Program Officer – Education Research and Advocacy at Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK)

Job Summary
The Program Officer will support the educational and implementation research agenda of the PEP MTCs program and lead advocacy efforts at the institutional level. The role focuses on strengthening research processes, promoting innovative teaching methods, and mobilizing increased investment in cardiometabolic disease (CMD) education and research within CHAK Medical Training Colleges.

Key Responsibilities

Education and Implementation Research Support

• Assist in designing and conducting CMD-focused educational and implementation research projects.
• Support faculty and student engagement in research activities, ensuring inclusivity and gender responsiveness.
• Contribute to the documentation and dissemination of research findings to inform institutional teaching policies and national CMD strategies.

Advocacy at MTCs Level

• Lead advocacy initiatives within CHAK MTCs to adopt innovative teaching methods such as digital, blended, and simulation-based learning.
• Promote increased institutional investment in CMD education and research.
• Engage with CHAK MTC leadership, faculty, and students to build support for curriculum reforms and innovative pedagogy.

Capacity Building

• Support training workshops and mentorship programs to strengthen faculty and student research capacity.
• Facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions to embed a culture of evidence-based advocacy within MTCs.

Collaboration & Networking

• Work closely with partners (CHAK, KMTC, KCCB, Amref, APHRC, NCD Alliance Kenya) to align research and advocacy priorities.
• Strengthen collaboration across CHAK MTCs to ensure consistent adoption of innovative teaching practices.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Track progress of research and advocacy initiatives at the institutional level.
• Prepare reports, case studies, and success stories for inclusion in program documentation.
• Contribute to donor reporting and institutional publications.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree in public health, Education, Research Methods, or related field
• Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in medical related fields such as Nursing, Clinical Medicine, laboratory science
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in education research, advocacy, or health systems strengthening.
• Familiarity with CMDs, NCDs, and workforce development challenges in Kenya.
• Experience in institutional advocacy and engagement with academic leadership.

Competencies

• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Advocacy and communication abilities.
• Knowledge of innovative teaching methods and digital pedagogy.
• Gender-responsive and equity-focused approach.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Performance Indicators

• Number of research projects supported and disseminated.
• Adoption of innovative teaching methods across MTCs.
• Increased institutional investment in CMD education and research.
• Evidence of advocacy influence at MTC leadership level.
• Strengthened research capacity among faculty and students.