Job type: Full-time
Vacancies Announcement
Background
The Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit (MITU) is a collaborative research unit based at the National Institute for Medical Research campus in Mwanza, Tanzania. The mission of MITU is to contribute to improving health through the development and evaluation of interventions against HIV and other health problems by conducting research, including clinical trials, to the highest international standards. MITU also aims to enhance the capacity to carry out such research in Tanzania and the East African region and contribute to the translation of research findings into health policy. MITU is about to start conducting a four-year multi-country study called RESHAPE, which aims to improve business continuity for health services following extreme weather events in lower- and middle-income countries. The Unit is now inviting applications from highly motivated and suitably qualified candidates to fill the following positions:
Position 1: Research Assistant [Multiple Positions]
The successful applicant will have a bachelor’s degree, at least 3 years post-qualification experience as a qualitative and quantitative research assistant, with excellent written and oral communication skills in English, and certification in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) for the conduct of human research.
Role Summary
The research assistant will conduct data collection during the RESHAPE qualitative and quantitative study components. The position will also entail interview transcription, analysis, and reporting activities under the guidance of the Research Fellows and Principal Investigator.
Specific Responsibilities
- To assist in the planning and coordination of data collection activities for the qualitative research.
- To collect data using different qualitative and quantitative data collection methods (participatory workshops, focus group discussions, and interviews).
- To transcribe, translate the transcripts into English, and manage the collected data.
- To contribute to the analysis of the qualitative data.
- To assist in preparing reports, presentations, and publications writing of the qualitative data.
- To collaborate with the research team to ensure the smooth execution of the qualitative research activities.
- Any other responsibilities assigned by the supervisor.
Essential Qualifications and Skills
- A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as public health, social sciences, or related disciplines.
- At least 3 years of working experience as a research assistant.
- Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research methods, and data collection and analysis techniques.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Swahili.
- Trained on GCP with an appropriate certificate.
Desirable Qualifications and Skills
- Experience working in research involving Extreme Weather Events.
- Proficiency in using qualitative data management software or STATA.
- Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary research team and meet project deadlines.
Position 2: Research Fellow [1 Position]
Role Summary
The Research Fellow will take a leading role in the qualitative study of the RESHAPE study. This position involves designing and conducting qualitative research, data collection, analysis, manuscript writing-up, and contributing to research findings dissemination.
Specific Responsibilities
- To design and implement qualitative research protocols and data collection tools.
- To contribute to the systematic reviews for evidence collation.
- To lead data collection activities, including conducting interviews, focus group discussions, and workshop facilitation.
- To analyse the qualitative data and contribute to the interpretation of research findings.
- To draft the manuscript as the first author for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
- To contribute to manuscript writing-up drafted by others.
- To provide mentorship to the research assistants and supervise team members involved in the qualitative study.
Essential Qualifications and Skills
- A doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in public health, social sciences, anthropology, or a related field.
- Experience in qualitative research methods and data collection techniques.
- Proven track record of publishing qualitative research in peer-reviewed journals.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Swahili.
- Excellent project management and leadership capabilities.
- Proficiency in using qualitative data management software.
- Trained on GCP with the appropriate certificate.
Desirable Qualifications and Skills
- Experience working in research involving Extreme Weather Events.
- Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
- Managerial and organizational skills.
General Information
Both positions offer an exciting opportunity to contribute to a multi-disciplinary research project with a focus on understanding the impact of extreme weather events on health systems and population health. If you are passionate about qualitative research and seeking to make a meaningful contribution to global health research, we encourage you to apply.
Mode of Application
Interested applicants should submit their applications together with a letter of application, CV, and copies of all relevant certificates, memberships, and qualifications to
[email protected] no later than 30th November 2024. Applicants should clearly state the job title for which they are applying in the subject line of the email. Paper applications will not be accepted.
Interviews will be held at the earliest available opportunity, and only shortlisted candidates will be notified by email if selected for interview.
MITU is an equal opportunity organization. Female applicants and people with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.
