The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) is a leading Africa-based, African- led, international research institution headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. APHRC conducts policy- relevant research on population, health, education, urbanization and related development issues in sub-Saharan Africa.

APHRC seeks to recruit a Project Coordinator to work in its Research and Related Capacity Strengthening Division to support the coordination of a Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF) funded project, Improving education on cardiometabolic diseases in Kenya through research capacity strengthening. The aim of this 2-year project is to improve the management of cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) in Kenya through research evidence generation and capacity strengthening.

The ideal candidate should have strong project management skills and familiarity with academic curriculum of mid-level institutions (e.g. Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) that prepares medical professionals.  This is an opportunity to join a team working as part of a countrywide consortium to contribute to rolling back the burden of CMDs in target communities and thereby contribute to improving the health and wellbeing of the population. This is a new role arising from the implementation of the current five-year strategic plan which has, subsequently triggered tremendous growth in our programs.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Coordinate the development of a comprehensive baseline survey to inform review and development of pre- and in-service curricula.
• Coordinate the development of a short course on cardiometabolic disease (CMD) for two cadres (clinical officers and nurses).
• Coordinate development of guidelines for selection and recognition of faculty and health facility staff to attend short course CMD training as mentors.
• Support the implementation of short course on Master Training-of-Trainer (TOT) trainings on CMDs for Medical Training College (MTC) faculty and clinical mentors to serve as mentors and champions.
• Support the coordination of implementation and tracking of mentorship activities at both faculty and health facility level.
• Coordinate capacity building of MTCs and faculty to offer blended and e-learning courses.
• Coordinate initial design of a short-term CMD research fellowship program for MTC faculty.
• Coordinate conduct of two studies – (1) operational study on attraction and retention of Human Resources for Health (HRH)/faculty in harsh geographies and rural areas and (2) diagnostic study on the quality of, and access to, CMD prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services in underserved areas.
• Contribute to the development of Kenya’s non-communicable diseases (NCDs) research agenda.
• Participate in the networking, exchange programs, and knowledge sharing for the Partnership for Education of Health Professionals (PEP).
• Coordinate project monitoring and evaluation, knowledge management, and communication, including providing weekly and monthly updates, quarterly project reports, and other reports that may be required by APHRC.
• Coordinate the RRCS management and administrative matters, in liaison with the Head and Unit Leaders of the Division.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree in Health and Social Sciences, Education, Business and Development Studies, or related fields.

• At least three years post-masters experience in an academic or research setting.

• Experience and strong interest in research, research capacity strengthening and instructional/curriculum design.
• Demonstrated prior experience in project coordination.
• Hands-on experience organizing events, virtual and physical.
• Experience in implementation of capacity strengthening activities in academic settings.
• Excellent writing, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft packages (e.g. MS Word, MS PowerPoint, & MS Excel).

Desirable:

• Familiarity with KMTC curriculum and research capacity strengthening in health and/or social science related fields.
• Familiarity with M&E and risk management frameworks.
• Analytic thinking and ability to work in a culturally diverse team.

This position is classified under Nationally Recruited Positions (NRP), Grade V in our scales.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and will be required submit a Police Clearance Certificate at a certain stage of the recruitment process. Cover letters should be addressed to:

The Human Resources Officer

African Population and Health Research Center, Inc

APHRC Campus, Manga Close, off Kirawa Road, Kitisuru

P. O. Box 10787-GPO, Nairobi

Website:  www.aphrc.org

Special Notice

APHRC is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process.