Description

Position Title: Research Assistant

Reports to: Head of Research Projects & Training

Group/Department: Institute of Global Health Equity Research, University of Global Health Equity (IGHER)

Location: Kigali, with occasional travel to Butaro, Rwanda

Position Overview

The Research Assistant will contribute in many ways to support research projects and related activities such conduct literature reviews, collect and analyze data, attend meetings and seminars, prepare reports, draft manuscripts; and support implementation of a recently funded project on digital rehabilitation capacity building in higher education. The wider project will be done with teams in multiple countries in Africa (Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs)) with strong coordination between these countries. S/he will focus on work in Rwanda. This programme sits within the newly established Institute of Global Health Equity Research (IGHER) at the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE). The ideal candidate for this position is someone who is highly self-motivated and passionate about research, with superior attention to detail and organizational skills. S/he will work across multiple departments at UGHE and must be exceedingly well organized, diplomatic, flexible, resourceful, and proactive.

Key Responsibilities

• Conducting qualitative and/or quantitative data collection at designated data collection sites and as directed by the project PI, including data entry and data quality assurance.
• Support and contribute to the development of patient and health facility’s data collection tools, ensure accurate data collection and data entry processes,
• Supporting community engagement activities and outreach to non-academic audiences
• To participate in patient and stakeholder’s engagement and involvement activities and other events of the Institute of Global Health Equity Research (IGHER) at the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE), as appropriate.
• Writing project deliverables, such as reports or manuscripts for publication
• Preparing PowerPoint slides, report and poster presentations as required
• Conduct literature searches and reviews and support with ethics review submissions.
• Any other tasks as designated by the supervisor

Qualifications

• MBBS/MD or BSc in health-related field, MSc in Public Health or Global Health, or MSc in other health related programs
• Demonstrated qualitative and quantitative research experience – minimum of 1 year
• Demonstrable training in research methods, data collection, data analysis
• Practical knowledge and experience in qualitative and quantitative data collection from patients and community
• Familiarity with qualitative and/or quantitative data collection and data quality assurance
• In depth knowledge on the Rwandan health systems with particular emphasis on electronic health record systems
• Fluency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneDrive
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative data collection tools
• Ability to manage and prioritize project related tasks with high attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and manage competing priorities
• Exemplary interpersonal skills: ability to effectively collaborate with culturally diverse staff across departments and countries
• Proven ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively as part of a research team.
• Evidence of excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Kinyarwanda required

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.

Organization profile

The University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) is on a mission to radically change the way health care is delivered around the world. 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 launched in Rwanda 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. 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.