Job Title: Research Officer, Amref Health Africa
AMREF HEALTH AFRICAOVERVIEW:
Amref Health Africa was founded in 1957 and has since grown to become the largest African based international health development organization; currently implementing more than 140 programs, directly reaching more than 12 million people across 35 African countries. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Amref Health Africa has offices in eight countries in Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Malawi, South Sudan, Zambia and Senegal. Amref’s work in each country responds to local needs and priorities strengthen existing capacities in communities to take control of their health and strengthen the local health systems. In addition, there are eleven advocacy and fundraising offices located in Europe and North America. In the spirit of Ubuntu, partnership and networking are key elements of Amref Health Africa’s approach. Amref has a staff complement of over 1,500.
Amref Health Africa is driven by its vision of ‘Lasting health change in Africa’ and its mission ‘To increase sustainable health access to communities in Africa through solutions in human resources for health, health service delivery, and investments in health’.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The University of Toronto and Amref Health Africa are undertaking a Needs Assessment Research study, engaging with program partners within the Health Collaborative. The Health Collaborative is an eight-partner network, comprised of a number of organizations including leading African-based academic institutions, and is an initiative that was developed by the University of Toronto. The Health Collaborative aims to train and prepare young professionals for the meaningful work of growing African health sectors equitably and efficiently to meet the health needs in their respective countries.
The Needs Assessment Research study will involve a stakeholder and context analysis that will look at the internal and external environments which inform program design, development, and implementation of programs that will be implemented by partners within the Health Collaborative. The needs assessment will explore institutional strengths, program offerings, institutional needs, goals, capacity, resources, digital infrastructure, strategy, and environmental considerations (political, economic, technological) amongst partners.
MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB
The position holder is responsible for leading and coordinating research activities under the Africa Higher Education Health Collaborative project, specifically needs assessment research (NAR).
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
KEY AREAS MAIN TASKS
Overall Coordination /Management
• Lead the coordination of research activities under the three needs assessment research project pillars (Health Employment, Health Entrepreneurship and Health Ecosystems)
• Support preparation/updating of needs assessment research protocol
• Lead packaging and submission of needs assessment research protocol to ethics review boards in countries of data collection and coordinate revision based on feedback from ethics review boards
• Review and adjust needs assessment research workplan to reflect phased approach
• Lead the design of needs assessment research and process mapping
• Track and report on research activities, progress, and outcomes.
• Conduct periodic review and evaluation of efficacy of research efforts in collaboration with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Participate in regular team meetings to review progress and deliverables.
• Lead on regular updates related to research’s progress with pillar leads at the University of Toronto and Amref Health Africa in Canada, as well as with partners in the Health Collaborative network.
Data Collection and Analysis
• Lead design/review of needs assessment research data collection tools.
• Lead the validation of data collection tools and study processes.
• Lead needs assessment research data analysis (qualitative and quantitative) and report writing
• Lead design/review of needs assessment research data collection tools
Knowledge Dissemination
• Lead preparation of dissemination plan
• Present needs assessment research findings to implementation team, at local and international conferences
Any other tasks
• Participant in Amref Research Community of Practice
• Support Amref research grant application
• Participant in Amref ethic review board activities and meetings
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education and knowledge
• Master’s degree in Public Health, Statistics, Development economics, Epidemiology, Social Sciences or related studies from a recognized institution.
• Professional training in research methods.
Required Qualifications and Experience
• At least Five (5) years of relevant experience in research, preferably within a health- oriented NGO.
• Research background with at least five publications in peer reviewed journals.
• Multi-country experience.
• Strong data management and analysis skills.
• Knowledge of data security protocols.
• Expert knowledge of data analysis programs such as SPSS, STATA, and/or EPI INFO.
• Experience in writing and dissemination of research reports.
Skills and Competences
• Excellent understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and analysis.
• Strong command of English is a requirement, both oral and written.
• Proficiency in other languages, including relevant dialects in the study’s focus countries (Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa) considered an asset.
• Strong command of virtual platforms, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams.
• Excellent coordination skills.
• Excellent communications skills.
• Strong leadership skills and people management skills.
• Must be a team player and able to work under minimal supervision.
• Ability to work with multi-cultural teams.
Work Environment
• About 90% of staff time spent will be spent in the office/or working from home, depending on COVID-19 regulation measures, while 10% will be spent in the field.
Hours of Work
• As per HR policy – official working hours from 8.00am to 5.0pm, Monday to Thursday with one hour lunch break and 8.00am to 2pm on Friday.
How to Apply.
Please visit our website https://amref.org/vacancies/ to make your application. You will be directed to our online portal where you will need to create an account in order for you to be able to submit your application. Your application should include a cover letter detailing why you are the best fit for this position and your CV with relevant skills and experience. Closing date will be June 16, 2022. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Duly note that Amref Health Africa does not require applicants to pay any fee at whatever stage of the recruitment and selection process.
Amref Health Africa is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Amref Health Africa is an equal opportunity employer and has a non-smoking environment policy.
