Research Assistant - IGHER

Description

Job Title: Research Assistant, Institute of global health equity research 

Department: Office of the Dean of Research, Innovation and quality/Director of IGHER 

Report to: Director of IGHER

Location: Butaro campus 

Job Overview 

The Research Assistant will play a pivotal role in supporting the diverse research activities conducted at the Institute of Global Health Equity Research (IGHER), with a unique focus on the establishment of a Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS). This position offers an enriching opportunity to gain valuable experience in a fast-paced research setting, contributing to impactful projects that address pressing global health concerns and the development of a critical population health surveillance tool. 

Responsibilities 

• Research Support:
  • Assist researchers with various projects, including literature reviews, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
  • Prepare research protocols, grant proposals, and technical reports, ensuring accuracy and adherence to ethical guidelines.
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of research tools and methodologies, such as surveys and questionnaires, specific to the HDSS and other research projects.
  • Manage and maintain research databases, ensuring data integrity and facilitating efficient retrieval.
• HDSS Development and Implementation (New):
  • Work closely with the HDSS team to establish the system framework, including defining the study population, sampling strategies, and data collection methods.
  • Assist with the development of data collection tools and protocols specific to the HDSS, ensuring they are culturally appropriate and efficient.
  • Participate in pilot testing of HDSS tools and procedures, providing feedback for refinement.
  • Contribute to the development of community engagement strategies for the HDSS, fostering collaboration and participation.
• Communication and Collaboration:
  • Prepare presentations and reports summarizing research findings for dissemination to a diverse audience.
  • Communicate effectively with researchers, collaborators, stakeholders, and community members, both internally and externally.
  • Maintain a positive and collaborative work environment, fostering open communication and teamwork.
• Additional Responsibilities:
  • Stay informed about current trends and developments in relevant global health research areas, particularly those related to HDSS.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Institute or research team leads.

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Global Health, Demography, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Strong research skills, including experience with literature reviews, data collection, analysis, and scientific writing.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience with statistical software (e.g., Stata, SPSS) a plus.
• Prior research experience, particularly in global health settings, is highly desirable.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken. Proficiency in Kinyarwanda is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail, a commitment to accuracy, and a meticulous work ethic.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for global health research and a desire to contribute to positive change.
• Experience working with community engagement strategies in research settings (a plus).
• Understanding of demographic surveillance methods and principles (a plus)

To apply

Applicants should provide: (1) a resume, (2) a cover letter, (3) names and contact information of three professional references who can attest to work experience, and (4) copies of all degrees earned. Please upload your cover letter and copies of degrees as a single PDF file under "Additional Files" on the application page before May 3rd 2024..

Organizational Profile

The University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) is on a mission to radically change the way health care is delivered around the world. The UGHE is a new university based in Rwanda that is growing the next generation of global health professionals—doctors, nurses, researchers, and public health and policy experts—into leaders and change makers who strive to deliver more equitable, quality health services for all. The University was launched in September 2015 with the Master of Science in Global Health Delivery (MGHD). 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 healthcare 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 UGHE team seeks individuals committed to these values to join the team.

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.