Post-doctoral Research Fellow - Term Appointment ( 1 year renewable) at Aga Khan University (AKU)

The job holder will provide research support to an interdisciplinary team of researchers consisting of faculty, post-doctoral fellows, junior researchers and project assistants funded by the IDRC/AKF-C grant.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to the implementation of an integrated ECD intervention and evaluation activities
• Contribute to proposal development, grant writing, and strategic planning
• Support the project and project team in stakeholder/community engagement and communication activities
• Lead with designing, planning, and supervising data collection activities
• Support with data management and analysis
• Contribute to scientific writing for publication and production of reports (donors, review boards etc)
• Support with scientific communication and engagement in different fora (conferences, technical meetings and policy makers)
• Offer mentorship and training to project junior researchers/assistants
• Support with any other departmental activities when needed

Requirements

Educational Qualifications
A PhD degree (or comparable research doctorate) in a behavioral, social and health sciences that contribute to the knowledge base on children’s development in the earliest years of life (defined here as birth to age 8 years).

Relevant Experience

• Strong scientific writing skills and good publication record (as first author)
• Experience and strong interest in the field of ECD and implementation science
• Experience with conducting evaluations of interventions will be an added advantage
• Background in mixed methods research (or expertise in either quantitative or qualitative approach)
• Proven experience in implementing community-based research (household surveys, interviews, workshops and focus group discussion)
• Demonstrable experience working with frontline health workers, community health volunteers, and family caregivers
• Working knowledge of both qualitative and quantitative statistical software
• Demonstrable experience of supervision and mentorship of research teams

Personal Characteristics & Behaviours

• Good leadership skills and competency to manage teams
• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills and a meticulous approach to documentation
• Fluency in English and Kiswahili
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and meet tight deadlines