Project Coordinator at African Population And Health Research Center (APHRC)

• APHRC seeks to recruit a Project Coordinator to work in its Research and Related Capacity Strengthening Division to support the coordination of a Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF) funded project, Improving education on cardiometabolic diseases in Kenya through research capacity strengthening. The aim of this 2-year project is to improve the management of cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) in Kenya through research evidence generation and capacity strengthening.
• The ideal candidate should have strong project management skills and familiarity with academic curriculum of mid-level institutions (e.g. Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) that prepares medical professionals.  This is an opportunity to join a team working as part of a countrywide consortium to contribute to rolling back the burden of CMDs in target communities and thereby contribute to improving the health and wellbeing of the population. This is a new role arising from the implementation of the current five-year strategic plan which has, subsequently triggered tremendous growth in our programs.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Coordinate the development of a comprehensive baseline survey to inform review and development of pre- and in-service curricula.
• Coordinate the development of a short course on cardiometabolic disease (CMD) for two cadres (clinical officers and nurses).
• Coordinate development of guidelines for selection and recognition of faculty and health facility staff to attend short course CMD training as mentors.
• Support the implementation of short course on Master Training-of-Trainer (TOT) trainings on CMDs for Medical Training College (MTC) faculty and clinical mentors to serve as mentors and champions.
• Support the coordination of implementation and tracking of mentorship activities at both faculty and health facility level.
• Coordinate capacity building of MTCs and faculty to offer blended and e-learning courses.
• Coordinate initial design of a short-term CMD research fellowship program for MTC faculty.
• Coordinate conduct of two studies – (1) operational study on attraction and retention of Human Resources for Health (HRH)/faculty in harsh geographies and rural areas and (2) diagnostic study on the quality of, and access to, CMD prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services in underserved areas.
• Contribute to the development of Kenya’s non-communicable diseases (NCDs) research agenda.
• Participate in the networking, exchange programs, and knowledge sharing for the Partnership for Education of Health Professionals (PEP).
• Coordinate project monitoring and evaluation, knowledge management, and communication, including providing weekly and monthly updates, quarterly project reports, and other reports that may be required by APHRC.
• Coordinate the RRCS management and administrative matters, in liaison with the Head and Unit Leaders of the Division.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree in Health and Social Sciences, Education, Business and Development Studies, or related fields.
• At least three years post-masters experience in an academic or research setting.
• Experience and strong interest in research, research capacity strengthening and instructional/curriculum design.
• Demonstrated prior experience in project coordination.
• Hands-on experience organizing events, virtual and physical.
• Experience in implementation of capacity strengthening activities in academic settings.
• Excellent writing, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft packages (e.g. MS Word, MS PowerPoint, & MS Excel).

Desirable:

• Familiarity with KMTC curriculum and research capacity strengthening in health and/or social science related fields.
• Familiarity with M&E and risk management frameworks.
• Analytic thinking and ability to work in a culturally diverse team.