Research Officer-Health Policy and Systems Research (HPSR)-AHOP at KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP)

Reference Number: RO-(HPSR)-AHOP

Employment Type: Full time

Category: Research policy and systems

Job Grade: 7.01

Country: Kenya

Location: Nairobi

 
JOB PURPOSE: 

To support to the Kenya National Center for African Health Observatory Platform for Health Systems and Policies (AHOP) hosted within the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme in developing the Country Health Systems and Services Profile. The specific focus of the work will be to develop a descriptive and analytical snapshot of the Kenyan Health System to encourage dissemination of information on health systems, services and reform strategies that can encourage learning and informed decision making. The researcher will be responsible for synthesis of mostly secondary data to support rigorous analysis of the Kenyan health system to support and promote uptake of available evidence and expertise from policy makers. The post will involve developing qualitative and quantitative data collation approaches; taking primary responsibility for the management and analysis of data; and developing written and visual research outputs. The post holder will contribute to wider HPSR and capacity strengthening activities within the KWTRP and related research networks.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The post-holder will work with various units within the KWTRP programme and within the MoH under the supervision of project PI and platform manager and will be expected to:

• Collate and summarize existing Kenyan Health System policy and strategy documents
• Conduct theme specific systematic review of the Kenyan health system, and synthesize emerging evidence for knowledge sharing with policy makers
• Package & advocate for health research evidence use and knowledge uptake for policy, programs, practice & innovation
• Engage and collaborate with policy makers and other relevant stakeholders and support capacity building of policy makers on evidence informed policy making at national and regional levels

Develop skills in:

• Developing and executing a systematic review search strategy
• Undertaking structured analysis of key documents and literature and to summarise findings across different health system thematic area
• Using reference management software to collate and share documents
• Understanding key knowledge management and knowledge uptake strategies relevant to health systems and health policy
• Help write scientific reports for submission to scientific journals
• Contribute to seminars and journal clubs
• Ensure compliance with KWTRP data governance requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in a relevant health care discipline and clear understanding of the Kenyan health care sector
• At least three-year post-graduate work experience in conducting HPSR work
• Experience in literature collation, review and analysis, academic and report writing

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience in a research role
• Skills in use of reference management software
• Prior experience of conducting a systematic review
• Interest in health policy/ health systems research
• Advanced skills in using Excel
• Advanced skills in both qualitative and quantitative data analysis

COMPETENCIES:

• Good understanding of Kenyan health sector
• Understanding of data and ability to communicate results of basic analysis in writing and verbally
• Well-developed troubleshooting capacity and clarity of thought
• Have high energy, clear goal orientation and strong work ethics
• Strong organisation skills with the ability to prioritise workloads and work within tight deadlines
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment and to multi-task
• Ability to interact with users/ office colleagues in simple non-technical language
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (verbal and written)
• Team worker, able to work in a multi-cultural environment and with multi-disciplinary teams

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:

• The post includes working and attending meetings within Nairobi