Behavioural Scientist: KEMRI/CDC Research and Public Health Collaboration Jobs in Kenya

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 behavioural scientist will assist in identifying, packaging, and disseminating appropriate evidence-based behavioural HIV prevention interventions in Nyanza Province. The behavioural scientist will also work closely with program staff responsible for implementing HIV counselling and testing, male circumcision and HIV care and treatment to forge appropriate linkages between these services and behavioural interventions.

To effectively carry out its mandate, KEMRI is seeking to fill the following position under:


Position: Behavioural Scientist 
MR 11
2 Positions
Job Group P
Location:
 KEMRI/CDC Kisumu
Vacancy No.K70/03/2010

Essential Requirement

  • A Masters degree in Behavioural or Social Sciences, Health Education, Public Health, Sociology, Epidemiology, Anthropology, or other related postgraduate degree.
  • 3-5 years experience in implementation of HIV prevention behaviour change interventions.
  • One year experience in HIV testing and counselling programs and implementation of community health activities.
  • Extensive experience and skills using computer software for quantitative and qualitative data analysis e.g., SPSS, NVIVO, Nudist
  • Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office or WordPerfect).
Desired Qualities
  • Indepth knowledge of attitudes and cultural practices (relating to health and HIV) among different ethnic groups in Nyanza province.
  • Skills in qualitative and quantitative behavioural research methods.
  • Knowledge in behavioural survey design and implementation.
  • A good understanding of the published literature on HIV risk factors and behavioural interventions for HIV prevention.
  • Ability to coordinate and supervise a team of health educators and other prevention community staff.
  • Ability to coordinate planning and implementation of evidence-based behavioural interventions including behaviour change communication strategies and interventions..
  • Ability to design and conduct in-depth quantitative and qualitative interviews and focus group discussions.
  • 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 local communities, and other implementing partners.
  • Fluency in both written and spoken English and Kiswahili.
  • Good judgment in trouble shooting, problem solving, awareness of own limitations, strong inter-personal skills and internal motivation.
Job Summary:

With guidance from CDC-GAP behavioural team, the KEMRI HBCT team and in liaison with Ministry of Health, the Behavioural Scientist will coordinate the identification, packaging, dissemination, and implementation of evidence-based behavioural interventions in Nyanza Province.

Specific Tasks and Responsibilities:
  1. Provide overall coordination and support of the planning, design, and implementation of evidence-based HIV-prevention behavioural interventions.
  2. Assist in the identification of appropriate interventions.
  3. Assist in the packaging of interventions for wide-spread dissemination.
  4. Assist in developing marketing and training materials for interventions.
  5. Assist in training of facilitators of interventions.
  6. Supervise health educators and other prevention community staff during implementation..
  7. Facilitate linkages across different HIV programs and services at health facility and community levels.
  8. Facilitate linkage between HBCT/CT and Care Treatment and strengthen health facility-community linkage
  9. Assist in the design and implementation of public health evaluations to test the efficacy of behavioural interventions and programs.
  10. 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 for peer-reviewed journals. .
  11. Disseminate and present behavioural data for education and advocacy to government officials, health professionals, and community leaders.
  12. Disseminate and present behavioural research findings at national and international meetings.
  13. Responsible for recruiting, selecting, hiring and supervising health educators to implement interventions in Siaya and Bondo districts
  14. Perform any other duties as assigned by the KEMRI 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 KEMRI scale plus supplemental pay.

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 Academic and professional Certificates, Diplomas or Transcripts
  • Contact telephone number
Applications are due no later than: 13/04/10

To:
 

Human Resource Manager,
KEMRI/CDC Program,
P.O. Box1578, Kisumu.

Or e-mail to recruitment @ ke.cdc.gov

Only short listed candidates will be contacted