KEMRI/CDC Program Vacancies: Behavioural Scientist –MR 11 (Job group p)

KEMRI/CDC RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH COLLABORATION

Opening date: 24^TH /11/09 Vacancy No.K178/11/09

A collaboration between Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) whose mandate is to conduct research in malaria, HIV and other diseases desires to hire a behavioural scientist. The KEMRI/CDC Global AIDS Program (GAP) is rolling out a population-based, prospective cohort study nested within the ongoing Demographic Surveillance System (DSS) in Gem District, Nyanza Province. The proposed project will include home-based HIV testing and counselling (HBTC), referral for voluntary male circumcision (MC) for HIV-uninfected men, and care and treatment for HIV-infected adults and children. Each of these interventions will include a behavioural counselling component. To effectively carry out its mandate, GAP is seeking to fill the following position under the Gem evaluation project:-

POSITION: Behavioural Scientist –MR 11 (Job group p)

LOCATION: KEMRI/CDC Kisumu

RPORTING TO: The Study Coordinator

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENT

• A Masters degree in Sociology, Anthropology, or other related behavioural sciences.
• Three years experience in behavioural science research using qualitative and quantitative methods with a research organization, university, or implementing agency.
• At least one year experience in development and implementation of behavioural change interventions for HIV prevention, care and treatment.

dESIRED QUALITIES

• In-depth knowledge of attitudes and cultural practices (relating to health and HIV) of different ethnic groups in Kenya.
• PhD (or other equivalent doctoral-level degree) in a behavioural science field (anthropology, sociology, psychology or related field) is preferred.
• Must have a good understanding of the published literature on HIV risk factors and behavioural interventions for HIV prevention, care and treatment.
• Demonstrate ability to coordinate and supervise qualitative and quantitative data collection.
• Demonstrate ability to coordinate implementation of behavioural change communication strategies and interventions
• Demonstrate ability to design and conduct in-depth qualitative interviews and focus groups.
• Excellent written/oral communication, interpersonal and organization skills.
• Ability to work well in a team, and be able to collaborate well with the Ministries of Health and other partners.
• Fluency in both written and spoken English, Kiswahili and Dholuo.
• Good judgment in trouble shooting, problem solving, awareness of own limitations, strong inter-personal skills and internal motivation essential.
• Extensive experience and skills with computer software for qualitative data analysis, Word Processing (Word or WordPerfect) and Spreadsheets (Excel or Lotus) is required.

JOB SUMMARY:

With guidance from the Gem Evaluation coordinator and the research team, the Behavioural Scientist will coordinate qualitative and quantitative data collection and analyses, assist in the development of questionnaires, development of methodologies to recruit and retain participants for the Gem Evaluation project, development and implementation of behavioural change communication strategies.

SPECIFIC TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. With guidance from the Gem Evaluation coordinator and the research team conduct and/or supervise the conduct of formative research including rapid assessments, participatory research, focus group discussion and other qualitative research.
2. Assist in the planning, design, and implementation of quantitative behavioural surveys.
3. Provide overall coordination and support of quantitative data collection.
4. Provide overall coordination and support of behavioural change communication messages and interventions.
5. Facilitate linkages across different HIV programs areas at health facility level and evaluation team.
6. Lead and/or collaborate in the design, writing, pre-testing and validation of data collection instruments for behavioural research.
7. Lead and/or collaborate in the analysis of behavioural surveys and the preparation of reports for both in-country use by the Ministry of Health and implementing partners and articles for peer-reviewed journals.
8. Present behavioural data for education and advocacy to government officials, health professionals, and community leaders.
9. Present behavioural research findings at national and international meetings.
10. Perform any other duties as assigned by the project coordinator

Terms of Employment: A six (6) one year renewable contract as per KEMRI scheme of service. Probation period for the first 3 months.

Remuneration: Compensation is negotiable within a relevant grade, based on educational levels, relevant experience and demonstrated competency. The salary scheme is based on the KEMRI scales plus supplemental amounts.

Applications should include the following:

• Letter of Application (INDICATE VACANCY NUMBER)
• Current Curriculum Vitae with telephone number and e-mail address
• Three letters of reference with contact telephone numbers and e-mail addresses
• Copies of Certificates, Diplomas or Transcripts
• Contact telephone number

Applications are due no later than: 07/12/09

To: Human Resource Manager, KEMRI/CDC Program, P.O. Box 1578, Kisumu. Or e-mail to recruitment@ke.cdc.gov

Only short listed candidates will be contacted

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