Research assistant (3 posts)

NIHR Global Health Unit on the Prevention and Management of Stillbirths and Neonatal Deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia

Job opportunities

Background

The NIHR Global Health Unit on the Prevention and Management of Stillbirths and Neonatal Deaths in Sub- Saharan Africa and South Asia, led from the Centre for Childbirth, Women’s and Newborn Health at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine UK, is an established equitable multidisciplinary partnership between Africa, Asia and UK-based researchers. As an international Centre of Research Excellence, our goal is to end preventable stillbirths and newborn deaths, ensure adequate support for parents and families whose baby dies and reduce associated stigma.

Using a whole systems approach, we work across high burden settings in India, Kenya, Malawi, Pakistan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. We aim to develop, test and implement sustainable and cost- effective solutions to strengthen maternity and newborn care, reducing mortality and morbidity through high- quality, respectful and compassionate maternity and newborn care. Activities cover the entire spectrum of maternal and newborn health from preconception to post/neonatal care, with a strong focus on meaningful community and stakeholder partnerships. We co-produce research with women, families, front-line health workers and policy makers. We have methodological expertise across development including evidence synthesis, exploratory (qualitative and quantitative approaches), core outcomes sets, clinical trials and implementation research.

Capacity strengthening for maternal and newborn health research, across all partner countries is embedded throughout the Unit. We have a particular but not exclusive, interest and experience in developing midwifery and nursing research capacity to address global shortages in these disciplines.

Position: Research assistant (3 posts)

Work stations: Masaka, Kayunga and Kampala

Overall Purpose of the job

• To ensure timely delivery of project objectives
• To fulfil the aims of the research work stream
• To contribute to project reporting, dissemination and publications

Key roles and responsibilities Research

• To support the development of research protocols
• To secure local ethical and international ethical approvals
• To carry out recruitment of participants
• To collect and manage data
• Contribute to analysis of data
• To liaise with key stakeholders
• To meet regularly with CEI groups
• Contribute to monitoring and evaluation activities
• To work within research governance, ethical and safeguarding principles

Planning and Team work

• To assist in the co-ordination of local meetings
• To attend and contribute to relevant meetings
• Contribute to activities outlined in the Communication Plan
• Coordinate and ensure the implementation of the project activities and according to the action plan
• Manage own research and administrative activities.

Communication

• Communicate research information, orally, in writing and electronically
• Report regularly to the Work Stream lead [and research coordinator] on project activities
• Provide regular written progress reports
• Disseminate research findings, locally, nationally and internationally, through oral presentations
• Contribute to research publications

• Build internal contacts and join external networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaboration

Person Specifications

Essential attributes

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or Midwifery
• Registration with the Uganda Nurses and Midwives council
• Has a certificate of Good Clinical Practices (GCP)
• Experience of recent working in maternity care
• Research experience in qualitative studies or clinical trials
• A master’s degree in a health-related field is an added advantage

Interpersonal skills

• Self-motivated and able to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Able to liaise and work professionally, collaborating effectively with local and international partners
• Experience in interactions with key stakeholders
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to coordinate and facilitate of meetings

Project skills

• Information technology literate including high proficiency in using MS Word and PowerPoint
• Attention to detail and highly developed organizational skills
• Able to manage own work on a day-to-day basis
• Able to prioritize workload and manage time
• Able to work to tight deadlines
• Excellent report writing skills

Other

• Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to communicate to scientific, lay and stakeholder audiences
• Commitment, motivation and flexibility
• Knowledge of developments in policy and practice
• Willingness to perform a wide range of tasks as directed and as required

Desirable attributes

• Research experience in bereavement care or stillbirth related projects
• 1st or upper second-class honors degree in relevant subject
• Familiarity with data collection software, such as RedCap
• Experience of engagement with Community Engagement and Involvement (CEI) groups
• Experience in data management and analysis
• Familiar with regional approaches to healthcare

Submission of applications:

Interested persons should submit their signed application letter, academic documents and updated curriculum vitae stating at least two (Academic/Professional) referees as ONE PDF DOCUMENT and attach it to the link provided not later than 5:00PM on Monday 14th August, 2023. Please address the application to the Dean, School of Public Health, Makerere University. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Application link: https://bit.ly/43TVHdn