Assistant Research Officer - Health Systems Research: - Ref: No. AROHSR5/2010

Category:- Research, Science & Biotech
Location:- Nairobi
Country:- KENYA
Organization Name:- Kemri-Wellcome Trust Research Programme

Summary
The Assistant Research Officer will assist other staff in preparing for and managing fieldwork for the survey, and in analysing and writing up the results, with support from a wider group of senior research scientists.

Salary :

Description


Job Description

Job Title: Assistant Research Officer (Evaluation of the Health Sector Services Fund)

Background:
The KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme is internationally recognised for its wide range of research into major health issues in Kenya.

The Programme has two units, one in Kilifi and one in Nairobi. Both units have an interest in health systems research. The Assistant Research Officer will work across the two units on a national survey of health facilities which forms the baseline for an evaluation of the Health Sector Services Fund (HSSF).

The Assistant Research Officer will assist other staff in preparing for and managing fieldwork for the survey, and in analysing and writing up the results, with support from a wider group of senior research scientists.

Location: This post will be based primarily in the Nairobi Unit, but may also involve some time at the Programme’s headquarters at the KEMRI Centre in Kilifi, Kenya. The post will involve two months spent in the field in several districts across Kenya.

Reports to: The post-holder will report directly to Antony Opwora in the Nairobi Public Health Group, and indirectly to Catherine Goodman in the same group and Sassy Molyneux in the Social and Behavioural Research Department in Kilifi. The post holder will be finally responsible to the Director of the Programme.

Tenure: 1 year

Job Title: Assistant Research Officer

Grade: 4.8 Salary: (monthly consolidated) Ksh 73,706

Evaluation: After three months

Department: Public Health Group

Principal responsibilities:
The post holder will work across the Nairobi Public Health Group and the Social and Behavioural Research Group in Kilifi. The primary responsibility will be to assist in the data collection, analysis and write up of a national survey which will act as the baseline for an evaluation of HSSF. Data collection will be conducted in 24 districts across Kenya, covering 265 health centres and dispensaries.

Specific activities will include:
1. To participate fully in the above study by:

* assisting in finalising and piloting data collection tools
* assisting with organisation of fieldwork
* assisting with training of fieldworkers
* supervising fieldworkers in the field during data collection with health workers, community representatives and patients;
* collecting contextual data from district managers and other stakeholders
* analysing and writing up the findings
* assisting with dissemination of research findings through:
* drafting of papers for peer-reviewed journals
* presentation to national and international audiences
* formal and informal interaction with policymakers.


2. To participate in the scientific life of the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, including:

* Contribute to (and attend) journal clubs on a regular basis
* Contribute to (and attend) the seminar series on a regular basis


Essential Skills:

1. A first or second class upper (2.1) Bachelors degree in social science or a health related subject.
2. Excellent organisational skills.
3. Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills
4. Strong interest in health systems research
5. Meticulous approach to documentation (including word processing and spreadsheet skills)
6. Capacity to work well both independently and within a team.

Desirable Skills:

1. Experience in quantitative and/ or qualitative fieldwork
2. Experience in working with rural communities and / or health facilities
3. Fluency in Kiswahili.


Working hours:
Requires flexibility in the hours worked, with the priority being meeting the team’s research goals

Application Procedure:
To apply for this post you must be a registered user. Log into your account then go to Vacancies, view the post and click on the button: Apply Online. DO NOT SEND A SEPARATE CV.

Candidates must supply an email and telephone contact that will be used when offering interviews.

The closing date is 2nd June 2010. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.