Vacancies at African Population And Health Research Center (APHRC)

Role
University research plays a critical role in improving wellbeing, informing policy decisions, and driving innovation. However, the impact of this research often remains under-communicated, hindering efforts to secure sustained funding and public support. While quantitative data is essential, compelling case studies go beyond mere numbers. They weave narratives that capture the human stories behind the research, highlighting the challenges addressed, the innovative solutions developed, and the real-world impact on societal outcomes. These narratives resonate with audiences, generating greater understanding and appreciation for the value of research. The case studies produced in this workstream target a diverse audience, including:

• Funders: Highlighting the transformative power of research investments.
• Policymakers: Demonstrating the research-policy nexus and influencing policy decisions.
• Public: Raising awareness about the impact of research on their lives.
• Media: Generating media interest and amplifying the research’s impact.
• Led by APHRC, the workstream aims to identify, analyse and document four case studies showcasing the impact of research and innovation projects conducted by South African universities. The case studies will highlight the tangible contributions of university research and innovation to national priorities and broader societal well-being.
• Criteria for Selecting Case Studies

Prepare a Short Summary (2 Pages Maximum)

• Charts and Infographics: Visualize data and trends to make complex information more easily understood by the audience.
• Photographs: Images of researchers, healthcare providers, community members, or interventions in action can personalize the narrative.
• Short Video Clips: Short videos can capture the essence of the research and its impact in a compelling way.
   
• Researchers: Sharing their insights into the research process and the significance of the findings.
• Policymakers: Describing how the research influenced policy decisions.
• Healthcare Providers: Highlighting how the research improved their practice or patient care.
• Community Members: Sharing their experiences and how the research impacted their health and well-being.
• External stakeholder collaboration (research partners, funders, regulators)
• University support structures (including Research Management Offices, Technology Transfer Offices)
• Internal policies and systems promoting research impact.
• Deliverables
• A set of four well-written, compelling case studies demonstrating impactful research and innovation from South African universities.
• Dissemination and Advocacy Strategies
• APHRC Website and Social Media: A dedicated webpage will be created on the APHRC website to showcase the case studies. This webpage will be promoted through social media platforms like X, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
• SARIMA Website and Social Media: The case studies will be showcased on the SARIMA website, and promoted through social media platforms like X and LinkedIn.
• Other channels and platforms will be discussed and agreed between the funder, APHRC and SARIMA.
• 2 Reporting and Communication
• Timeline
• Submission of Potential Research for Case Study Development
• Briefly describe the research project and its objectives.
• Highlight the specific challenge the research addressed.
• Summarize the research approach and key findings.
• Explain how the research made impact and quantify this impact (if possible).
• Include any evidence of policy influence or potential for scale-up.

Provide Supporting Materials (To The Extent Applicable)

• Include relevant publications, reports, or presentations related to your research.
• Share any data (quantitative or qualitative) that demonstrates impact.
• Offer contact details for key individuals involved in the project eg researchers, funders, end-users, beneficiaries and others who played a role in ensuring that impact was achieved (including – without limitation the institutional Research Support Office).

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Duties And Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and review research and data governance policies, guidelines, and processes to ensure good research and data governance standards.
• Provide expertise, guidance and/or training on good governance practice in research.
• Monitor relevant regulatory and policy developments to ensure changes are incorporated into institutional policies and procedures in a timely manner.
• Maintains a robust system for internally reviewing and approving research protocols to ensure that they meet expected standards and obligations for responsible and ethical research.
• Ensure compliance with applicable requirements, laws and regulations for all research activities undertaken by APHRC and its key partners.
• Provide information, education, and advice on research governance matters to stakeholders involved in the conduct and management of research in accordance with international, national and local policies, guidelines, and other reference material adopted by the jurisdiction.
• Undertake risk management assessments and implement risk mitigation measures related to research activities and procedures.
• Oversee and manage the quality assurance and control processes that monitor compliance to research governance practices.
• Design and deliver projects to develop effective ethical and regulatory processes.
• Ensure that reports to regulatory bodies are submitted as required.
• Ensure documentation and archival of all ethical correspondence relating to research protocols and modifications.
• Oversee record management pertaining to research and data governance activities and produce management reports as necessary.
• Develop governance agreements and review in collaboration with relevant internal and external stakeholders.
• Act as chair/ secretary to relevant research governance committees and ensures mandates, objectives and deliverables are achieved.
• Orient new research staff on the research governance system.
• Oversee unit budget development and management.
• Fundraising.

Qualifications, Skills And Experience

• PhD level degree in Social Sciences, or other related fields.
• At least 10 years of relevant post-qualification experience.
• Familiarity with the population health and wellbeing research and development landscape.
• Strong written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong research and analysis skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse environment.
• Exceptional organizational and coordination skills.