Assistant Research Officer

Assistant Research Officer - Community Engagement

Reference Number:     AROCE-09-2012

Category:                    Research, Science and Biotechnology

Grade:                         6.01

Location:                     Kilifi

Country:                      Kenya

Summary: 

OVERALL JOB PURPOSE: Since 2004, the HIV-project at KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP)in Kilifi has been conducting research with vulnerable and key populations including pregnant women, discordant couples, male and female sex workers for HIV prevention, testing and referral and ART initiation. Community engagement is a key component of this research, as it is across the wider KWTRP programme: To contribute to on-going community engagement activities for the HIV project aimed at maintaining and strengthening relations and mutual understanding between the community and the KWTRP. To support, maintain and contribute to research activities related to community engagement for the HIV project, including proposal development, data/sample analysis and management, training, reporting and preparation of publications.

 BUDGET AND RESOURCE RESPONSIBILITY: Will take responsibility for moderate amounts of cash for petty cash payments (up to about 50, 000 kes) and maintain records of expenditure for community liaison activities (to support main accounts dept). S/he will also maintain responsibility for equipment used for community liaison activities, including video cameras, cameras and digital voice recorders. S/he will have a laptop computer for his/her own use.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Community engagement specific (60%)

• Contribute as a team with other HIV project community facilitators and relevant members of the Community Liaison Group (CLG) to the development of an overall annual workplan, based on an overall plan agreed by a small planning group for community engagement (called the CAST group)
• Assist with the implementation of agreed community engagement activities where relevant will draw on support from across the same teams.
• Attend regular HIV community engagement meetings to discuss issues and agree ways forwards
• Attend regular CLG meetings to feed in issues and ensure awareness of and input into programme wide community engagement activities
• Document HIV project activities, questions, how handled and suggestions for change
• Prepare and submit draft reports as required including activity reports, project progress reports etc.
• And any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

 Research specific (40%)

• Carry out desktop research/ literature reviews and prepare/ draft write-ups as may be required for inclusion in/ to support proposals, presentations/seminars and publications.
• Work with the Principal Investigators and other relevant staff to prepare research plans.
• Participate in the execution of research projects including the setting up of studies, identifying resource requirements, documentation of protocols and training of the same, consenting and community engagement activities and initiating recruitment of study participants etc.
• Participate in the collection, processing, compilation and analysis of study data and ensure all related records and reports are handled and managed in line with study protocols.
• Liaise with relevant teams to ensure that all data is entered into relevant databases on time and carry out data verification activities as requested/required to ensure its accuracy, integrity and validity.
• Carry out data analysis and interpretation and provide relevant information including statistics, summaries, charts, graphs, reports etc.
• Participate in tracking use of project funds/ grants through the monitoring, review and preparation of field expense reports, tracking of study expenses etc.
• Attend and contribute to scientific presentations and proposal development in the cluster and the wider programme (SSP, SSG, journal club, unit seminars and SCC)
• Prepare and submit draft reports as required including activity reports, project progress reports etc.
• And any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

 QUALIFICATIONS:

1. A BSc or BA degree in Social Sciences, Public Health or health related subject
2. Computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft applications

COMPETENCIES:

1. Experience in community based health research activities, particularly involving most at risk and other key vulnerable populations
2. Sensitivity and ideally experience in working with female sex workers and MS
3. Good analytical  and follow through ability
4. Good planning, organisation and co-ordination skills
5. Ability to take and follow instructions, initiative, keen to learn and proactive with the ability to work under minimal supervision
6. Flexibility, adaptability, multi-tasking and attention to detail
7. Confidentiality and integrity
8. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
9. Balance of independence and good team working, and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment

 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 for this job"
Link: http://careers.kemri-wellcome.org/vacancy/

 Candidates must supply an email and telephone contact that will be used when offering interviews. The application closing date is 10^th October, 2012. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

 KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP) is an equal opportunity employer.  Direct or indirect canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.  KWTRP does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, processing, training or any other fees).