Description

Position Title: COHERS Research Associate

Reports to: Dr. Janna Schurer, Assistant Professor, Center for One Health

Group/Department: Center for One Health, University of Global Health Equity (UGHE)

Location: Kigali, Butaro, & study sites in Rwanda

Role Overview:

The Center for One Health at the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) is on a mission to lead high impact research, teaching, and community service among vulnerable communities in Rwanda and the world. Community One Health Empowerment in Rwanda and Senegal (COHERS) is a four-year research program that aims to (i) operationalize One Health disease at the community level, (ii) test One Health interventions that reduce the burden of cysticercosis, and (iii) generate evidence to support programs and policies for cysticercosis elimination in Rwanda. The primary role of the COHERS Research Associate will be to provide research and clinical coordination to the study team. S/he will serve as a focal point for students, staff, faculty, community leaders and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate for this position is highly self-motivated, with excellent organizational skills, a strong attention to detail, and the ability to promote strong team cohesion. The COHERS Research Associate should have previous experience designing study tools, coordinating ethical approvals, conducting field research, diagnosing parasitic illnesses and liaising with local authorities.

Responsibilities:

Research Support

Liaise with community leaders to obtain and maintain program approval

To design surveys, collect community data, and analyze human/animal/environmental data, travelling to field locations as needed

To diagnose, treat, and refer human patients, as needed

To manage day-to-day data quality control and data management measures

To participate in research team and community stakeholder meetings

Translate and transcribe documents, as needed

Assist with monitoring and evaluation

Maintain high level of professionalism and adhere to the UGHE Ethics Code

Provide Kinyarwanda-English transcription and translation

Support in conducting literature searches and reviews and support with ethics review submissions

Support in writing project deliverables, such as protocols, reports, and publications

Qualifications

MD or MBBS degree plus MSc and experience with multidisciplinary international teams; knowledge of One Health, Neglected Tropical Diseases and/or community-based participatory methods preferred

Work experience in clinical and/or research role(s) in an educational setting

Excellent scientific reading, writing and data analysis skills

Fluency in English and Kinyarwanda required; French language skills desired

Proven skills to design study methodologies, surveys, and to manage large quantitative and/or qualitative datasets

Ability to manage, organize, develop plans and generate data to make decisions

Experience working in Rwanda or in other relevant contexts

Exemplary interpersonal skills; ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with culturally diverse staff across departments and countries

Demonstrated strategic thinking and analytical skills, good judgment, and creative problem-solving

Proficient computer skills with fluency in Microsoft Office Suite programs including Word, Excel, Google Suite products and Zoom

Proficiency using data analysis tools including SPPS, NVIVO, Redcap, ArcGIS

Ability to manage and prioritize projects with high attention to detail

Ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and manage competing priorities

Organizational Profile

The University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) is a new kind of university focused on training the next generation of global leaders in health care delivery. The university launched in Rwanda in September 2015 with its flagship degree program: the Master of Science in Global Health Delivery. Through an academic experience uniquely rooted in the values of equity, students are empowered to both ease suffering at the bedside and drive transformational, systemic changes to the health system.

UGHE is an initiative of Partners In Health (PIH), an internationally recognized non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a preferential option for the poor in health care. In over nearly three decades of operating alongside public sectors in countries around the world, PIH has developed a model to deliver high quality health care to some of the world’s most marginalized communities. Nowhere has this impact been more profound than in Rwanda, where Inshuti Mu Buzima—PIH’s sister organization—and our government partners have driven innovation for a decade.

Members of the UGHE community are tenacious and resolute in our drive to attain social justice, make common cause with those in need, listen to and learn from others, and operate with honesty and humility as we uphold academic integrity and intellectual curiosity. The University of Global Health Equity seeks individuals committed to these values to join the team.

Partners In Health is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Commitment to Safeguarding and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Sexual Harassment:

At UGHE, we are committed to ensuring that those who benefit from our work- including community members – as well as our students, contractors, staff and visitors to our campus are treated with dignity and respect and protected from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment and any form of systemic abuse, whilst reducing risk and vulnerabilities. A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with UGHE’s policy.

UGHE will request information from applicants’ previous employers about any findings of fraud, harassment, sexual harassment and any form of systemic abuse or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.