NGO Jobs in Nairobi, Kenya – KEMRI

KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP)
Job Title: Assistant Research Officer
Job Reference Number:ARO-150118
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Overall Job Purpose: To support study planning, implementation and coordination in work aimed at developing a smartphone app for pathology services in Nairobi.
The aim of this project is to identify laboratories in Nairobi that provide services to privately paying patients and to establish the range of tests that laboratories offer, the costs of these tests, and ascertain whether the laboratory is a member of any national or international quality assurance mechanism.
The post holder will support survey planning, implementation and coordination and it is expected that much of the work can be done by telephone.
The post also requires: initial research and combination of existing data and policy / regulatory documents governing the work of laboratories in Kenya; work with doctors and patients to identify how they select laboratories and what information about the laboratory they would most value to help them select a place to get tests done.
The post-holder will be expected to use REDCap software for data capture, and collate the survey data with other data collected. The package of work is aimed at developing a smartphone app that helps doctors and patients identify which laboratories are able to offer which pathology services in Nairobi.
The post-holder will also be expected to set up, co-ordinate, and run sessions designed to improve the design and function of the app.
Reports To: Principal Investigator and Study Supervisor/s
Budget and Resource Responsibility: Some responsibility for ICT hardware maintenance to support data collection. Some responsibility for managing small sums of money as part of managing fieldwork activities.
Key Responsibilities:
The post-holder will work with a project co-ordinator and will draw support from a multi-disciplined, international team.
As part of the Health Services Unit the post-holder will be expected to:
·         Work closely with study investigators to help plan, deliver and report quantitative and qualitative research activities;
·         Help prepare/ draft write-ups as may be required for inclusion in study progress reports;
·         Help develop data collection tools and contribute to documentation of data dictionaries and data management SOPs;
·         Assist study investigators in stakeholder and laboratory engagement activities (meetings, calls, documents), and help maintain a database of contacts with regular updates;
·         Help study investigators organise and carry out, smartphone app development workshops with key expert users;
·         Assist in analysing the data accrued from workshops in order to layout the app;
·         Assist study investigators in the preparation and recording of workshops and meetings;
·         Contribute to literature review activities, as required in preparation of reports and scientific communications;
·         Help maintain an electronic repository of evidence from qualitative research activities including ensuring regular cleaning, backups and archiving;
·         Assist with data quality checks, data management and storage for quantitative research activities;
·         Ensure compliance with programme ICT policies that span data storage and confidentiality principles amongst other;
·         Assist in execution of research activities involving telephone surveying of laboratories based in Nairobi.
·         Contribute to any other duties commensurate with experience, which may be assigned from time to time.
Qualifications:
·         Degree in a relevant healthcare discipline (ideally Biomedical Technology)
·         One year post-graduate work experience in a relevant position
·         Some experience in qualitative methods such as interviewing and/or methods such as surveying and data management
Desirable Criteria:
·         Experience with phone surveys
·         Experience with the laboratory sector in Nairobi
·         Experience in app development
·         Experience with REDCap software or other database systems
Competencies:
·         Basic understanding of survey design, quality control and data cleaning
·         Understanding of data and ability to communicate results of basic analysis in writing and verbally
·         Well-developed troubleshooting capacity and clarity of thought
·         Technical skills with apps and smartphones
·         Technical skills with lab equipment
·         Strong organisation skills with the ability to prioritise workloads and work within tight deadlines
·         Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international team environment using modern communication tools (skype; dropbox etc.)
·         Ability to interact with users/ office colleagues in simple non-technical language
·         Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (verbal and written)
·         Team worker, able to work in a multi-cultural environment and with multi-disciplinary teams
Physical Environment / Conditions: Office based
Application Procedure:
CLICK HERE to apply online
All applicants are required to state their current/last salary.


Job Title: Software Developer (Mobile and VR application)
Reference Number: SD-150118
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Overall Job Purpose: This is an exciting and challenging position for an experienced mobile and Virtual Reality(VR) application developer to work on an innovative training platform for healthcare workers in low-income settings called LIFE (Life-Saving Instruction for Emergencies).
The work will involve working with a team to develop immersive mobile and VR medical training simulations using the Unreal Engine game development engine, 3D Studio, and iOS, Android and VR development environments.
The work will require working independently as a member of interdisciplinary team of clinicians and researchers to contribute to design and development activities required to iteratively build and test the LIFE platform.
Reports To:
Direct Reports: Principal Investigator and Study Supervisor/s
Indirect Reports: Infrastructure Manager
Budget and Resource Responsibility: ICT hardware maintenance to support data collection and planning for updates / additions
Job Dimensions:
·         Using planning and project management tools (such as Asana) to plan design, modelling and programming activities
·         Coordinate in Scrum (Agile) and Lean UX design and development methodologies
·         Collaborate on the roadmap and sprint planning, providing estimates and technical plans
·         Coordinate planning to ensure technology plans are robust reporting progress both internally and externally
·         Determining the right technology and technique for concepts and problems.
·         To work with the wider team to generate simulation scripts and contribute to storyboards for various training scenarios
·         Performs code reviews with the team to ensure code quality
Key Responsibilities:
For the LIFE project within the Health Services Research Group to:
·         Use planning and project management tools (such as Asana) to plan design, modelling and programming activities
·         Coordinate in Scrum (Agile) and Lean UX design and development methodologies
·         Collaborate on the roadmap and sprint planning, providing estimates and technical plans
·         Coordinate planning to ensure technology plans are robust reporting progress both internally and externally
·         Determine the right technology and technique for concepts and problems.
·         To work with the wider team to generate simulation scripts and contribute to storyboards for various training scenarios
·         Perform code reviews with the team to ensure code quality
·         Application development using the Unreal Engine Suite
·         Use source control systems such as GitHub
·         Use 3D Studio to model and animate 3D objects and characters.
·         Maintain code, fix bugs and respond to user feedback on an ongoing basis.
·         Document design and development processes
·         Ensure compliance with the Programme’s branding guidelines. Certifying consistency between all platforms
·         Updating project management software (e.g. Asana) daily to document tasks completed.
Qualifications:
·         2-3 years’ technical work experience in mobile application or 3D game development (such as Unity or Unreal Engine development)
·         Experience of Digital 3D Modelling (e.g. Autodesk 3ds Max), Photoshop, Illustrator, Adobe CC suite.
·         Ability to clearly document and appropriately validate programs
Desirable Criteria:
·         Experience with GitHub
·         Database design and software development experience
·         Experience with UE4 blue prints and C++, MySQL, Javascript, Jquery, HTML
·         Experience with Google Analytics
·         Degree in computer science, digital design, or other related professional qualification, a substantial part of which relates to computing computer science or digital design
·         Experience of mobile application development (iOS and Android)
·         Experience of Agile Scrum development methodologies
·         Knowledge of web application security and data protection
·         Experience with Xcode, iTunes Connect and TestFlight
·         Experience of working on medical research projects

·         Experience of developing Virtual Reality applications
·         Knowledge of the current regulatory environment best practice Information Security.
·         An interest in developing team management skills
Competencies:
·         Well-developed troubleshooting capacity and clarity of thought
·         Ability to interact and communicate with users/ office colleagues (both verbally and in writing) technical information in a non-technical way
·         Team worker, able to work in a multi-cultural environment and with multi-disciplinary teams
·         Ability to work speedily in a highly methodical way, paying attention to detail and ensuring accuracy
·         Ability to work independently and to collaborate as part of a multi-disciplinary team
·         Ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects, prioritise short and long-term goals, and deliver within deadlines
·         To have an understanding of the confidential nature of the work and willingness to adhere to a strict observance of confidentiality and security
Application Procedure:
CLICK HERE to apply online
All applicants are required to state their current/last salary.


Job Title: Laboratory Technologist
To be based in Thika
(1 Position)
Job Purpose: To assist the Laboratory Manager in the operations and coordination of laboratory activities
Responsibilities
·         Performs a variety of technical laboratory procedures according to Standard Operations Procedures and Study Protocols
·         Performs laboratory quality assurance/ quality control practices
·         Participates in Quality Control and Quality Improvement for area of specialty and Lab indicators
·         Ensures that quality control data are within acceptable ranges before reporting patient results
·         Identifies out of range control values, takes corrective action, and notifies others of changes
·         Conducts internal quality audit regularly and initiates corrective and prevention actions
·         Responsible for accurately completing records and reports and other statistical information for master files or databases. Follows laboratory policy for data retrieval, record keeping, samples, and identification, requisition, reporting and charting procedures
·         Maintains high level of competence in GCLP, laboratory safety and standard operation procedures
·         Maintains a neat, clean and organized work area
·         Keeps an adequate supply of working materials on hand
·         Maintains confidence by keeping laboratory information confidential
·         Maintains laboratory equipment as outlined in the various operation SOPs and equipment manuals\
·         Develops laboratory standard operating procedures and manuals
·         Any other duties assigned by supervisor
Qualifications
·         Possess Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences
·         MUST be registered by the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologist Board
Experience and Skills
·         At least three (3) years’ experience in a busy clinical research laboratory
·         Experience in carrying out laboratory testing for research studies and/or clinical trials Trained and certified on Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP)
·         Experience in laboratory audit processes
·         Must be reliable, self-motivated and self-driven
·         Must have an aptitude for technical problem solving
·         Good communication and management skills
Terms of Employment: Employment is on a one year renewable contract with a probation period for the first 3 months.
Salary is negotiable within the appropriate grade depending on education, experience and demonstrated competency.


Research Assistants
To be based in Thika
(2 Positions)
Job Purpose: To assist in field data collection
Job Responsibilities
·         Timely abstraction of data from patients’ charts
·         Verify quality of data by comparing abstracted data to source documents
·         Ensure facilities have adequate data collection tools and request necessary supplies for the project
·         Liaise with the health facility staff to ensure project activities are conducted as scheduled
·         Providing project management team with regular feedback on field activities
·         Other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned
Job Requirements
·         College diploma in nursing, health records or any health related field
·         Experience working in a Comprehensive Care Centre will be an added advantage
·         Ability to work independently and as part of a team
·         Past experience in electronic data collection using Survey CTO/ ODK desirable
·         Excellent organizational skills
·         Good interpersonal skills
Terms of Employment: Employment is on a one year renewable contract with a probation period for the first 3 months.
Salary is negotiable within the appropriate grade depending on education, experience and demonstrated competency.


Fiscal and Administration Manager
To be based in Thika
(1 position)
Job Purpose: The Fiscal and Administration Manager will provide administration and management of grants and contracts in support of the project.
This position will exercise a high degree of independent judgment and has delegated decision-making responsibility for funds management and contract administration.
Duties and Responsibilities
Major areas of responsibility include:
·         The incumbent will oversee all core fiscal processes and procedures for the project;
·         Develop research budgets and budget justifications for submission to external funding sources and ensure proposal conformity with agency guidelines;
·         Responsible for budget implementation compliance with sponsor and parent institution requirements and policies including monitoring progress and changes and keep senior leadership team abreast of the organization’s financial status;
·         Manage organizational cash flow and forecasting, review of cash and bank status, consolidation and monitor of expenditure to ensure that financial data and cash flow are steady and support operational requirements;
·         S/he organize and execute the pre award grant preparation and submission process;
·         S/he will be responsible for post award grants management;
·         Review of incoming award letters, for budget and award terms. Confer with program director to discuss award and how funds will be distributed;
·         Authorize all necessary accounting transactions to maintain budget integrity; review and approval payroll reports, travel expenses, purchase orders, and subcontract invoices;
·         Oversee timely reconciliation of monthly variance reports and projections, review budget reports and advice on spending patterns;
·         Implement a contracts management and financial management/ reporting system; review contracts before approval and ensure that they fully comply with the organizational policies and procedures;
·         Develop, update and implement all necessary financial and administration policies and accounting practices;
·         Interface with auditors and provide access to records and timely follow-up to questions and/or concerns;
·         Coordinate with the administrative team to develop grant submission schedules, delegate duties to staff and ensure adherence to deadlines;
·         Maintain ongoing, timely and effective communication with all relevant parties throughout the entire post-award process;
·         Present critical financial matters as necessary;
·         Supervise Fiscal Team staff to meet all deadlines and goals;
·         Manage the close-out of grants to include equipment management, invention statements, subcontract close-outs, final progress reports, and small business reports;
·         Strategic planning for institutional financial management
Administration and Human Resources
·         Work closely and transparently with all external partners including third-party vendors and consultants;
·         Fulfill the purchasing and procurement requirements for the organization and ensure that relevant policies are adhered to;
·         Management of inventory and asset register;
·         Ensuring that all legal operational licenses statutory remittances are up to date;
·         Oversee administrative functions as well as facilities, office space, repair and maintenance of buildings, equipment and vehicles to ensure efficient and consistent operations ;
·         Oversee strategic HR-related issues for the organization including hiring needs, salary increases, promotions, professional development, performance evaluations, disciplinary matters and terminations;
·         Any other duties assigned by supervisor;
Job Requirements
·         Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or other related field
·         7 years’ experience in a research organization with at least 5 years in financial management position
Additional Requirements
·         Must have a thorough knowledge of contract and grant policies, grant preparation experience and post award management;
·         Must be able to apply excellent analytical skills and flexibility to work effectively.
·         Ability to (re) prioritize as necessary to meet critical deadlines;
·         Strong supervisory skills and good interpersonal skills required to work as a team
·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
·         Proven strategic planning experience at the managerial level;
·         Ability to exercise independent judgment and manage competing priorities using strong organization skills;
·         Advanced Microsoft Office skills using a range of software programs including MS Work, Excel, and Access;
·         Demonstrated ability and/or experience handling high volume of diverse tasks, under deadlines, with consistent accuracy and attention to detail;
·         CPA (K) qualified;
Desired
·         Experience in health research administration and international research;
·         Experience with pre- and post-award administrative systems;
·         Master’s degree
Terms of Employment: Employment is on a one year renewable contract with a probation period for the first 3 months.
Salary is negotiable within the appropriate grade depending on education, experience and demonstrated competency.
How to Apply:
All applicants must meet each selection criteria detailed in the minimum requirements
Must include a current CV with names of at least 2 referees.
Must include copies of academic and professional certificates
Must include a copy of current certificate of good conduct
A duly signed application letter indicating the vacancy reference with copies of documents listed above should be sent to: phrdrecruit@pipsthika.org not later than 31st January 2018.
KEMRI IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER COMMITED TO DIVERSITY; PERSONS WITH DISABILITY, WOMEN, YOUTH AND THOSE FROM MARGINALIZED AREAS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.
KEMRI DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF ITS RECRUITMENT PROCESS INCLUDING APPLICATION, INTERVIEW AND PROCESSING OF OFFER LETTER. IF ASKED FOR A FEE, REPORT SUCH REQUEST IMMEDIATELY.
Only those shortlisted will be contacted.