Vacancies at Aga Khan University Hospital

Job Summary

The BMI at AKU is seeking a Project Manager for the British Academy funded grant ‘A canvas for change: co-producing art to reduce the stigma of neurological disorders in Kenya’, a collaboration between Aga Khan University and Newcastle University, UK.

The research Project Manager role, supervised by Principal investigator(s) (PIs), orchestrates the entire research project(s) lifecycle, from initiation to closeout. They meticulously plan, execute, and monitor project(s) activities, ensuring alignment with objectives and timelines. Through stakeholder engagement, regulatory compliance, risk management, and efficient communication, they navigate challenges and facilitate collaboration. Ultimately, their efforts culminate in successful project(s) closeout, delivering valuable insights that advance the Brain and Mind Institute's mission of promoting brain health and mental well-being.

Responsibilities

• Implement the project’s workplan by overseeing and coordinating all activities according to established timelines and milestones.
• Ensure compliance with ethical, regulatory, and institutional requirements throughout the duration of the project.
• Monitor and track project progress against predefined metrics, milestones, and deliverables, adjusting as necessary to ensure project success.
• Monitor project budget and expenses, tracking spending against budget allocations and identifying any variances or discrepancies.
• Implement quality assurance and control measures to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and validity of research data and results.
• Maintain regular communication with stakeholders, including, Principal Investigators (PIs), sponsors, collaborators, and regulatory bodies, to provide updates on project progress and address any concerns.
• Lead project closeout including conducting a final evaluation of the project to assess achievements and identify areas for improvement, ensure all regulatory requirements are met, coordinate financial activities to close project budgets and reconcile expenses, establish organized and accessible archives for project documentation and materials.
• Liaise with the PIs to disseminate project findings and outcomes to relevant stakeholders, including drafting manuscripts.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a medical related course e.g MBchB, BSN, BPharm, Clinical Medicine/ Bachelor’s in public health
• A valid practising license.
• Master's level training (or higher) in a related field (i.e., biomedical sciences; neuropsychology, psychometrics, social sciences, anthropology, public health).
• At least 1-year experience in research with preference for managing multi-component projects.
• At least one-year experience in field data collection preferably in community and hospital settings.
• Educational or experiential knowledge of basic research methods such as literature reviews and protocol writing.
• Mixed methods data analysis skills will be an added advantage.
• Experience in using quantitative statistical software such as SPSS, STATA or and qualitative software such as NVivo will be an added advantage.
• Academic exposure and interest in brain health research is an advantage.

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Job Summary

The BMI at AKU is seeking a Research Assistant for the British Academy funded grant ‘A canvas for change: co-producing art to reduce the stigma of neurological disorders in Kenya’, a collaboration between Aga Khan University and Newcastle University, UK.

The Research Assistant will play a vital role in supporting research endeavors under the guidance of Research Associates, Research Managers, and Principal Investigators. Their responsibility will primarily revolve around assisting with participant recruitment, administering interviews and tests, and managing data collected during research activities. Additionally, they will collaborate closely with the Research Associate/Manager to ensure the smooth execution of research projects, including coordinating with research partners and stakeholders, maintaining research instrumentation, and providing technical support as needed. The role may also involve assisting in the dissemination of project results through various channels, such as policy briefs, white papers reports, conferences, and peer-reviewed publications.

Responsibilities

• Ensure timely recruitment of study participants for research projects in line with the project timelines.
• Administer interviews, surveys, and neuropsychological tests to research participants.
• Ensure efficiency in organization and maintenance of data collected.
• Ensure adherence to research protocols and ethical guidelines during data collection.
• Provide technical support to researchers and other team members as needed.
• Assist in the preparation of research reports, policy briefs, and other dissemination materials.
• Ensure compliance with ethical guidelines and regulations governing research activities.
• Maintain confidentiality and privacy of research participants' information.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new skills and methodologies.

Requirements

•  A diploma in a relevant field such as social work or any development related studies, psychology, public health, sociology, or a related discipline.
• Additional certifications or coursework in research methods, data analysis, or relevant areas are preferred but not mandatory.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in research data collection, analysis, and report writing.
• Experience working in academic or research settings preferred.
• Familiarity with participant recruitment procedures, data collection techniques (quantitative and qualitative), and research ethics.
• Proficiency in using relevant software for data entry and analysis, such as NVivo, SPSS, Excel, or REDCap.
• Proficiency in English, Swahili and any Mijikenda language (preferably Kigiriama) language skills, writing, spoken.

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About the position

The Mentorship Coordinator (QI) reports to the Clinical Training Manager to support implementation of quality care for newborns. He/she will take a role in the refining, implementation and evaluation of the program’s mentorship strategy.

 Roles and Responsibilities

The Mentorship coordinator will work closely with the program implementation team to:

• Provide mentorship to staff in the NEST implementing facilities to conduct regular clinical audits and build their capacity to correctly identify problems, solutions, implement feasible actions and evaluate if the desired change has occurred.
• Provide mentorship to QI focal persons/coaches to conduct regular quality improvement visits and subsequently compile QI visit reports.
• Provide mentorship to hospital champions to support their ongoing training and supervision efforts and continuing to improve their ToT abilities and their skills to introduce and sustain change.
• Monitor and track progress of continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities in implementing hospitals and effect change as needed
• Maintain effective communication with the hospital teams including provision of monthly/quarterly (or as required) reports and ensure the audit reports are understood by the hospital teams and the management.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records (a diary) of implementation activities and ‘real-time’ reflections on the success/challenges of each activity in all sites.
• Diarize important staff changes as well as non-NEST projects/activities affecting NBU work /neonatal outcomes.
• Support continuous quality improvement activities in participating hospitals.
• Perform any other duties that may be assigned to him/her

Qualifications

• BSc Nursing or a KRCN nurse with a higher diploma in neonatal nursing or pediatric critical care
• Certification in Newborn ETAT-plus or EmONC courses will be an added advantage
• Certificate/diploma in clinical mentorship
• Must be registered by the relevant regulatory body, eg Medical Board or Nursing Council
• A minimum of three years’ continuous work experience in a pediatric or newborn ward  
• Actively practicing as a clinical nurse or practice educator in the relevant discipline
• Proven ability in adult teaching and learning.
• Must be enthusiastic with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to take and follow instructions, initiative, keen to learn and proactive with the ability to work under minimal supervision.
• Flexibility, adaptability, multi-tasking and attention to details.
• Good analytical and follow through ability.
• Good planning, organization and co-ordination skills.
• Team working and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to travel extensively within the country

Persons with competencies in the following will have added advantage:

• Skills in correct use of the newborn care equipment 
• Prior skills training course development
• Prior experience in quality improvement initiatives