a multicultural environment.