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

We seek to appoint a social scientist with experience in community engagement for a community based trial to plan, implement and evaluate the VIRUTUBISHO trial engagement and research activities. The post-holder will join the team to lead the community engagement and social science aspects of the study. The post holder will be a social scientist and will work closely with the existing KWTRP Community Liaison Group (CLG), VIRUTUBISHO trial Principal Investigator and the lead social scientist supporting the development, coordination and implementation of the of the community engagement plan and social science research activities within the trial.

The post holder will contribute to the development of community engagement and social science research plan. They will work with the community liaison team to introduce the study to key stakeholders at county, sub-county and community levels. The post holder will be responsible for managing communication between the study team and the different community groups. They will initiate a community advisory board specific for this study and work to maintain its relevance through the life-span of the study as a platform of continued engagement.

As a social scientist, the post holder will contribute to the development of data collection tools, organise and conduct empiric work including primary data collection (indepth interviews and focus groupd discussions with community members and workshops with implementers) during the qualitative and participatory assessment of intervention feasibility and acceptability, data analysis and report writing.

He/she will work together with colleagues, and other staff involved in the VIRUTUBISHO study and at the Kemri-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP) in Kilifi. The post holder will also contribute to wider social science research activities within the KWTRP and related research networks including presenting the work in various internal and external forums as needed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The research officer will initially work with senior team members to develop the specifc set of work and will likely, therefore be responsible for:

Key responsibilities in Community engagement

• Liaising with the community engagement team to develop a stakeholder and community engagement strategy for VIRUTUBISHO study.
• Undertake, monitor and evaluate the community liaison activities of the study
• Develop a guiding document, initiate and manage a community advisory board for the VIRUTUBISHO study.
• Engaging with local stakeholders at community, sub-county and county levels as part of the engagement process and providing support in community entry of the study team
• At community level, organize and participate in meeting with institutional heads, chiefs, community leaders, community representatives, community health volunteers and potential participants to explain the study and its aims, and to discuss potential concerns.
• Develop mechanisms for continued engagement with the study community and a continuous reporting system for engagement activities.
• Feed back any challenges faced with engagement to the study team and facilitate the use of information to refine communication between the study team and the community
• Collect and respond to concerns by the community about the study in collaboration with other CLG members

Key responsibilities in Social science research

• Liase with the lead social scientist to contributing to the development of the social science research implementation plan and refining data collection tools.
• Conducting primary research using qualitative approaches including the use of in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and participatory workshops to elicite views, document experiences and evaluate implementation progress of the VIRUTUBISHO study.
• Qualitative data management, analysis, and report writing.
• Feedback findings from the social science research and use it to refine communication between the study team and
• 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.

Qualifications:

• MSc/MPhil that provides a strong theoretical foundation in social science/health systems / organizational research OR an MSc/MPH with a Nutrition/Public health focus and the use of qualitative research methods
• Bachelors Degree in Social Sciences including Sociology, Anthropology  OR health sciences including Nutrition, Nursing, Public health.
• An excellent academic track record as evidenced by grades for undergraduate and post-graduate training
• At least 3 years of health research experience.
• Demonstrable experience of the conduct of prior relevant research such as empirical social science studies that include data analysis and report writing, or equivalent experience
• Computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft applications

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

• Evidence of working in a research environment for at least 2 years after completion of MPH / MSc level training
• Evidence of supervising junior research staff and fieldworkers
• Evidence of ability to write peer-reviewed qualitative research publications
• Knowledge of NVivo (qualitative analysis) software will be an added advantage
• Clear interest in social science research in public health
• Prior work in a multidisciplinary team
• Prior evidence of being able to plan and conduct research under minimal supervision
• Prior experience of applying participatory approaches to stakeholders analysis and mapping.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and 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:

• Demonstrate high levels of integrity and confidentiality 
• Good analytical, problem solving and critical thinking skills;  
• Teamwork and ability to work with diverse teams  
• Strong Flexibility, adaptability, multi-tasking and attention to detail  
• Strong team organization, coordination and Supervisory skills.  
• High levels of fluency in written and spoken English and Kiswahili