COHERS Research Veterinarian 

Position Title: COHERS Research Veterinarian

Reports to: Dr. Anselme Shyaka, Assistant Professor, Center for One Health

Department: Center for One Health, University of Global Health Equity

Location: Nyamagabe District (Primary); Kigali & additional study sites (secondary)

Contract duration: Aug 2024- November 2024 (4 months)

Number of consultants: 2

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 Veterinarian will be to conduct swine phlebotomy and necropsy, collect survey data, administer swine medication, and provide community education. 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 Veterinarian should have previous experience conducting field research, collecting swine samples, and liaising with local authorities.

Research duties:

• Collect, store, and manage biological samples and digital data related to the prevalence and transmission of cysticercosis in both human and animal populations.
• Ensure proper storage and maintenance as well as keep track of materials, consumables and reagents needed for their work.
• Provide veterinary expertise in the execution of targeted interventions, such as vaccination programs or treatment plans.
• Draw blood samples from pigs, conduct necropsies, and administer vaccines/anthelmintics.

Community engagement:

• Collaborate with community leaders, stakeholders, and local veterinary professionals to build relationships and promote community engagement.
• Conduct outreach programs to educate local communities on One Health principles and raise awareness about cysticercosis.
• Build local capacity for sustainable disease management through knowledge transfer and skill development.
• Provide education on best practices for pig farming, sanitation, and safe disposal of human waste to prevent contamination.
• Coordinate and participate in mass pig vaccination and other interventions and designed throughout the project.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine with relevant experience in research involving collection of animal samples, preferably pigs.
• Experience inputting and managing data through digital systems (e.g. Redcap, Kobo Toolbox, Qualtrics)
• Competent in the use of Microsoft office suite and virtual meeting platforms
• Experience in data collection and/or community engagement in rural Rwanda.
• Knowledge of One Health principles and their practical application.
• Experience in implementing disease surveillance and intervention programs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a diverse and interdisciplinary team.
• Strong work ethic.

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 applying, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

Interested Candidates should submit their detailed CV and qualifications in one PDF Document not later than 26^th July 2024 to the following address:

[email protected]&[email protected].with Subject line: COHERS Research Veterinarian

Any clarification requests can be sent by email to the above email addresses no later than 20th July 2024 at 11:59 am

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

Sincerely,

Shivon Byamukama, PhD

Deputy Vice Chancellor,

Administrative and Financial Affairs

University of Global Health Equity

I have added a few comment. It will be difficult to supervise their work if they don't report to me [AS1]

Ensure proper storage and maintenance as well as keep track of materials, consumables and reagents needed for their work. [AS2]

I would clearly add that having participated in similar work is an added advantage. Similar work = research involving collection of animal samples and preferrably pigs [AS3]