Research Officer - Social Science at KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP)

JOB PURPOSE: 

Governance is a critical determinant in the performance of health systems. However, it is still relatively under-researched in health systems. Consequently, limited studies have been conducted on the role of governance on containment of antimicrobial resistance especially in low- and middle-income countries. Through a qualitative international study, we are seeking to understand how health system governance structures and functions affect antimicrobial resistance containment using Kenya and Vietnam as case studies. Kenya has a decentralized health system while Vietnam has a centralized one. Although both countries have national action plans (NAPs) which prescribe the governance structure and functions for antimicrobial resistance containment, implementation realities, priorities and concerns from the perspective of diverse stakeholders at national and sub-national levels are not well understood. We will unpack antimicrobial resistance governance policies on paper and in practice through a combination of document reviews, interviews with national and subnational officers working in human health, livestock health, agriculture, and environment sectors and non-participant observation of AMR governance activities. We will additionally conduct literature reviews on AMR governance. The post holder will work closely with the Principal Investigator in Kenya, and the Co-Investigator and a Research Officer in Vietnam. He/she will work together with other colleagues in Kenya, contributing to wider social science research activities within the KWTRP and related research networks including presenting the work in various institutional, national, and international forums as needed.

Description: 

REPORTS TO: Principal investigators

DIRECTLY SUPERVISES: Assistant research officers, data transcribers.

INDIRECTLY SUPERVISES: Assistant research officers.

BUDGET AND RESOURCE RESPONSIBILITY:

Responsible for a laptop computer, and one or more digital voice recorders used in this work; and for petty cash budgets associated with fieldwork activities and organizing meetings.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The research officer will initially work with senior team members to develop a longer-term set of work and will likely be responsible for:

• Contributing to the development of research proposals and data collection tools.
• Reviewing literature on topics related to AMR governance at national and global level.
• Conducting primary research including the use of ethnographic approaches such as non-participant observation and interviews, both alone and together with other investigators.
• Supporting the coordination of research and data collection activities.
• Qualitative data management, analysis, and report writing.
• Engaging with stakeholders at national and international levels as part of their research and through reports, presentations, and writing for peer-reviewed journals.
• Supervising the conduct of other social science and ethnographic work being conducted by more junior staff members.
• Taking part in or helping to organize and conduct internal social science methodological workshops, shared learning sessions, and training.
• Participating in seminars and journal clubs and providing peer review of emerging proposals within KWTRP together with other scientists.
• And any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

Essential Qualifications:

• MSc/MPH/MA with a health systems/health services focus or an MSc/MA/MPhil that provides a strong theoretical foundation in social science/health systems and the use of qualitative research methods.
• An excellent academic track record as evidenced by grades for undergraduate and post-graduate training.
• At least three years minimum experience in related field
• Demonstrable experience in conduct of in-depth interviews and observations, in transcribing and coding interview data.
• Demonstrable experience of the conduct of prior relevant research such as high-quality literature review, empirical social science studies that include data analysis and report writing, or equivalent experience.
• Computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft applications.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

• Excellent understanding of the Kenyan health system.
• Evidence of research after completion of MPH/MSc/MA level training.
• Evidence of ability to write peer-reviewed research publications.
• Knowledge of NVivo (qualitative analysis) software will be an added advantage.
• Clear interest in health systems/health services research.
• Prior work in a multidisciplinary team.
• Prior evidence of being able to plan and conduct research under minimal supervision and to supervise the research of other more junior team members.
• Demonstrable interest in a career in research.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and prior experience managing junior team members.
• Ability to work relatively independently to achieve agreed objectives.
• Focus on timely delivery of objectives.

COMPETENCIES:

• Good writing skills.
• Good planning, organisation, and coordination skills.
• Good presentation skills.
• Experience in qualitative research methods (data collection and analysis).
• High levels of fluency in written and spoken English and Kiswahili.
• Ability to take and follow instructions, show initiative, keen to learn, and proactive with the ability to work under minimal supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Flexibility, adaptability, multi-tasking, and attention to detail.
• Conscientiousness, timeliness, and willingness to work to meet deadlines.
• Team working and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:

• Office-based
• Fieldwork in selected counties
• Willingness to travel throughout the country

Working hours:

• Requires flexibility in the hours worked, it is highly likely that weekend work will be required given the nature of the study.