Vacancy title:
Research Associate

Jobs at:
AfriChild

Deadline of this Job:
not later than January 06, 2017 at 5.00pm

Duty Station:
Kampala, Uganda

Job details:
The AfriChild Centre for the Study of the African Child is a multi-disciplinary research and training Centre that contributes to knowledge building and skills development to improve the well-being of children in Uganda and Africa. AfriChild Centre seeks to employ suitably qualified, self-motivated and hardworking candidate(s) for the position of Research Associate, on a temporary engagement.

Vacancy type / duration: Temporary engagement (short term) for up to 3 months.

Summary of the position
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Programmes Director, Research and Knowledge Development, the Research Associate will be responsible for the successful implementation of a scientific study aimed at documenting and assessing effectiveness of existing mentorship models in schools. The incumbent will ensure that all study activities are appropriately executed within the defined timeframes, as per the study protocol, and in compliance with national ethical standards. Working with the study Principal Investigator based at the AfriChild Centre, the incumbent will contribute to the development of the study protocol, standard operating procedures, data collection tools, and obtaining ethical approvals of the same. He/she will also be responsible for the overall data management and statistical analysis activities, as well as contributing to the writing of the study report and/or dissemination of study findings to the relevant national and international stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

1. Conduct and document appropriate background research on the proposed area of study.
   
2. Work closely with the Principal Investigator to develop research study protocol(s) as well as data collection instruments and data management systems for the proposed research.
   
3. Ensure ethical approvals are obtained in a timely manner.
   
4. Lead the piloting of data collection instruments and train the data collection team/research assistants on their usage.
   
5. Coordinate and supervise all the data collection activities ensuring that the study protocols are strictly adhered to and quality data is collected.
   
6. Manage the study data from collection, entry, and cleaning to ensure quality datasets are available for analysis
   
7. Carry out appropriate statistical data analysis to address the key study objectives and also respond to all data requests by the Principal Investigator.
   
8. Contribute to the writing of reports on the results of the study as well as the dissemination of the research findings.
   
9. Coordinate and resolve issues as they arise in consultation with the Principal Investigator to ensure effective implementation the study activities.

Qualifications and Skills

1. A minimum of a Bachelor degree is required in social/behavioral science, statistics, economics, educational administration, health or other research-oriented area. A Master’s degree in a research oriented area is desirable.
   
2. A minimum of 3 years work experience related to the field of research
   
3. Experience with usage of specialized software for managing data as well as statistical analysis such as Epi-Info, Epi-Data, SPSS, STATA or other related software.
4. Evidence of presentation of research findings or similar at national and/or international for a.
   
5. Documented evidence of excellent writing skills as may be exhibited by peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, study reports, etc.
   
6. Proven experience in writing of statistical reports
   
7. Proven working experience in research management will be an added advantage.
   
8. Solid organizational skills including attention to detail and multi-tasking skills
   
9. Knowledge and understanding of the Uganda education system.

Job application procedure
Interested applicants should send their CVs and expression of interest addressed to the Executive Director via email to info@africhild.or.ug or hand delivered to The AfriChild Centre, located on Plot 103, Mary Stuart Road, Opposite Lumumba Hall, Makerere University not later than January 06, 2017 at 5.00pm. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted in the second week of January 2017