Research Officer (Social Science)

Key Responsibilities

• Proposal & Tool Development: Contribute to the development of research proposals, review literature, synthesize findings, and support the design of data collection tools.
• Fieldwork & Community Engagement: Support and take primary responsibility for community sensitization, stakeholder engagement, data collection, fieldwork planning, and managing ethical interactions with study participants. Given the nature of the study, fieldwork might sometimes necessitate weekend work.
• Data Management & Analysis: Contribute to the management and analysis of data from the study, taking primary responsibility for analysis in designated areas.
• Dissemination of Findings: Support the dissemination of study results by drafting reports, manuscripts for publication, making presentations at scientific meetings, and sharing feedback with study participants.
• Capacity Building: Actively develop capacity in social science and related research methods (especially qualitative research) by engaging with relevant literature, active participation in training, and acting on feedback.
• Scientific Participation: Participate in departmental and programme scientific meetings, seminars, and regular meetings of the Social Science Group.
• Other Duties: Undertake any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Vacancy Requirements

• Minimum of a Master’s degree in a relevant subject such as Social Science, Humanities, Anthropology, or Sociology from a recognized institution (Mandatory).
• At least 3 years of research experience, ideally including experience in collecting and analysing qualitative research data through interviews, focus group discussions, and non-participant observations, health systems research, and stakeholder engagement (Mandatory).
• Evidence of ability to produce and publish research (Mandatory).
• Computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft applications (Mandatory).
• Knowledge of NVivo (qualitative analysis) software will be an added advantage (Added Advantage).
• Willingness to travel within Kenya and spend time conducting fieldwork (Desirable).
• Excellent understanding of the Kenyan health system (Desirable).
• Experience of participatory research and co-design (Desirable).
• Excellent organisational and communication skills (Desirable).
• Experience of engaging with stakeholders at community, hospital, county, and national level (Desirable).
• Demonstrated high levels of integrity and confidentiality (Mandatory).
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills (Mandatory).
• Ability to work with diverse, multidisciplinary teams and build strong relationships with collaborators (Mandatory).
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to deliver quality outputs within strict timelines (Mandatory).
• Flexibility, adaptability, multi-tasking, and attention to detail (Mandatory).